Coaching & Mentoring

'Working with Helen has been an absolutely fantastic experience. Her approach is a perfect combination of insightful and practical, leading to deeper understanding of certain thought processes or behaviours, as well as easily actionable changes. I'm really grateful for the opportunity to work with Helen and would recommend wholeheartedly to anyone.'
Coaching client
2021

Helen offers coaching and mentoring sessions, to work through teaching practice or career opportunities.

Helen has a vast range of experience in education and learning. She has led teacher training workshops, as well as giving performance masterclasses, and written several articles on music education and learning. In 2014, she created an Early Years’ music curriculum (www.blackbirdearlyyearsmusic.com) and she has since supported and trained teachers to start their own classes and choirs around the UK. Helen also has three young children, so is particularly interested in developing a good work/life balance and managing a music career around family.

Helen has worked as a mentor on the PGCert in Performance Teaching at the Guildhall School of Music and Drama for several years, supporting teachers to deepen their practice. In addition, she leads the Professional Studies course at the Guildhall School for all the first year undergraduate musicians. Helen holds a PG Certificate in Teaching and Learning in Higher and Professional Education and completed the Guildhall Certificate in Coaching & Mentoring, accredited by the EMCC (European Mentoring and Coaching Council) at Foundation Level, in 2021.

Hourly rate for mentoring or coaching: £45 (Students or recent graduates: £40)

Contact Helen

What is the difference between coaching and mentoring?

Coaching

Being a freelance musician or a self-employed teacher can be quite isolating. You may be interested in coaching sessions to explore issues such as current or future career plans or questions of work/life balance, for example. The focus in coaching is very much on the potential of the client to discover their own pathway, with support from the coach.

Mentoring

As a mentor, I will draw upon my own experience of teaching and my musical career to support you make the transition from student to professional; to set up a teaching practice; deepen your current teaching practice; or explore your career options. I can offer teaching observations, as a vehicle to support and explore your teaching practice. You may wish to discuss your students’ progress and any obstacles you might be experiencing. If you are making the transition to teaching, I can support you in choosing materials to use and setting up your teaching practice. I can also help with writing biographies, CVs and job applications.