About Me
Where it all began...
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I was lucky to have a childhood filled with music. I played with orchestras as a flautist and violinist, performed in concerts and competitions, and travelled abroad with music groups. I love creating fantastic opportunities like these for others.
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I passed Grade 8 piano with distinction in 1995 and began teaching piano and flute shortly after. In the same year I accepted my first professional accompanist job with Prudhoe Community Choir in Northumberland. In 1998 I moved to Yorkshire, where I have happily combined life as a mum, speech therapist and musician ever since.
I'm Becs – musician, qualified music teacher, and mum! I've been performing and teaching music since 1995 and I absolutely love what I do.
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I also practiced as a Speech Therapist specialising in learning disabilities and neurodiversity for 15 years. I am passionate about inclusion and opportunities in music.
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You can find out more about the values that underpin my love of music and my teaching approach here, or scroll down for my background and qualifications.
Qualifications and Professional Development:
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AMTB Piano Performance Diploma (MTB, 2024)
Grade 8 Flute, Distinction (LCM, 2020)
Grade 8 Piano, Distinction (ABRSM, 1995)
Grade 5 Theory Of Music (ABRSM, 1991)
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DipLCM(TD) Teaching Diploma (London College of Music, 2020)
MClinRes (University of Manchester, 2016)
NLP Practitioner (ILM, 2013)
BMedSci (hons) (University of Sheffield, 2002)
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Basic Conducting Skills (ABCD, 2018)
Conducting Skills: Moving Forwards (ABCD, 2019)
Kodály Musicianship Education and Conducting (Kodály UK, 2019)
Piano Technique (PTC, 2020)
Working With Beginners (PTC, 2020)
Teaching Beginner Flute (Flute Roots, 2021)
Teaching Intermediate Historical Repertoire (Top Music Education, 2022)
Melody Composition: Defining Feature Approach (I Can Compose, 2022)
Jazz and Waltz Composition (I Can Compose, 2022)
Sound and Colour in Impressionism (PTC, 2023)
Pedalling and Style in Classical Repertoire (PTC, 2023)
Sounds Of Intent Framework (Trinity College Accreditation, 2024)
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Professional Registrations:
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I am a member of the Musician's Union, The Curious Piano Teachers, Vibrant Music Teaching and Bingley Music Town.
Becs Leighton Music is a registered Trinity College Exam Centre and MTB Exam Centre.
I hold full insurance, an enhanced DBS check, and up-to-date certificates in Safeguarding Children.
Becs Leighton Music is registered with the ICO and the Privacy Notice can be read here:
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