Ben Siddall Music Tuition

13/01/2025

Hi, just a last reminder that The Ilkley Electric Rock and Pop Ensemble, The Ilkley Acoustic Pop Ensemble and the Beginner Ukulele Course all start this week at All Saints Church, LS29 9DS. First session FREE!

08/01/2025

Did you know I record and edit podcasts, audiobooks and the like? Recording a podcast interviewee for the Freakonomics Radio Network tomorrow.

05/01/2025

Running two ensembles this term - one plugged in and one unplugged in!

01/01/2025

Fancy learning something new? My 10-week UKULELE course for complete beginners is running again this term starting either Monday 13th or Wednesday 15th Jan (soon TBC) evening at All Saints Church in the Church building which is a lovely place with great acoustics!

First session is free and then if you’re happy to go ahead, the course is £130 for the full ten weeks.

To register your interest or for further info:
Ben - 07874053640 / [email protected] / messenger

03/11/2024

Non-musical post: I sometimes write little stories called "drabbles" - they have to be precisely 100 words. I'm writing one a day for the whole of November. Read them here:

Committed to posting a drabble a day during November 2024. https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Drabble. Click to read Drabbles November 2024, by Ben, a Substack publication. Launched 2 days ago.

14/10/2024

Give the gift of music this Christmas with personalised digital gift cards for guitar, piano, bass, or ukulele lessons in Ilkley. Flexible options, instant delivery, and suitable for all ages and skill levels.

22/09/2024

The inaugural Ilkley Rock and Pop Ensemble last week was a roaring success... due the personnel so far it’s going in more of an acoustic rock and pop direction - we’ve got most instrumental bases covered but I’m now particularly looking for a percussionist - cajon, tambourines, shakers, bongos....that kind of thing. Preferably not an absolute beginner for this role. First session is free, try before you commit. Apply within... [email protected]

16/09/2024

My courses and community ensemble at the Link Building, All Saints Church, Ilkley, LS29 9DS kick off over the next week.

Here are the details:

• Rock and Pop Ensemble: Fridays at 7pm, starting September 20th (first session
free)
• Songwriting Course: Mondays at 7pm, starting September 23rd (first session free)
• Beginner Guitar Course: Wednesdays at 8pm, starting September 18th (first
session free)
• Beginner Ukulele Course: Wednesdays at 6:30pm, starting September 18th (first
session free)

Everything runs for 10 weeks at £99 each for the whole period. All first sessions are free, please come along, try it out first and see if it’s for you!

12/09/2024

My first course kicks off in just under a weeks time and I’m in the Ilkley Gazette today! Just few spaces on all courses and the ensemble left now.

09/09/2024

The Ilkley Beginner Ukulele Course - Wednesdays at 6.30pm from 18th September (first sessions free!)

What You’ll Learn in 10 Weeks:

Your First Chords:
Master the essential chords that form the foundation of ukulele playing.

Strumming Patterns:
Develop various strumming techniques to add rhythm and groove to your playing.

Fingerpicking:
Learn simple fingerpicking patterns to expand your playing style.

Chords and Diagrams:
Learn to read chord diagrams and ukulele music.

Popular Songs:
Start playing well-known tunes from a variety of genres

Timing and Rhythm:
Develop your sense of timing to play to a pulse and with others.

Playing in a Group:
Experience the joy of making music with others.

By the end of the ten weeks, you’ll have the skills to play a variety of songs and the confidence to continue exploring what the humble ukulele has to offer.

https://www.bensiddallmusic.co.uk/ilkley-beginner-ukulele-course/

02/09/2024

The Ilkley Beginner Guitar Course, Wednesdays at 8pm starting 18th September, first session free!

What You’ll Learn:

Essential Chords:
Master the fundamental chords that form the backbone of countless songs.

Catchy Riffs:
Learn simple but highly effective guitar riffs.

Popular Tunes:
Start playing recognisable melodies.

Chords and Diagrams:
Understand chord diagrams and basic guitar notation.

Fingerpicking:
Develop this essential technique for a diverse playing style.

Strumming Patterns:
Create groove and rhythm with various strumming techniques.

Timing:
Learn to keep time to a pulse and play along with others.

Range of Music Styles:
Explore different genres such as pop, rock, blues, folk and more.

Understand the Gear:
Guitar accessories and equipment recommendations.

Your First Songs:
Put it all together and start playing complete songs!

https://www.bensiddallmusic.co.uk/ilkley-beginner-guitar-course/

26/08/2024

The Ilkley Songwriting Course launches Mondays at 7pm from 23rd September (first session free!). All Saints Church, Link Building, Ilkley, LS29 9DS

What You’ll Learn in the 10 weeks:

How To Find Inspiration:
Discover techniques for gathering inspiration and generating lyrical and musical ideas

Song Structure:
A clearer understanding of song structure, including verses, choruses, and bridges.

Lyric Writing:
Learn to write engaging lyrics that tell a clear story and evoke emotions.

Melody Creation:
Develop techniques to craft memorable and catchy melodies for your songs.

Chords and Beyond:
Explore how to incorporate harmony and choose chord progressions that complement your lyrics and melody.

Writing for Other Instruments:
Learn to write parts for different instruments, including guitar, keyboard, drums and more.

Home Recording Basics:
Learn how to create a highly inexpensive home recording set-up.

Performance Preparation:
Gain confidence to share your work with your friends and peers.

More info: https://www.bensiddallmusic.co.uk/ilkley-songwriting-course/

29/07/2024

I'm pleased to announce that from mid Sep I'm going to be running a term of group lessons - beginner guitar, beginner ukulele, songwriting + a pop and rock ensemble at All Saints Church, Ilkley, LS29 9DS - messenger or [email protected] for more info and to sign up. First session free!

27/03/2024

https://www.bensiddallmusic.co.uk/gcse-music-composition-help-and-guidance-in-ilkley-and-online/

Music composition tutoring for GCSE students. Expert guidance on developing themes, choosing genres, recording with notation software/DAWs, effectively utilizing musical elements and documenting your process. In-person in Ilkley or online sessions available.