A Word From
Our Director
My Mum and Me
My Dad and me completing the Camino de Santiago together
Me on graduation day
Hi there!
My name is Declan Plummer, and I'm the director and founder of Top Score Music Academy.
When I was young my parents noticed I really enjoyed learning music. I inherited this hobby from my mum, Laura, who played piano, guitar, and sang and composed her own folk songs. My parents got me lessons in piano straightaway and I loved it! For years my dad, Stephen, would drive me the 50-mile round trip from our home in Downpatrick to Belfast (sometimes twice a week) to get lessons at the Ulster College of Music. As a result, I eventually ended up teaching at UCM myself.
My mum and dad sacrificed so much time and money to provide these lessons for me. Later, they encouraged me to do a music degree at University College Cork, which would lead on to a Masters degree and a PhD in music at Queen's University Belfast. My parents were not only a huge source of encouragement. Their love and care for my passion in music would later inspire me to teach others when I got older. In short, I would not be doing what I love today if it wasn't for them!
About Us - Where We Came From
During the COVID-19 pandemic, and the UK lockdown in 2020, all my face-to-face teaching was forced to online classes. Luckily, I had built up enough computer skills and music materials so that I could do this very successfully (I even ended up teaching teachers how to teach online). My weekly lessons with students at this difficult time became more than just music tuition. The sense of community, a human connection, and for some students mental wellbeing, were so much more important. As a result of this experience, I built Top Score Music Academy in 2022, so that as many people as possible could experience what it’s like to learn in an environment where it’s not just about the music.
Consequently, I believe that learning positive hobbies with positive role models is one of the most beneficial things a young person can do to improve their future.
About Us - Our Teaching Philosophy
With this in mind, we developed a very simple teaching philosophy at Top Score Music Academy: to encourage in our students the same passion and enthusiasm for music that my parents gave me, to make our students eager to know more and become self-motivated, independent learners. For this purpose, we are constantly expanding our own knowledge and skills to adopt new ways of engaging with students, especially learning new technologies and teaching strategies to give them the best possible learning environment; one that is inclusive of everyone and where music is taught without borders.
Being devoted to our students' success in both music and in life has led to fantastic results. For example, 50% of our A-Level students and 75% of our GCSE students attain GRADES A or A* in their music qualifications, and nearly all of our theory and piano students attain merit or distinction in their exams. However, the real target is that 100% of our students have fun, make friends, learn something new, and have a real sense of accomplishment!
A Word From
Our Director
Hi there!
My name is Declan Plummer, and I'm the director and founder of Top Score Music Academy.
When I was young my parents noticed I really enjoyed learning music. I inherited this hobby from my mum, Laura, who played piano, guitar, and sang and composed her own folk songs. My parents got me lessons in piano straightaway and I loved it! For years my dad, Stephen, would drive me the 50-mile round trip from our home in Downpatrick to Belfast (sometimes twice a week) to get lessons at the Ulster College of Music. As a result, I eventually ended up teaching at UCM myself.
My Mum and Me
My mum and dad sacrificed so much time and money to provide these lessons for me. Later, they encouraged me to do a music degree at University College Cork, which would lead on to a Masters degree and a PhD in music at Queen's University Belfast. My parents were not only a huge source of encouragement. Their love and care for my passion in music would later inspire me to teach others when I got older. In short, I would not be doing what I love today if it wasn't for them!
My Dad and me completing the
Camino de Santiago together
About Us -
Where We Came From
During the COVID-19 pandemic, and the UK lockdown in 2020, all my face-to-face teaching was forced to online classes. Luckily, I had built up enough computer skills and music materials so that I could do this very successfully (I even ended up teaching teachers how to teach online). My weekly lessons with students at this difficult time became more than just music tuition. The sense of community, a human connection, and for some students mental wellbeing, were so much more important. As a result of this experience, I built Top Score Music Academy in 2022, so that as many people as possible could experience what it’s like to learn in an environment where it’s not just about the music.
Consequently, I believe that learning positive hobbies with positive role models is one of the most beneficial things a young person can do to improve their future.
Me on graduation day
About Us -
Our Teaching Philosophy
With this in mind, we developed a very simple teaching philosophy at Top Score Music Academy: to encourage in our students the same passion and enthusiasm for music that my parents gave me, to make our students eager to know more and become self-motivated, independent learners. For this purpose, we are constantly expanding our own knowledge and skills to adopt new ways of engaging with students, especially learning new technologies and teaching strategies to give them the best possible learning environment; one that is inclusive of everyone and where music is taught without borders.
Being devoted to our students' success in both music and in life has led to fantastic results. For example, 50% of our A-Level students and 75% of our GCSE students attain GRADES A or A* in their music qualifications, and nearly all of our theory and piano students attain merit or distinction in their exams. However, the real target is that 100% of our students have fun, make friends, learn something new, and have a real sense of accomplishment!
About Us - Our Mission!
- To give as many people as possible the opportunity to study music.
- To revolutionise how music is taught, especially using our technology-enhanced approach.
- To get more students to continue studying music, especially to progress to higher levels & grades.
- To give students the ability to achieve their 'Top Score' in exams and highest possible grades in music.
About Us - Our Teaching
I've spent years teaching music professionally and acquired significant experience working with a variety of people of different ages, abilities and backgrounds. This includes not only school children and university students, but also adult learners, in large classes and small tutorial groups, across a range of working environments.
I've been a tutor at the Ulster College of Music for many years. At UCM, I teach all units and components of the A-Level and GCSE music courses, and offer tuition in aural skills and music theory (Grades 1-8 all boards). I also introduced new classes at UCM. For example, the Advanced Music Theory class, the Music Appreciation class, and individual tuition for Irish traditional music.
I've also worked as a teaching assistant at the School of Arts, English & Languages in Queen’s University Belfast. At QUB, I helped deliver lectures and tutorials for undergraduate students in music theory and music history modules as part of their BMus and BA degrees.
If you would like to contact me with any questions, or you're looking for any advice on music learning materials, or you wish to join one of our classes, simply get in touch with me through our email info@topscoremusicacademy.com. I look forward to hearing from you!
Hardware For Online Lessons
Professional Equipment We Use:
Sony ZV E10
Shure SM7B
Beyerdynamic DT770 PRO
Yamaha P515 Keyboard
Cheaper Options We Also Use:
Logitech c922 Pro Webcam
Uhuru USB Cardioid Condenser Microphone
OneOdio Pro50 Hi-Res Over Ear Headphones
M-Audio Keystation 61 MK3 - 61-Key USB MIDI Keyboard
What Equipment Should A Student Use?
In addition, students should have a working microphone and webcam (mobile phones also work as excellent webcams when connected to a computer!). Our teachers use equipment that is the same or similar to those seen here below. The professional hardware is used by the teacher for the benefit of the student (you can see and hear the teacher more clearly). It also requires a lot of other equipment to work properly, so please don't purchase this equipment unless you know what you're doing and have the funds. The cheaper options would be considered top-tier for students, and all of them are simply plug-n-play (connect to your computer and you're ready to go).
Although students do not need to buy expensive microphones and webcams, it should be noted that bad experiences of online learning have often been the result of relying on an old computer’s in-built microphone and webcam. Consequently, this leads to poor visual and/or audio for the students. It is therefore up to the student/parent to ensure that their webcam/mobile phone and microphone is of sufficient quality for good online learning. Similarly, it is also recommended that students use headphones at all times during their lessons to get the best sound quality.
Above all, good internet access is essential! If the signal is poor, then it’s highly recommend not to use wireless, and instead connect the computer to the home router using a standard ethernet cable. This way, the signal becomes far stronger, uninterrupted, and not weakened by walls, ceilings, floors or distance from the router (obstacles that are often overlooked by students when doing online lessons).
About Us -
Our Teaching
I've spent years teaching music professionally and acquired significant experience working with a variety of people of different ages, abilities and backgrounds. This includes not only school children and university students, but also adult learners, in large classes and small tutorial groups, across a range of working environments.
I've been a tutor at the Ulster College of Music for many years. At UCM, I teach all units and components of the A-Level and GCSE music courses, and offer tuition in aural skills and music theory (Grades 1-8 all boards). I also introduced new classes at UCM. For example, the Advanced Music Theory class, the Music Appreciation class, and individual tuition for Irish traditional music.
I've also worked as a teaching assistant at the School of Arts, English & Languages in Queen’s University Belfast. At QUB, I helped deliver lectures and tutorials for undergraduate students in music theory and music history modules as part of their BMus and BA degrees.
If you would like to contact me with any questions, or you're looking for any advice on music learning materials, or you wish to join one of our classes, simply get in touch with me through our email info@topscoremusicacademy.com.
I look forward to hearing from you!
Hardware For
Online Lessons
What Equipment Should A Student Use?
In order to successfully benefit from online learning, we at Top Score Music Academy recommend that students use a proper computer (laptop/desktop) and that they have Zoom installed on their computer. As a result, tablets and phones may be too limited and cumbersome for screen sharing (so students can clearly see their teacher’s screen).
In addition, students should have a working microphone and webcam (mobile phones also work as excellent webcams when connected to a computer!). Our teachers use equipment that is the same or similar to those seen here below. The professional hardware is used by the teacher for the benefit of the student (you can see and hear the teacher more clearly). It also requires a lot of other equipment to work properly, so please don't purchase this equipment unless you know what you're doing and have the funds. The cheaper options would be considered top-tier for students, and all of them are simply plug-n-play (connect to your computer and you're ready to go).
Professional Equipment We Use:
Sony ZV E10
Shure SM7B
Beyerdynamic DT770 PRO
Yamaha P515 Keyboard
Cheaper Options We Also Use:
Although students do not need to buy expensive microphones and webcams, it should be noted that bad experiences of online learning have often been the result of relying on an old computer’s in-built microphone and webcam. Consequently, this leads to poor visual and/or audio for the students. It is therefore up to the student/parent to ensure that their webcam/mobile phone and microphone is of sufficient quality for good online learning. Similarly, it is also recommended that students use headphones at all times during their lessons to get the best sound quality.
Above all, good internet access is essential! If the signal is poor, then it’s highly recommend not to use wireless, and instead connect the computer to the home router using a standard ethernet cable. This way, the signal becomes far stronger, uninterrupted, and not weakened by walls, ceilings, floors or distance from the router (obstacles that are often overlooked by students when doing online lessons).
Logitech c922 Pro Webcam
Uhuru USB Cardioid Condenser Microphone
OneOdio Pro50 Hi-Res Over Ear Headphones
M-Audio Keystation 61 MK3 - 61-Key USB MIDI Keyboard
Online Lessons, Classes & Courses in:
✅ Piano for Classical, Rock, Pop & Blues music (graded)
✅ Irish Flute, Tin Whistle & Irish Bouzouki
✅ GCSE Music & AS/A2 Music (all areas covered!)
✅ Exam Coaching (music) / How to Revise (all subjects)
✅ Music Theory (all Grades 1-8 & exam boards)
✅ Aural Skills (all Grades 1-8 & exam boards)
✅ Music Appreciation for all music lovers!
Huge Benefits for Group Lessons:
42% Discount Compared to 1-2-1 Classes 🎁
1-2-1 Sessions worth £600 for FREE 🎁
materials worth £1000s for FREE 🎁
expert advice on books, software/hardware for FREE 🎁
Pre-Lesson set-up meeting for FREE 🎁
Trial Lesson for Instruments for FREE 🎁
GCSE & AS/A2 Summer Course for FREE 🎁
Hours of Exclusive Video Materials 🎁
Unique Learning Materials:
🎹 Onscreen Digitised Theory (with answers)
🎹 Interactive Handouts With Embedded Audio/Video
🎹 Interactive Exercises With Embedded Audio/Video
🎹 Practice & Past Papers (including model answers)
🎹 Advanced Theory & Composition MuseScore Tasks
🎹 Analysed Scores With Scrolling Audio Bars
🎹 Onscreen Keyboards & iPad Apps
🎹 Classroom Maestro & Orchestral Maestro
🎹 Compositions Enhanced by Professional Plugins
🎹 Keynote Music History Presentations
🎹 How to Revise (Exam Coaching) for any subject!
The Best Advantages to Online Tuition:
You can record all lessons and rewatch anytime 🎧
Easy-to-follow onscreen presentations 🎧
Students can easily ask questions / leave comments 🎧
Better internet access compared to school internet 🎧
Better attendance and comfort being home 🎧
Family more engaged with the student's progress 🎧
Learning to use computers is an essential skill 🎧
Better sharing of work/handouts 🎧
Fewer disruptions due to bad weather/health alerts 🎧
No travel restrictions - global access for anyone! 🎧
Saves Time - no travelling to and from classroom 🎧
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Due to their heightened senses, especially sight and hearing, owls represent wisdom. In fact, the Greek Goddess of Wisdom, Athena, was often represented by an owl. We at Top Score Music Academy wish to enhance these senses, and given that we also teach a lot of music theory, (and theory also derives from Greek meaning ‘a looking at, a viewing’), we believe that the owl is the perfect logo for our music academy.
