Trinity College London Local Area Representative
— St Albans & West Hertfordshire
Supporting teachers and students entering Trinity music exams — locally, personally, and without the confusion.
If you're a music teacher, parent or student looking for Trinity music exams in St Albans, you're in the right place. I'm Simon Perkins, the Trinity College London Local Area Representative for St Albans and West Hertfordshire. I organise exam sessions across the area and I'm here to help make the process as smooth as possible, from booking through to results day.
Trinity offers Classical and Jazz music exams from Initial through to Grade 8, across a wide range of instruments. These include piano, singing, brass, strings, woodwind, electronic keyboard, organ, classical and acoustic guitar, drum kit and percussion, and jazz woodwind. Rock and Pop exams are offered including; Bass, Drums, Guitar, Keyboards and Vocals. Theory of Music is available too.
In the St Albans centre 1036, Face to Face Classical and Jazz grade exams take place at the Mid Herts Music centre Hatfield, St Hilda’s School Harpenden, Dacorum Music School Hemel Hempstead and Watford school of music in Watford. Rock and Pop exams take place at UK Drummers in Letchworth and Sanctury Studios in Watford. Diploma exams take place in Watford only.
In the Tring centre 1037, Face to Face Classical and Jazz exams and Rock and Pop exams take place at the Tring School.
FACE TO FACE OR DIGITAL?
Trinity lets candidates choose the exam format that suits them best. You can perform in person with an examiner at a local St Albans venue, or record and upload a video exam from home and enter a Digital Technical Work pathway or Repertoire-only pathway exam online using my code 1036. For Digital C&J, R&P and Theory exam entries book anytime online.
BOOKING AN EXAM
Candidates can be entered by teachers or parents or the candidate themselves. Teachers may also enter multiple candidates in one entry (see further detail below). The applicant needs to register first on the ‘My Trinity’ website.
Classical & Jazz Exams
The online booking platform for Classical & Jazz can be found at ‘My Trinity’.
Entries to Tring
Application for exams to be taken at Tring are made here. The closing date remains 4 weeks prior to the exam date.
Rock & Pop exams
The online booking platform for Rock & Pop can be found at ‘My Trinity’, at: https://my-trinity.trinitycollege.com
n.b. we are not offering Rock & Pop exams at Tring in the Autumn session in 2026
About Simon
Simon has had a varied and vibrant career in the music business - playing in professional orchestras and quartets across the world, whilst examining internationally for Trinity College London and also teaching privately and in schools across London and Hertfordshire.
Music Lessons
Simon offers Violin, Viola and Piano lessons to both children and adults, online and in-person. Through instrument-specific technical exercises, learning an instrument develops authentic skills whilst exploring a wide range of repertoire to develop expressive playing.
Exam Preparation
Exam preparation is a vital part of any musicians journey. Practical graded exams alongside theoretical musical knowledge work to enhance and support practical studies. Simon offers personalised lessons to help with students specific needs.
“Our daughter, aged 8, has been having individual violin lessons with Mr Perkins for two years and piano lessons for one. His enthusiasm and love of music together with his fun and engaging sessions really motivates our daughter to do her best.”
Do you teach students outside of the UK?
Yes! I have taught students based in India, Hong Kong, Singapore, Malaysia, South Korea, Malta and Russia.
Do you teach music to beginners?
Yes, I teach beginners through to diploma level.
Do you teach online?
Yes, I teach online via zoom, skype or any video calling apps that you prefer. I have found that teaching online has been a great way to keep the musical adventure going for my usual in-person students and from 2021 I will be offering this service to new students internationally.
Where are you based?
I am based in St Albans, UK - just 25 minutes via train from central London.
Do you teach music theory?
Yes, I teach music theory. Music theory is an integral part of learning a musical instrument and should be studied from the very beginning of a musician’s journey.
How much do you charge for lessons and how do I pay you?
I charge by the hour, my pricing can be found here. I accept payment via bank transfer and will send you these details when you book a lesson with me.
Do you teach both children and adults?
Yes, I teach both children and adults.
How do I book a lesson with you?
Contact me, let me know what instrument you would like to learn or what stage you are at with your learning.
We will arrange a date and time for your first lesson.
Congratulations! You have booked your first lesson and your musical exploration has begun.
