It is with pleasure that I record that I have known Mr Lee Charles Batten for two years, during which time he has worked for Caerphilly Music Service as a Part Time Guitar Tutor.
Lee is a very able musician and consciencious teacher, who has an enthusiasm for teaching young people. Through his passion for music, and guitar in particular, he is able to encourage and motivate his students.
Lee had a good attendence record whilst in our employ and was always punctual. He conducted in a most professional manner, was always willing to co-operate, and build up excellent working relationships with colleagues.
I recommend Mr Batten unreservedly to any potential employer for their further consideration.
Dr Keith Ellerington, Principle Music Officer - Caerphilly Music Service.
I have worked with Lee for 5 years in various capacities in our organisations demanding and sometimes challenging work. In all aspects of work Lee has done for Community Music Wales, he has demonstrated an exemplary level of competence and consistency, and a commitment to reviewing and developing his approach so that everyone gains the most in terms of musical enjoyment and personal development. His completion of accreditation paper work from some courses, is always of the highest standard.
Lee seems in particular to have a sensitivity to the importance of engaging students who seem initially disinterested or inhibited. The combination of his musical, and his teaching and interpersonal skills have resulted in many high quality workshops and the feedback from the participants and host organisations with whom he has worked has been extremely positive.
Lee is someone who can be relied upon to get a job done and I would have no hesitation in recommending him to you.
Chris Dawson
, Projects Manager -
Community Music Wales
Lee has been teaching our three children Jack (13), Kate (11) and Eve (8) for nearly three years, giving lessons on classical, electric and acoustic guitar.
He is an excellent teacher and has a great rapport with the children.
Lee is always pleasant and accommodating especially with the numerous occasions we have had to change lesson times.
Jack says “There is only one problem. Lee supports Arsenal!” – but then you can’t have everything I suppose.
Sian Mainwaring - Parent of private students
I have worked extensively with Lee over the last two years in my position as Head of Music at Oakdale Comprehensive School. His attitude and working relationship towards both pupils and staff at the school is second to none and he remains professional at all times.
Whilst teaching guitar at Oakdale Comprehensive Lee continually strived to raise standards and always achieved the utmost from all pupils. Lee works extremely well with both the gifted and talented pupils through to those pupils with special needs. He has various different teaching skills which enables him to adapt to any given situation of teaching.
Lee has excellent time management, organisational skills and is versatile in all areas and situations.
It was a pleasure to have worked with such a professional person and teacher who has an excellent personality and very highly regarded by both staff and pupils at Oakdale Comprehensive School.
Mrs Rebecca Flavin, Head of Music - Oakdale Comprehensive
Lee has been teaching my 11 year old son, Sam, electric guitar for around four years. In all that time I've found Lee to be charming and personable and, most importantly, a fantastic guitar teacher. He makes the lessons interesting and fun and Sam has thoroughly enjoyed being taught by him. His enthusiasm is infectious and I would have no hesitation in recommending him to anyone who wanted to learn. We are so fortunate to have found him!
Louise Cross - Parent of private student
Lee Batten has been employed by me on several occasions over the past 2 years.
I met him originally when I was Arts Development Manager for Caerphilly County Borough Council. Lee was initially engaged to run regular community music sessions for the Inside Out Project, working with people with mental health issues. During my monitoring sessions, I found Lee to be a very conscientious and patient practitioner showing a high level of awareness of the needs of his participants and a great deal of skill in running the workshops. His work as a tutor with the Caerphilly Music Service was also commended to me by my colleagues.
Since setting up Head for Arts, I have employed Lee not only as a music tutor, but also in the capacity of mentor, supporting inexperienced music tutors. I have had nearly 20 years experience of engaging music practitioners and consider Lee to be one of the best available. He is reliable, trustworthy, skilled, hard working and engages well with participants. I am always happy to employ him either on an individual basis or as part of a larger team.
Kate Strudwick, Creative Project Manager - Head for Arts / Celf ar y Blaen
Lee has taught my daughter to play the guitar since she first took up the instrument 4 years ago at the age of 7.
After 4 years of weekly lessons with Lee, she is now a competent and confident player.
Apart from her own enthusiasm for the instrument, her progress is attributable in large part to Lee’s teaching skills. He is a relaxed, and relaxing, teacher who encourages but does not press his pupils unduly. He makes them feel at ease to progress at their own pace. He is polite, always pleasant to deal with, and children seem to warm to his gentle nature. His calm encouragement seems to ensure steady and continual progress, not always achieved by more rigid teaching regimes.
I am happy to recommend his services.
Mrs Christine Mckeown - Parent of private student