Melodeon.net Forums
Discussions => Teaching and Learning => Topic started by: MelonBox on June 23, 2013, 09:21:14 PM
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Hi Melnetters,
Just want to (unashamedly) pedal my wares! I am a warm, friendly and approachable melodeon player/teacher who is able to adapt to your specific needs as a learner.
I have been playing DG melodeon since 2006, and teaching since 2009. My areas of specialism lie within the English tradition and playing for dance (Morris/ceilidh), but I also play French and Continental style music for dance.
I am able to help with: Left hand-right hand coordination whilst playing, learning and playing by ear, repertoire expansion, lift, feeling and mood within the music you play.
I am 1/3 of 'Moirai' - a new trio for concert and dance, made up of myself, Jo Freya (Blowzabella, Token Women etc) and Sarah Matthews (Cupola, Cupola:Ward) and played with All Blacked Up ceilidh band from November 2012 to December 2014.
I am available to teach:
- one-to-one lessons from my home near Burton-on-Trent, Derbyshire
- online tuition via Skype
- a one-day workshop in your local area, tailored to your needs
- a workshop tutor during a festival
- a tutor on a melodeon course
Please visit my website: www.melodemon.co.uk
Find me on Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/MelBiggsMusic
And on Twitter: http://twitter.com/MelBiggsMusic
Listen to me on SoundCloud: https://soundcloud.com/mel-biggs-music
Please contact me at: mel@melodemon.co.uk to discuss tuition options. :)
Hope to hear from some of you soon! Thanks. Mel Biggs
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And I can confirm that Mel is who she says she is and that she is a stonking good player (:)
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And I can confirm that Mel is who she says she is and that she is a stonking good player (:)
Seconded.
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Thirded, if it were necessary.
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Awww, you guys *blushes*
Cheers matey peeps ;)
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I would like to attest to Mel's fantastic teaching after recently having a lesson with her!
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Just to add to all these positive comments...
I had a Skype lesson with Mel all the way from over here, and it was great (:) - Mel is indeed very warm and friendly, and it was of real benefit to me to be able to ask her about specific things that I have been trying to do, and to see Mel break them down and demonstrate slowly.
Even though I use Skype quite a bit to talk to family I was a bit fazed to play my melodeon across the ether, and to such a good player too, but Mel was hugely encouraging - thanks Mel (:).
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It means a lot to me to have feedback about my approach to tuition, and the fact that these comments are so positive just makes my day! Thank you both very much.
Happy playing, until next we meet...
Mel
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I've just had my first formal music lesson since my mid-teens but this time there was no music stand, no sheet music and no metronome. Melanie Biggs (MelonBox of this parish) wasted no time identifying weaknesses in my melodeon playing that cause me no end of problems, so we set about working through a tune that I find challenging with Mel offering a different way to look at things. The tune was one she knew vaguely but she had it nailed by the second time through. :o
I have to say I was a bit nervous about having a music lesson after so long and wary about how it would work on Skype but the hour flew by, the learning was intense in a very relaxed sort of way and has left me with plenty of work to do and a buzz about playing that I haven't had for a while!
Mel has that wonderful teacher's gift of homing in on a problem and then making you walk through treacle for a single measure then sending you back to where you started to do it all over again, and again, and again (steady on buster you're speeding up!) and again and again . . .
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Thank you Peter for your kind words. I'm so pleased I managed to give you some enjoyment and ease back into your playing. Its the thing I love the most about teaching!
I've just had Andy Cutting round for the day. I invited him down to oversee what I do here in MeloDEMON land with my tuition and he gave a glowing review. I even managed to show him a trick or two! Hehe!
I'm very happy to discuss guidance/tuition either face-to-face or via Skype to anyone who's willing to take on the challenge of learning such a cracking instrument!
Mel
www.melodemon.co.uk
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Mel's lessons aren't limited to DG either ;D
My only question is with all these pupils you now have, when are we having a MelsANGLES meeting? :||: :|glug
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Just finished my first lesson with Mel - she offers the right balance of encouragement and correction.
Also the Skype format works extremely well, good use of technology ;)
I have rarely had an hour pass so enjoyably and quickly; so much so that I'm looking forward to the next time (:)
Now just have to practise & practise & practise as I don't want to let her down!
Nick
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Do you take students with only a GC box?
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Hi Jerfish,
Most of Mel's students are D/G players which is what Mel plays herself.
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but she does like a challenge >:E
I can thoroughly recommend Mel, regardless of the system you play, she recognises that the basics are the same and should be able to help you alot before the differences in layouts/styles become apparent. Try contacting her direct.
Si
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Well, I've had my first Skype lesson ever...with Mel last Wednesday. What a joy to have a teacher who first asks what it is you want to achieve! I was thoroughly impressed with Mel's teaching style, easy-going nature and perceptive observations. The hour just flew by and I came away with a totally refreshed desire to improve my playing and...practice..! As you can see from my post history, I'm more of a lurker with MelNet, gathering info and enjoying the conversations of others, but I felt compelled to share my view...not something I do often!
So...if you're looking for tuition to guide you through a plateau, or just to improve all-round, I can heartily recommend Mel - why not give her a call?
p.s. Big thanks to Helena for the push to get on with contacting Mel! :D
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This thread is gathering momentum and I need to add my comments. Mel is a greater teacher with a very relaxed style. I began to learn some 12 months ago but particularly struggled with the bass buttons before discovering this thread. I'm now into my fifth skpe lesson with Mel. I've considerably improved the accuracy and rhythm of play. She's slowly pushing me into playing by ear which used to be a frightening concept.
Nigel
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Seriously chuffed to pieces to have this wonderful feedback growing on this thread - thank you so much!
And Budge, nice to meet you in person for a lesson just now ;)
Mel x
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I've just had my second lesson with Mel. The first lesson I was quite nervous to begin with but she soon put me at ease with her relaxed style and friendly manner (:)
The second lesson was as good as the first and she put up with my many mistakes with a smile and good humour.
I feel lucky to have found such a good teacher and feel I can make real progress with the first music lessons I've had for over 40 years
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Can anyone give me advice as to how to connect to (Mel) via Skype?
I've only ever used Yahoo Messenger and that was simple. Send an invite to the person. They accept and off we go.
I registered a week or so back and I tried sending an invite to my brother (used his email) 3 times but he never received it. What am I doing wrong? Also, when I go to 'Add a Contact' from address book it shoves a Facebook link in my face. I hope having FB is not part of Skype because I'm not on FB and never wish to be.
Hints??
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Hi Nula
Just e-mail her (mel@melodemon.co.uk) to get in touch. If you decide to go ahead with lessons Mel will sort out the Skype stuff then.
Helena
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Hi Nula
Helena is spot on but you may find it helpful to know that you don't need an FB account to use Skype. The person you want to connect to via Skype has to have Skype installed on their PC/tablet and you call them using their Skype name not their email account.
It's really easy.
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I had my first lesson with Mel last night via Skype and it was great! I highly recommend Mel and also Skype for anyone out there like me unfortunate enough to be thousands of miles from a live teacher. I did have reservations about using the Internet/Skype for lessons, but so far all is well.
I'm really looking forward to the next lesson and to working on and improving my weak points with Mel. Going it alone is often not so bad, but there's a definite plus to having a teacher there to give instant feedback before poor technique becomes a habit.
Thanks Mel..
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I've been following this thread with some interest as I was Mel's first Skype student and it has been good to see how the Skype lessons have really taken off.
Having had lessons for a year or so I am now having lessons less frequently and basically use them to work on more complex tunes. Some are ones Mel suggests but mostly we work on my current nemesis tunes. I'm finding this really helpful in terms of developing skills in cross rowing (or not, as appropriate), moving beyond oom-pah and developing bass runs and getting lightness and drive into my playing.
I can highly recommend this approach to others in the improver/intermediate category. We basically work through the tune, looking ideas & techniques to try and this gives me the tools to put together my version of a tune. Mel has also encouraged me to trust my ears and rely less on ABC.
Sometimes I am not even sure how she does it TBH as it just feels like we are bouncing ideas around rather than being 'taught' but always at the end of the lesson I can see a marked difference in my playing of the tune, with ideas to develop it further.
In short, Mel's teaching is highly recommended for anyone at the improver/intermediate stage looking to develop their playing and maybe branch out a little. Go on, give it a go :|||:
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Such a boost to read back through the feedback in this thread. Thank you everyone, it really is a pleasure teaching you all!
Here's some feedback I had in an email which my student has allowed me to share:
"Hi Mel,
You requested some feedback on our lessons over the past x months, so
here are some quick thoughts.
Basically, you have helped me to achieve my primary objectives which was
to rebuild my assorted self-taught stuff into a technique with a more
solid foundation, and leave the unwanted pieces to one side. Still
work-in-progress of course.
As I've never had any music tuition before, then starting from scratch
with tunes e.g. Jiggery P has been a useful exercise in not only
learning the tune but starting to build a process/methodology to
approach other tricky/complex/unfamiliar tunes. So learning new good
habits, I guess.
Also I find having a lesson booked with some 'homework' encourages
constructive practice rather than just tune playing, so moving out of my
comfort zone and up the learning curve (in horrible management speak!).
To repeat my comment from before, it has definitely been a good
investment of time and money, and a fun experience, even if my brain
often aches after an hour of trying to control those fingers. And my
wife has remarked on the positive effect your tuition has had on my playing!"
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Thanks Mel great lesson - looking forward to next one.
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Here's some lovely feedback about a first lesson I had this morning with one of the four 'John's' who've been in touch about tuition in the last fortnight!
"Just had my first Skype lesson with Mel. She really knows how to make this complicated instrument easy to understand for a novice who doesn't read music! I now feel I have a workable plan to get a good technique and I am really looking forward to exploring the possibilities of the melodeon. Thanks!"
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Today, I had my first lesson with Mel. I'll admit to being nervous about asking for help and exposing myself to correction but I needed to review my progress and take a new direction.
I'm very glad that I chose Mel who was kind and considerate in her approach. She thoughtfully answered my questions about the learning process and gave me some tips about learning and playing.
I played a few pieces for her and she made some helpful suggestions. We formed a plan and decided the best next step in my melodeon journey.
I'd recommend Mel to anyone else thinking about taking that next step.
John
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Another bit of feedback which deserves a share:
“I took up the melodeon at the end of 2013 as a new avenue having played piano for over 30 years. An increasing interest in traditional music and the work of the likes of John Spiers encouraged me to have a go, albeit a little later in life than would be ideal.
Having bought a couple of tutor books and struggled along on my own for 6 months or so, I was close to giving up. How, I thought, could I play piano and read music and still not be able to control this infernal beast?!
I had started to frequent Melodeon.NET to try and find hints and tips and through this site I discovered that Mel Biggs had started giving melodeon lessons over Skype. With an element of trepidation, I contacted her in May 2014 and couldn't have been more delighted with her warm and welcoming response to my emails. The first lesson was a delight and I have now had regular lessons with Mel for over a year. Mel's perceptive and insightful approach means she can quickly identify where a particular issue is and work through changes until it is resolved. This could be left hand rhythm, right hand fingering, bellows control or all three together! From my shaky beginnings, Mel has helped me reach the point where I can pick up tunes quite easily and our lessons now concentrate more on the finer details of performance, although regularly revisiting the basics keeps things grounded!
I would have no hesitation in recommending Mel to anyone thinking of learning the melodeon. Her approach is relaxed and fun, but still extremely professional, and her enthusiasm for the instrument is evident from the outset. A consummate perfomer herself you will definitely be learning from one of the best!
nigelr
June 2015”
Here's a video of Nigel showing off his latest purchase:
https://youtu.be/W6ci2GRVjZw
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Is it really sad that I knew who it was as soon as I saw the post on FB, just from seeing the box?
Oh dear *puts on anorak and slinks away*
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Is it really sad that I knew who it was as soon as I saw the post on FB, just from seeing the box?
Oh dear *puts on anorak and slinks away*
A new niche-within-a-niche: MelNet Spotter! :D :||:
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An anorak for your anorak H?! Ewwww... sweaty!
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An anorak for your anorak H?! Ewwww... sweaty!
As you know Mel I have a whole wardrobe full of them.
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Adding myself to the list of first melodeon lessons from Mel. As a transatlantic player I cannot find help locally so technology and Mel came to the rescue. The hour went by pretty quickly but I learnt loads from Mel that I may have figured out by reading books for the next year! Impressed at the steady pace and the fact that she explains the melodeon with such ease and confidence. I have been playing one row for a few years and my left hand is simply jabbing at bass/chord when it feels like it. I cannot however play simple oom pah pah with the right hand going. The left hand seems to have a mind of its own. Mel recognized it straight away and led me on the beginners left hand path. I will be practicing my lessons and hoping to impress her at the next lesson!
Thanks Mel
Stephen
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Please get rid of that d**n beetle! Apart from it being really distracting when readng, I had a couple of (unsuccessful) goes at squashing it with my thumb before realising it wasn't really there.
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Please get rid of that d**n beetle! Apart from it being really distracting when readng, I had a couple of (unsuccessful) goes at squashing it with my thumb before realising it wasn't really there.
I tried to shoo it off my screen before realizing that "I'd been had". Then I got to thinking that maybe the animation could be modified into a bass fingering practice aid by having the bug jump from key to key on a fingering diagram in the desired order, as one tried to squish the bug with the proper finger, on the correct key at the required time.
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Animated GIFs had a popular phase in the 1990's but are … truly distracting.
I'd never consider using one as an avatar (certainly not on a melodeon site).
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'Tis rather fun though. I too tried to zap it on my iPad and nearly broke the screen. ;D ;D
Ah! Stephen, you've removed it, shame, you should have left it up there a little longer just to catch the late Saturday risers, all putting grubby fingers on the screen 8)
By the way, how DID you do it?
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Stephen, why not put it back again maybe for an hour or two so that everyone knows what we're talking about. >:E
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Stephen, why not put it back again maybe for an hour or two so that everyone knows what we're talking about. >:E
I feel like I am hijacking Mel's thread although she will get more reads!
Stephen
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;D
However back to your op Stephen. By all accounts Mel is brilliant as a teacher and that must be a good thing for so many people. I just wish that someone like her was around in the 60's
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Look like I'm a little late to the bug squishing party!
But, thanks for your feedback Stephen - and your kind words Nick Collis Bird!
Mx
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Hi just had my first lesson with Mel and she was engaging, knowledgeable and skilled as a teacher. Very confident that we'll have a productive working relationship for the duration and she'll be a great sounding board and facilitator of loads of new learning going forward. No hesitation in recommending her for anyone out there who is considering taking lessons and looking for a teacher. Skype worked well and it's great to be able to use technology that brings the lesson into one's home, wherever that may be....
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Glad to be able to add another voice to the list of fans of Mel Biggs!! Have just had one lesson with her and am excited to see how much I can improve with a little help. Have been struggling on for a few years by myself, except for a few vital inputs and great encouragement from Nick Collis Bird. (thank you and missing you Nick, having moved up north!)
Mel was very positive about my potential, got down to the techniques straight away, and its much easier on Skype than I imagined. Looking forward to my next lesson!
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I had my first lesson with Mel last week, having attended her workshops at Shrewsbury this year. I really enjoyed the lesson; Mel was very patient and encouraging. I'd been concerned how well it would work over Skype, but this wasn't a problem at all.
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Just had my first Skype lesson with Mel and it was great. Mel is very encouraging and patient, which I realise that the previous poster has also said, so it must be true! If you’re worried about having lessons on Skype then don’t be, it feels totally normal within a couple of minutes even though I've never Mel in person.
Now I just need to get back to work on The Sportsman’s Hornpipe ready for next week….
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I had my first skype lesson with Mel last week.
I was quite anxious but needn't have worried, Mel has a lovely easy style that quickly put me at ease. I enjoyed the session, it flew past and I felt that I was starting on a really useful and exciting journey. I felt that it was a very personalised session based on where I was and what was going to help me improve and gain confidence.
I totally agree with everyone else. Even if you are nervous, take the plunge, you'll really enjoy it and using Skype quickly seems the most natural thing to do.
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Hi Mel. PM and email sent. Cheers, David
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Hi Mel. PM and email sent. Cheers, David
Cheers David! Just got back to you :-)
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A recent bit of first lesson feedback:
"Feeling very positive. You're just the teacher, with just the right teaching tools I need right now. I just wish I wasn't gigging away all weekend so I can start practising my exercises. You were super clear and super relaxed and we covered just what I would have chosen to cover had I had the wherewithal to know what is best for me and the melodeon at this stage!" -Jude
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I am taking sensible precautions and self-isolating after experiencing mild flu-like symptoms. Unfortunately, this means I have had to pull out of gigs, workshops and recording sessions this weekend and into next week. I'm expecting this to make a significant dent in my monthly income.
On a positive note, I am now available all week for melodeon teaching via Skype. Please get in touch via email for further details: mel@melbiggsmusic.co.uk
I teach English/Balfolk styles on DG, CF, GC and Bb/Eb instruments. Want to learn to play by ear? I'm your gal! Fancy improving confidence and expanding repertoire? Look no further!
The Mel Method: Why I Should Be Your Melodeon Teacher -------->
https://melbiggsmusic.co.uk/2019/01/10/the-mel-method/
"Best melodeon tuition ever"
"Patience without judgement"
10+ years experience | expert tutor
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I think you have made the correct decision to self-isolate. Hope you soon recover fully, Mel!
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hope you don't get the full works Mel!
george
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I hope you make a rapid recovery, Mel. Look after yourself.
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Thanks everyone for your concern and healing wishes! It's very mild at the moment, luckily, but I'm reading that it is for many cases.
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The 'flu part can be fairly harmless, it's the lung problems that happen several days later that can be dangerous, but statistically you have age (or rather youth!) on your side... Best wishes for a full recovery, anyway.
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Thanks everyone for your concern and healing wishes! It's very mild at the moment, luckily, but I'm reading that it is for many cases.
Have you had yourself tested for Covid-19? I'm hearing that self employed people could put in an insurance claim for loss of earnings if they test positive. Just a thought. Depends on what is covered in your insurance I guess.
Hope you get well soon.
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How do you get tested? Everything I've read is saying if you're self-isolating you don't need to be tested unless you're symptoms worsen and you need to go to A&E...
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Power to your (left) elbow Mel, and I hope your youth lets you throw off any virus quickly.
Teaching melodeon is a brave career choice in this country, though there are quite a few in eg France. It works too. I spent a week 1:1’ing with Stef Milleret and Patrick Reboud 5 years back, and it sorted out a load of self taught 🙄 bad habits. Truly opened up singing with box for me (they like “a project”). Song had been on my “too hard pile” for decades.
Best, Chris
No, you don’t need a test. And don’t go to A&E either. It takes hours to deep clean ambulances. Advice is to call 111 (brew a cuppa first!). I think they pick you up, or send an outreach worker if you are truly ill