Teaching Testimonials
Mr E's email address just about sums him up - leatough-smithlovesmusic. I have worked with Mr E for many years and his major interest is helping young people to develop their musical ability. He has an interest in and knowledge of a wide range of music and instruments and he works well with both individuals and small groups as well as being able to direct the work of a full orchestra; not only can he arrange but he has also composed. Mr E believes that performance is at the heart of music and he motivates and inspires young people to perform with confidence and enjoyment. He is aware that excellence is a consequence of hard work and demands high standards from those he works with whilst being sensitive to the needs of those of differing abilities.
Some of the most enjoyable moments in my career have been watching and listening to Mr E's charges performing in a variety of venues to large audiences.
Christopher Barker - retired Head Teacher
For many years I have been associated with Mr Eatough-Smith. He is a respected colleague and friend.
He has always worked tirelessly to encourage, motivate and inspire students to achieve their best. Many of those who have passed through his care have progressed to a lifelong love of and involvement in music, performing professionally as soloists, in ensembles or just for fun with friends or for their own pleasure. He has been equally successful with adults and has enabled many people to enrich their lives. He is very approachable, and has a professional manner, being reliable, dedicated and well organised in regard to arranging lessons, examinations and resources. He loves music and is passionate about his work. He has high expectations and wants the best for all, whatever their abilities.
Paul Brereton - retired Deputy Head Teacher
From the moment I started having music lessons at Fairfield I was immediately immersed in the world of Mr E's Music Department. Every musician was encouraged to do more than just have music lessons - there were ensembles, jazz bands, choirs and not forgetting the orchestra - things that would not be made possible if it wasn't for Mr E's inspiring levels of dedication and enthusiasm. As a student of Mr E for 5 years, I can say that his attention to every student, no matter what level they are at, is vast - from starting in Year 7, to finishing in Year 11, there was never a time where he didn't go out of his way to help me, or spend a break time practising something.
Learning and working with Mr E is a unique and memorable experience. It is both enjoyable and rewarding, something that I will never forget.
Robin Freeland - student
I have known Mr Eatough-Smith for twelve years, from the time that he came to teach at Fairfield School in 2001.
During his time there, he was an extremely hard-working member of staff who gradually built up the Music Department into something that was admired and valued by the Head, visitors to the school, parents and pupils alike. He put in an enormous amount of extra time to rehearse individuals and groups:- orchestra, choirs, jazz band, steel band and music year groups. He encouraged the brass band, string and woodwind groups and gave all of them the opportunity to perform in a variety of concerts both in school and at places like Hereford Cathedral and Dore Abbey.
As a teacher, he was friendly, approachable and encouraging to pupils, both able students and those struggling to 'make the grade'. He himself is a talented violinist and competent pianist and he learnt the clarinet, drum kit and viola so that he might understand the needs of pupils attempting to learn these instruments.
On a personal level, Mr Eatough-Smith interacted well with other staff; I found him to be friendly and co-operative. He has a good way with children and adults alike and knows how to encourage vulnerable people, understanding their needs completely. He is a totally honest person, thoughtful and reliable.
Ann Martyn - Piano Teacher
I have known Lyndon and worked with him for a number of years. During his time at Fairfield, he established the orchestra, jazz band, string ensemble, steel band and a choir. He was dedicated to his job of bringing music to young people. There was also opportunity for youngsters to play the drum kits and guitar. The Music Room was always open for those who wanted to make music.
Lyndon had excellent results for GCSE and a good relationship with visiting peripatetic teachers. Concerts often needed two nights so that all the groups got the chance to play and individual singers and instrumentalists could be heard. Lyndon also took the orchestra and other ensembles on tour to Germany. He can teach piano, keyboard, violin, viola, clarinet, theory and GCSE.
Lyndon Eatough-Smith (known to all as "Mr E") is a very talented music teacher and I am very proud to have worked with him.
Janet Thomas (local peripatetic teacher)
Mr E taught me music whilst at Fairfield High School. His enthusiasm knew no bounds, even in the early stages of my starting music. Termly concerts with bands and the orchestra were always a huge success and of course, down to Mr E's hard work.
Later in school, I studied GCSE Music, where I achieved an A*. A large part of this was due to Mr E's commitment to my class, ensuring we were all happy in where we were going and had the necessary knowledge.
I feel happy in saying Mr E really is a wonderful music teacher, and I wish him the best of luck in his new venture.
Alison Freeland - student
I would like to thank Mr Eatough-Smith for the amazing and inspirational work that he achieved during his time at Fairfield High School. He engaged children with his passion for music, inspiring them to achieve by motivating them with endless enthusiasm and a great deal of time, patience and understanding.
Over the years we were amazed by the performances that we came to watch and what he managed to achieve with the students was purely down to his hard work, breadth of knowledge and dedication. The steel band was brilliant, again down to his efforts, and the fun and enjoyment the pupils had playing and the sheer delight of the audience will always be memorable.
By being inspirational, enthusiastic and through his love of music, Mr Eatough-Smith has encouraged our daughter to pursue a career in music and I would like to thank him again for his efforts.
Elaine Rees - parent
I started working with Mr Eatough-Smith in September 2001 when he became Head of Music at Fairfield High School, Herefordshire, where I was employed as a peripatetic guitar teacher. From very early on it was clear that he was an energetic teacher with a passion for music, the school, and teaching. He was an especially proud Head of Department and in a very short time of his being at the school, the music department grew with various ensembles, groups and choirs being led by Mr Eatough-Smith in lunchtimes and after school. He gave as many children as possible the opportunity to play a wide range of instruments.
My teaching room was next door to the main music room which meant I could hear a very active and exciting learning environment playing out on a daily basis and I know that the students had a great deal of respect for ‘Mr E’.
As a colleague, Mr Eatough-Smith always went beyond the call of duty. He always seemed to be one of the first members of staff to arrive and one of the last to leave. Mr Eatough-Smith always made me feel that my role in the students’ development was important, as I was always given all of the information I needed to help my own students with preparation of coursework. Mr Eatough-Smith always kept a good line of communication with all peripatetic staff which meant he was able to utilise their expertise in ensuring the highest level of success for his students.
I was also aware of other clubs that Mr Eatough-Smith ran in his very limited free time. These gave children with many eclectic interests an opportunity to indulge in activities that they would not normally have the chance to do in school. This was one of the reasons pupils felt as though “Mr E’s” music department was a safe place they could hang out at lunchtimes and find a stress free environment.
I do not hesitate in recommending Mr Eatough-Smith in any role as a teacher or musician and I know that his enthusiasm and energy will carry through in whatever he does.
Neil Taylor (Peripatetic Guitar/Music Theory Teacher)
Mr 'E' is not only a talented musician, he also possesses excellent teaching skills and anyone lucky enough to be taught by him will reach their full potential. He taught both my children in High School and thanks to his encouragement and dedication they both did exceptionally well in music. He is honest, amiable and hard working and the most enthusiastic teacher I have ever met, always going that extra mile if someone shows an interest in music.
His concerts at High School were always outstanding and the relationship he had with his students was easy to see. I would recommend Mr 'E' to anyone wishing to learn music or to improve their musical ability. You will not be disappointed.
Jan Billington - parent
As a parent of two children who have been inspired by Mr E's dedication and enthusiasm, I would like to thank him for all the opportunities he offered them - orchestral trip to the Rhine, school orchestra, ensembles, concerts in Dore Abbey, numerous in- school performances and recitals - the list goes on.
He encourages all students to give of their best, from beginners through to the most accomplished musicians. Mr E has a gift for including everyone wishing to be involved in performance - soloists, bands, ensembles, orchestra, vocalists, sound engineers and production.
I have watched my children's passion for music grow whilst at Fairfield, thanks to Mr E and his team of dedicated music teachers and I have been privileged to watch some outstanding performances from his students. The Christmas Carol Service in particular will be a memory I will always cherish.
Sharon Freeland - parent
I have many memories of my long teaching career but the most endearing was the music at Fairfield High School during my final years before retiring in 2010. Mr ‘E’ organised wonderful and memorable musical events together with the support of a very helpful and encouraging Headmaster. The Carol Service, Speech Night and GCSE preparation were just some of the events which caught my attention. The number of pupils involved was amazing especially considering the size of school. Many pupils were accomplished on musical instruments of all sorts. The school orchestra was stunning. The stringed instrument ensemble played ambitious classical music. The steel band brought back memories of West Indian cricket. Then there was the ‘pop’ group. I must not forget the large School Choir which contained pupils of all ages and members of the Teaching Staff.
The Carol Service was the most memorable event. The choir was huge, the orchestra played wonderfully well, the steel band was exceptional. Governors, parents, visitors and pupils were presented with an event which was exceptional. Lyndon worked so hard to organise these school events – conducting and leading so many pupils and staff to produce such delightful music. A memory I shall cherish for the rest of my days.
Michael Walker - Science Teacher 1967 to 2010
