Robbo Does Music

29/01/2026

🎶 One-to-One Music Tuition – Limited Spaces Available! 🎶

I’m delighted to be opening up a small number of new one-to-one tuition slots for enthusiastic young musicians 🎼

My current crop of pupils includes singers, pianists, and brass players, and I’m also working closely with several GCSE and A Level musicians, helping them to:
✨ strengthen their compositions
✨ develop musical ideas with confidence
✨ prepare thoroughly for their listening and appraising exams

I’m an experienced educator and composer, having spent over two decades teaching in three of the North West’s top independent schools, and I’m passionate about helping students find their musical voice — whether that’s through performance, composition, or deeper musical understanding.

You can find out more about my teaching and approach here:
👉 www.robbodoesmusic.co.uk

And if you’d like to hear an example of my own compositional work, here’s a recent piece performed in several concerts in Seoul, South Korea:
🎧 https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Sx5m9002XW8

If you or someone you know might be interested, feel free to get in touch — I’d love to chat! 🎵

The first performance of the orchestral version of United in Peace, in Seoul, October 2025.Credits:Title: NMK "On & One Korea"Performers: Hankyung Arte Philh...

24/10/2025

Some exciting news! I'm thrilled to announce that one of my recent compositions for wind band, United in Peace, is being performed in Seoul at the end of this month.

24/10/2025

Thoroughly looking forward to conducting this wonderful new addition to the wind band literature once again with the Wirral Symphonic Wind Band on 8 November at Christ Church Higher Bebington.

𝐃𝐚𝐧𝐜𝐢𝐧𝐠 𝐓𝐡𝐫𝐨𝐮𝐠𝐡 𝐋𝐞𝐠𝐚𝐜𝐲 – 𝐓𝐡𝐞 𝐬𝐭𝐨𝐫𝐲 𝐛𝐞𝐡𝐢𝐧𝐝 𝐌𝐚𝐫𝐭𝐢𝐧 𝐄𝐥𝐥𝐞𝐫𝐛𝐲’𝐬 𝐖𝐢𝐫𝐫𝐚𝐥 𝐃𝐚𝐧𝐜𝐞𝐬

A heartfelt legacy from Beryl Williams – a cherished supporter and friend of the Wirral Symphonic Wind Band – has blossomed into something truly special: a musical tribute to love, friendship, and place. Her generous gift enabled the band to commission Dr. Martin Ellerby to create Wirral Dances, a vibrant new work inspired by the beauty and folklore of our peninsula.

Read the full story, featured exclusively in the latest issue of Winds.
Become a member today to receive your copy: www.basbwe.net

10/09/2025

Please do get in touch if you are in need of music lessons from an experienced former Director of Music from two top North West independent schools.

I have over two decades of teaching experience across the entire age range, and can offer comprehensive coverage of a wide number of areas of music education, including:
- Instrumental tuition (piano, brass, voice, and more)
- Music theory and composition
- GCSE and A Level music tutoring
- Music technology and production
- Audition preparation help
- Piano accompaniment for music exams

I am based in Oxton on the Wirral for face to face tuition, or can offer online lessons for those who live further afield. Drop me a line via [email protected], WhatsApp on 07875 546046 or browse my website at www.robbodoesmusic.co.uk

17/06/2025

If you’ve ever wondered why certain chords work so well together or how musicians seem to know exactly which chord to play next, the answer usually comes down to one thing: functional harmony. Using the system popularized by the Mapping Tonal Harmony Pro app, we can break down chords into three core “functions”—Tonic, Subdominant, and Dominant…...

If you’ve ever wondered why certain chords work so well together or how musicians seem to know exactly which chord to play next, the answer usually comes down to one thing: functional harmony. Usin…

16/06/2025

If there’s one diagram that brings together almost everything you need to know about Western music theory, it’s the Circle of Fifths. It’s not just a handy reminder of key signatures—it’s a map that explains how music works on a deeper level, influencing harmony, tonality, chord progressions, cadences, and even the advanced concept of negative harmony…...

If there’s one diagram that brings together almost everything you need to know about Western music theory, it’s the Circle of Fifths. It’s not just a handy reminder of key signatures—it’s a map tha…

14/06/2025

🎼 1. Key Signatures & Scales...

🎼 1. Key Signatures & Scales GradeMajor KeysMinor KeysScale Knowledge1C, G, D, FA, E, DTonics, scales, tones/semitones2A, E, B♭G, B, EKey signatures, relative minors3B, A♭C♯, C, FAll scales wit…

13/06/2025

Understanding time signatures and rhythmic values is essential for reading, writing, and performing music accurately. This guide breaks down everything you need to know from Grades 1–5, including beat groupings, simple vs. compound time, and common pitfalls. 🔍 What Is a Time Signature? A time signature tells you: How many beats are in each bar (top number) What type of note…...

Understanding time signatures and rhythmic values is essential for reading, writing, and performing music accurately. This guide breaks down everything you need to know from Grades 1–5, including b…

12/06/2025

Understanding scales is at the heart of music theory — they shape melody, harmony, key, and even style. From major and minor scales to the introduction of modes, here's how ABRSM builds this crucial knowledge step by step. 🔍 What Is a Scale? A scale is a sequence of notes in ascending or descending order, organised by tones and semitones…...

Understanding scales is at the heart of music theory — they shape melody, harmony, key, and even style. From major and minor scales to the introduction of modes, here’s how ABRSM builds this …

11/06/2025

Chords are the backbone of harmony. Understanding how they’re built, named, and used in cadences is vital for analysis, composition, and aural work. Here’s how the ABRSM explores chords across Grades 1–5. 🧱 What Is a Chord? A chord is a group of (typically 3 or more) notes sounded together. The most common is the triad — a chord built from a root, a third, and a fifth....

Chords are the backbone of harmony. Understanding how they’re built, named, and used in cadences is vital for analysis, composition, and aural work. Here’s how the ABRSM explores chords across Grad…