Guido Balbo di Vinadio

I began my study of Cello as a young child in Rome, Italy where I am from.

From 2014 to 2018 I was part of the Youth Orchestra of the National Academy of Santa Cecilia in Rome.

In 2018 I completed the pre-Academic exams of the Conservatory of S.Cecilia in Rome.

In this time I studied Cello, Chamber Music – being part of a trio for two years and of the Cello Ensable of the Orchestra – Music Theory and Piano as complementary instrument.

In 2021, after moving to England to study Fine Art and Mixed Media at the University of Westminster, I completed the ABRSM Exam Grade 8 with Cello.

Since in England, I have been playing world music, being exposed to the variety of musical heritages present in London. This resulted in bringing more instruments under my fingers (guitar, percussions), approaching songwriting and composition.

Sam Massey

Sam Massey is a keen educator, and has been a peripatetic brass, WCET and music teacher and workshop leader for over ten years. During this time he has taught brass and music regularly at a number of schools and music education centres throughout the South West, including:

Exeter School
Mount Kelly
University of Plymouth (Trumpet & Jazz Trumpet)
Ivybridge Community College
SaMMS Saturday Morning Music (specialist music school in Totnes)
South Dartmoor Community College
King Edward VI Community College (KEVICC) in Totnes
Torquay Boys & Girls Grammar Schools
The Beacon Federation (Federation Music Specialist)

He believes in teaching in a fun and encouraging environment whilst maintaining a structured approach.

He is experienced in preparing students for ABRSM, Trinity College/Trinity Guildhall Graded examinations (Classical & Jazz disciplines) and in individual GCSE and A-Level music tuition, as well as auditions for further musical study.

A number of former students have gone on to study at specialist music institutions such as Wells Cathedral School, Royal College of Music and Guildhall School of Music and Drama.

Specialising in trumpet, flugelhorn and jazz/improvisation, he offers individual tuition in the following instruments and topics:

Trumpet, Cornet and Flugelhorn
All lower brass valved instruments (e.g. Tenor Horn, Euphonium)
Trombone
Jazz and Improvisation
Music Theory/Aural
GCSE and A-Level Music Tutoring

Sam is enhanced DBS-checked, has full Public Liability Insurance through the Musicians Union and regularly attends Level 2 Safeguarding Courses (at least annually).

Testimonial

Sam has been teaching our son, age 10, to play the trombone for the past year – and this was no ordinary year! After two terms of lessons in school, Sam switches seamlessly to online lessons during Coronavirus lockdown which provided consistency and a source of optimism in uncertain times.

This reflects Sam’s professionalism and fantastic communication skills with students and parents. Sam has a calm, positive manner and his passion for music and encouraging future musicians shines through. Our son has immensely grown in confidence and within the year is now working towards Grade 3. I would highly recommend his lessons – in person or online.

SB, Parent

Ensemble Direction

Sam has been directing Brass, Wind, Jazz and Concert Band ensembles at SaMMS Saturday Music School for sixteen years, and now directs ensembles at a number of primary and secondary schools throughout the South West.

He has built the groups up to a high standard of performance, some of which can be heard on the Media page of his website.

He has also been involved as a tutor in regular and weekend Jazz Workshops for adults and students for many years.

Sam is always keen to get the best out of the ensembles, and will help the less experienced students by tailoring the ensemble parts to suit their abilities and composing and arranging pieces especially for the band.

Informal Music Chats

Are you responsible for Music at your school? Or perhaps you’re a Visiting Music Teacher? Do you have questions about how the Hub can support you? Want to bounce ideas off colleagues or share your successes? Perhaps you need some support or have a cunning plan to share? This is your opportunity to grab a cuppa and join our Music Development Leads for an informal online chat. Stay for the whole hour or just 5 minutes – no need to book, just click here to join us on MS Teams at any of the advertised times.

Music In The Early Years: Enabling Your Musical Environment

Delivered by Hub partners Take Art as part of the Youth Music-funded SoundWaves Network SW project, this interactive practical session will support participants to:

  • Gain skills in supporting and developing very young children’s musicality using simple songs and rhymes.
  • Observe young children’s spontaneous music making and reflect on the role of the adult.
  • Help practitioners overcome their fears of engaging and leading music activities in a safe supportive space.

Take Art is able to offer this training at a subsidised cost of £7 per person due to project funding by Youth Music. Reserve your place via the Take Art website or email earlyyears@takeart.org for more information.

Ofsted Update on Music in Schools

Join Ofsted’s Christopher Stevens, HMI National Lead for Music as he returns to speak with Music Mark. During this session Christopher will give a presentation, followed by time for your questions to be answered. This event is being hosted by Music Mark – it is FREE to attend but advance booking is essential.

Devon Music Education Conference 2024

Our long-standing South West Peninsula Music Education Conference is rebranded for 2024 as the Devon Music Education Conference, reflecting the DfE’s planned changed to Hub geographies and specifically aimed at supporting colleagues in Devon, Plymouth and Torbay.

We are delighted to confirm that our keynote speakers will be…

  • Professor Adam Ockelford. Adam is the co-author of Count Me In, an engaging, practical resource for making music with children and young people of all ages with additional abilities or needs, including those with autism, a vision or hearing impairment, and those with social, emotional, and mental health needs.
  • Christopher Stevens, HMI, Ofsted’s National Lead for Music will discuss ‘What to expect in a Music Deep Dive’.

Suitable for primary, secondary and instrumental teachers.

Training Objectives

  • Stimulating discussions around the latest developments in music education.
  • Practical workshops with ideas and activities that you can implement in your school.
  • Network and share ideas with colleagues from across the region.
  • Connect with Hub colleagues and partner organisations who can support music and creativity in your school.

Online Teach Meets

Our Online Teach Meets are a great opportunity to network with colleagues and find out more about the latest opportunities to support music provision in your school. Autumn term Teach Meets will focus on providing advice and support on developing and implementing your Music Development Plan, and will take place on the following dates:

4-5pm Monday 11 September – New Music Subject Leads
4-5pm Tuesday 12 September – Secondary
4-5pm Monday 18 September – Primary
4-5pm Tuesday 19 September – SEND

First Aid training for Visiting Music Teachers and Music Educators

This one day First Aid course, led by Dave Forey from Devon First Aid, is specifically tailored to the needs of Music Educators and volunteers working with Hub supported music-making activities such as ensembles, music centres and County Groups. At the end of the day, all candidates will receive an Emergency First Aid Certificate, valid for 3 years.

There are two opportunities to engage with this valuable training opportunity:

  • 9.00am-4.00pm Saturday 1 July | Devon Education Services, Willand EX15 2QW
  • 9.00am-4.00pm Saturday 8 July | Devon First Aid Training Hub, Bovey Tracey TQ12 6TZ

To reserve your place, please complete the following booking form, indicating which session you wish to attend