Tutors
Rino Grice
Rino's interest in music started at the age of seven with his first piano lesson. He became Bradford Musician of the Year in 1976 for his arrangements for the school orchestra, leading to him playing for Margaret Thatcher and Princess Anne.
His playing has taken him across the United Kingdom playing at the London Palladium and The Royal Albert Hall.
In recent years Rino has developed his Conducting, which has led him to two recordings for the BBC, Sky Television, the Ed inburgh Fringe and Birmingham Symphony Hall.
In 2000 he was commissioned to write two pieces, one of which was performed at the Millennium Dome, London, the other being the Millennium Anthem MMI, written as part of Bradford's Millennium celebrations. This was performed by the National Festival Orchestra and conducted by the Composer.
He has twice been awarded Best Musical director, once for “Annie” and “A Funny Thing Happened on the Way to the Forum”
In 2014 Rino moved to Milan and spends him time commuting between the United Kingdom and Italy.
Rino returned to performance, playing along side his wife in a piano duet for Milans Piano City.
In 2015 along with his wife, created the Orchestra 8note da Milano. The orchestra which he conducts and arranges for has performed at the Sala Verdi, Teatro Mahler and the Basilica di Sant Ambrogio.
Rino’s proudest achievements are his children Isabella, Oliver, Thomas and William.
Veruska Mandelli
As a child she started to play the piano at 8 years of age, she went on to study at the Giuseppe Verdi Conservatory, Milan, under Abbado until she graduated in 1996.
As a performer she has performed in concerts and competition throughout Europe, this has lead her to play at La Scala, Milan and the Teatro Grande in Brescia.
Teaching started when she was 16, fourteen years ago she decided to open a music school, Mondomusica, which is now one of the most important schools in Milan.
Teaching has taken she throughout Europe and also into North America where she taught in nurseries and primary schools. This also lead her to import and translate Music for Little Mozarts.
In 2006 she wrote the musical “Il Mondo di Annah” Anna’s World. It had an immediate success being performed throughout Italy on its initial run. The musical was created exclusively for children and teenagers. Now regularly performed by schools.
In 2004 after answering an email she formed a partnership with the Yorkshire Music School, creating the school exchange programme.
She now spends her life travelling between Milan and Saltaire where she has her partner Rino and their son Thomas.
Darren Dutson-Bromley
Darren Dutson-Bromley studied both jazz and classical guitar in Leeds and has worked professionally as a performer ever since. In 1996 he worked for the Princes Trust where he performed with both Prince Charles and Jools Holland which led to a number of television appearances.
Also working as a composer and arranger Darren has been commissioned by the National Museum of Photography Film and Television to compose the music to the play Electronic Colours and music written by him has been used by Yorkshire Television.
Enjoying the life of the performer, various collaborations in both the jazz and classical fields have allowed Darren to perform extensively throughout the country with musicians as diverse as Martin Taylor to members of Girls Aloud. Recent appearances have included the Edinburgh Festival, Southport Jazz Festival, Didsbury Jazz Festival, Birmingham Symphony Hall and Scarborough jazz festival.
Katrina Muftee
'I was first introduced to the piano at the age of 7 and have achieved Grade 8 Distinction from the Associated Board of the Royal School of Music in 2004.
I then went to study music at Huddersfield University and achieved a music degree (BMus(Hons) in 2007.
I have lots of experience playing in music festivals such as the Wharfedale Music Festival, Mrs Sunderland Music Festival and Harrogate Music Festival where I had many successes including Most Promising Pianist and Young Musician of the Festival.
I currently thouroughly enjoy teaching piano and keyboard privately to all ages and abilities and have students working towards graded exams or playing purely for entertainment.
Frank Ziko
Frank Ziko is an active musician, based in West Yorkshire - Leeds. As a pianist, he is mostly specialised in classical music, and has performed many times in different venues as a soloist and with chamber music groups. He has been the winner and awarded participant in piano competitions.
Frank has played with many Jazz bands, currently being the pianist for The Great Yorkshire Dance Band and has been mentored by the Grammy award winner Milcho Leviev in Jazz piano, arrangement and composition. He has also worked with Rock and Pop bands and has collaborated with talented musicians in electronic music projects as well.
Since 2008, Frank has been teaching successfully students of all levels, beginners and advanced, in different subjects of their interest
In 2016 Frank gratuated from the Leeds College of Music (First in Piano Performance Course, BA), and he he continues his MA studies at the York University of Music.
He keeps a very busy schedule with teaching, studying, constantly working on repertoire, composing solo works and also making transcriptions and arrangements for solo piano, and performing in different projects as well as solo recitals.
Louis Berthoud
Louis Berthoud is a session drummer based in Leeds, and has been playing the instrument for over 12 years.
He recently graduated from both the BA and MMus courses at Leeds Conservatoire, studying under the fantastic Luke Flowers, Nick Katuszonek & Seb DeKrom. Each tutor has each offered different ways of approaching the instrument, though all have certainly motivated me to pursue music.
Louis plays for several artists - Iona Lane, Easton Guillory - and recently went with Iona and her band to the Scottish Highlands to record her debut album, under Andy Bell’s production. (An experience that felt much more like a holiday than work!)
From drumming in the pit band for school productions, to playing sold-out shows at venues like Jimmy’s & Oporto, Louis has had plenty of performing experience, and can advise on ways to deal with stage nerves, good playing posture and expression behind the kit.
Now a recent graduate, Louis spends his free time writing music, practicing with other musicians, and doing function gigs, as well as figuring out different ways of teaching the drums.
Charlie Isaac
Charlie is a Leeds-based pianist, guitarist and composer who is well-versed in classical, jazz and pop styles. He began playing piano age six and has gone on to achieve a first class BA in Music and History (Combined Honours) from Newcastle University, ABRSM Grade 8 piano with distinction, and an MA in Music from Leeds Conservatoire with a focus on composition and performance. He has over 4 years experience working in education, including one to one tuition, classroom-based music education, and free improvisation workshops.
Outside of teaching, he is passionate about live performance, regularly gigging in an eclectic variety of bands and projects including blues quintet Mojo Catfish, art rock/electronica singer-songwriter Elia Tome, and funk/soul function band Groove Merchants. He has performed at The Sage Gateshead, Saltaire Festival, and a variety of venues across Leeds and Newcastle. He also runs a monthly jam night, 'Cactus Jams' at The Pack Horse, and composes for a currently unnamed 7-piece contemporary jazz ensemble.
Louisa Riley
Louisa started playing the piano at a very young age. She is able to improvise and play by ear and as a child won many talent competitions and Music Festivals as well as completing Grades 1 to 8 on the piano. She graduated from Huddersfield University with Bmus hons studying with Joan Dixon and also for a time with Renee Waterman and has taught piano and music lessons in schools for many years.
She has had much success with pupils taking ABRSM exams and entering Music Festivals.
Louisa especially enjoys working with young beginners making lessons fun and ensuring pupils have a firm foundation in sound piano technique.
As well as piano teaching, Louisa enjoys working with Early Years music sessions including singing, music and movement and playing percussion instruments. This is a great introduction to music for very young children in a fun but educational way.
Louisa is a patient teacher and always aims to make lessons enjoyable whilst ensuring every pupil reaches their musical potential.
Stephanie Hladowski
Stephanie Hladowski is a Yorkshire-born singer and voice teacher. Born into a musical family, Stephanie developed a strong interest and enthusiasm for Jazz from an early age. Her immersion into different musical genres and a Polish-English upbringing have led her to work with a wide range of collaborators and study a variety of singing styles, from attending workshops with voice specialist and musical director Dessislava Stefanova, of London Bulgarian Choir as well as having sung with Georgian polyphonic folk ensemble, Samshabati. Stephanie’s interest in world languages allows her to connect with an array of musical cultures and traditions.
Her studies began at Yamaha Music School when she was 6 years old. Stephanie went on to study Bel Canto singing with Mary Coles before focussing on Contemporary styles. She studied Popular Music at Leeds Conservatoire and after graduating set up her private teaching business in 2009. Stephanie approaches the voice in a holistic way, drawing from various methods such as Accent Method, Estill Voice Training and Speech Level Singing. Stephanie uplevelled her teaching during lockdown with Vocal Process, world renowned voice specialists Gillyanne Kayes and Jeremy Fisher.
Stephanie has toured in the UK, Europe and Japan as a soloist and collaborative vocalist and has performed at music festivals such as Cambridge Folk Festival and Green Man. Her session singing work includes vocals for Swedish games company, Simogo’s Sailor’s Dream.
Stephanie believes that excellent musicianship starts with the voice; that portable instrument we all carry but can become stranger to if we allow the desire to ‘sound good’ stand in the way of our ability to create and express ourselves. Stephanie is a certified Vocal Health First Aider, passionate about helping singers build safe and effective vocal habits. She continues her professional development in order to remain up-to-date with the latest voice science and ideas. This friendly and supportive teacher is ready to meet you to begin a tailored programme of study to suit you and your needs.
Toby Brazier
Toby started his music life in church choirs and brass bands to which he maintains close ties today being a member of the mighty Hammonds Brass Band. He studied jazz in 2009 at Leeds conservatoire followed by a 5 and a half year stint in the Royal Artillery Band, Woolwich, London. In the army, Toby travelled many times to various countries including Morocco, Sweden and Russia and regularly played double bass at Buckingham Palace investitures. After a 2 year masters course in trumpet performance at the Guildhall School of Music and Drama he returned to Yorkshire to continue teaching and performing in the local area. During the pandemic, he taught brass and music at the International School of Catalonia, Barcelona, learning both Catalan and Spanish respectively and then returned to Yorkshire after 2 years. Today, Toby teaches and performs regularly in Leeds, Bradford, Huddersfield and the wider
Bob Henderson
Bob is an experienced, friendly and encouraging drum tutor, having taught privately and in schools. He graduated from Leeds College of Music specialising in Jazz performance BA(Hons). He performs in numerous projects, which vary in style (Pop, Rock, Soul and Jazz); releasing music and touring the UK. He is active on the Leeds music scene and has performed at many prestigious venues including Brudenell, Belgrave and Live at Leeds. He has studied under internationally recognised drummers including Asaf Sirkis (Tim Garland), Dave Walsh (Chaka Khan) and Tim Giles (Kenny Wheeler). They have provided him with, not only a wealth of knowledge, but a strong foundational understanding of interacting and encouraging a student to learn and improve.
Bob teaches drums and percussion to any ability; from absolute beginners to advanced students from ages 4 and up.
He is happy to train students up in order to take exams or work through the music at their own pace. His focus is on making sure his students can feel comfortable in any musical situation.
His lessons will focus on:
- Good and strong technique
- Reading music
- Music theory
- Understanding different musical styles - Coordination
Eddie Rimmer
Eddie is a Cumbrian, Leeds-based bassist, guitarist and music tutor with experience in performance, composition and collaboration, having played from the age of 14.
Eddie is a Leeds Conservatoire alumni, graduating with a BA (Hons) in Popular Music, then a distinction in MA Creative Musicianship, focusing on ensemble performance, collaborative composition and musicology.
Alongside his studies, he has been gigging in and around Cumbria then Leeds since moving to the area in 2017, playing in bands of varying styles, including a wide range of rock, punk and metal styles, pop, funk/soul, jazz and electronic music.
Projects include: art-rock band, Little Hand Feet (current and longest running project), 8 piece funk & soul group Sonic Blue (also performed as The Wardrobe All-Stars as a resident band), alternative-rock Cumbrian trio Pariahs, psych-rockers Marmalade, post-punk outfit Holy Water, electronic artist Elia Tomé, dream-pop songwriter Clementine, alongside recording and playing for various other artists, also including another YMSS tutor, Charlie Isaac's contemporary jazz ensemble.
As a gigging musician, Eddie has frequently played in venues around Leeds such as Brudenell Social Club, Belgrave Music Hall, Hyde Park Book Club, toured around England and has performed at music festivals including Kendal Calling, Solfest, Long Division Festival and Salémango Festival.
He has supported artists such as: The Murder Capital, Willie J Healey, City Calm Down and Idris Ackermoor & The Pyramids on top of numerous other touring bands.
Oliver Miller
Ollie began his musical life at the age of 5 when he took up violin lessons. He soon added more strings to his bow by taking on piano, drumkit, bass guitar and six-string guitar, all by the time he had left primary school. In his teenage years, Ollie started a band with his close friends. Performing initially in the local bars of Saltaire and the surrounding area, the band went on to tour at landmark festivals and culturally renowned venues all across the UK. When the members of the band embarked on their own individual musical pathways, Ollie’s took the shape of studying for his BA Music degree at the University of Leeds. Graduating in 2016, Ollie dove headfirst into teaching in numerous capacities. Whilst primarily a six-string guitar teacher, Ollie also teaches piano, ukulele, bass guitar, songwriting, music production, and music theory. Ollie is a highly experienced teacher and professional musician who loves to share his knowledge and abilities with anybody who has a desire to learn.
Joe Kershaw
Joe is a guitarist, bassist, composer and music teacher based in Leeds.
He graduated from Leeds Conservatoire in 2019 with a first class BA in Popular Music, specialising in all styles of contemporary popular music.
Joe took special interest in his final year of study in music from other cultures, and deepened his study of intercultural music with short courses provided by The School or Oriental and African Studies. He is always eager to combine teachable elements from other cultures with traditional Western teaching methods and grade syllabuses to find the most effective teaching method for individual students.
He has 7 years performance and recording experience as the guitarist and principal composer for Leeds based instrumental prog rock band Beluga, and further performance experience with various emerging artists and function projects.
Joe has taught students of all ages, and strives above all to help them feel comfortable and confident in his lessons. He hopes to foster a love of music and to prepare his students for a lifetime of musical expression, whether it's for leisure, for further study, or even to pursue a career in music.
Viktoriia Prysiazhna
With over 10 years of professional experience, she is an accomplished singer and educator for children and students. As a vocal coach, piano teacher, and choir conductor, she brings a wealth of knowledge and experience to the classroom.
Viktoriia holds a Master's degree from the Odesa National Academy of Music in Ukraine, where she specialized in piano. She is a laureate of international competitions and has participated in various projects, European choral competitions, and studio practices. She actively participates in educational events and masterclasses, always seeking to expand her knowledge and skills.
What sets Viktoriia apart is her individual approach to teaching, which is tailored to the unique needs of each student. Her goal is to inspire a love for music and instill confidence in her students. For Viktoriia, music is not just a passion, but a means to make dreams come true.
We are thrilled to have Viktoriia on board as our new teacher and are confident that her expertise and passion for music will be an asset to our students.
Luca Vitale
I am a Classically trained vocalist and cellist with a love for all types of music and performance. I began singing as a member of the Exeter Cathedral and Buckfast Abbey choirs and have a BA Hons in Classical Voice from Leeds Conservatoire. I have performed with a diverse number of groups including Opera North, Leeds Contemporary Singers, Leeds Baroque Choir, LCON Chamber Choir and Orchestra (cello), Contemporary Pop Choir and LCON Opera Scenes; I was also Music Director for the LCON Opera Society in 2019.
My performance experience spans genres such as Classical, Pop, Rock, Hip Hop, Punk, Jazz, Folk and more! Since graduating in June 2020 I have been working as a professional session vocalist and cellist for a variety of recording sessions and performances and regularly perform with bands, groups and ensembles. I have plenty of experience leading choirs, orchestras, opera groups, bands and continue to teach 1 to 1.
If you are a beginner struggling to find your voice and want to have fun singing your favourite music or want a more professional level of training I can help.
We will work to improve not only your general technique and quality but also your performance confidence, communication, leadership and directing.
I provide support leading up to performances and auditions. If you are looking to take exams, we can also discuss taking grades.
Scott Fitzpatrick
After recently graduating from Leeds Conservatoire, Scott has developed a drum education TikTok page with over 70,000 followers and millions of views, enabling him to partner with Trinity Rock and Pop, Donner Music and Moises AI. He began teaching drums when he was 16 and has played with a variety of bands all across the UK from indie rock, big band, pop, soul and funk while also performing in local cover musicals such as Little Shop of Horrors, Les Miserables and School of Rock.
Scott is a friendly and experienced drummer dedicated to helping students hone their craft by any means. His focus is to make sure students are enjoying playing and learning about the instrument through a personalised teaching curriculum.