Simon Parker
About
I am a specialist clarinet and woodwind teacher. My current teaching covers a variety of schools in Wiltshire and Berkshire where I mainly teach clarinet and saxophone from beginners to post-Grade 8, as well as a growing teaching practice in Calne for both children and adults. I have a healthy interest in coaching ensembles and am currently directing clarinet and saxophone groups, a big band, junior wind band and ensembles for GCSE performance. Previously I have taught clarinet, saxophone and flute in a variety of schools, and general woodwind to groups and individuals for music services across the UK.
I firmly believe every pupil has a personal capacity for learning based on his or her individual experiences, knowledge and interests. Within my teaching, I harness this with a pupil-centred approach which involves gentle encouragement alongside the setting of achievable goals and challenges, whilst catering for their individual needs and strengths. In using a wide variety of music, sometimes enhanced with the use of music technology, and where possible linked to other aspects of their musical curriculum, I find repertoire that sparks interest, imagination and enthusiasm, whilst developing traditional skills and knowledge.
I have a fairly unique set of qualifications. Whist at the London College of Music I gained both the Associate and Licentiate Diplomas in Clarinet Performance (ALCM and LLCM). In 1991 I passed the Certificate of Teaching from the Associated Board (CT ABRSM) under the mentorship the Clarinettist Angela Fussell, and in 2011 completed a Master’s Degree in Instrumental Teaching (MA) at the University of Reading. Following on from this I am now mid-way through researching towards a Doctorate of Education (EdD) at the Institute of Education, London, under the supervision of Dr Andrea Creech.
Opportunities for children & young people
- To learn to play an instrument and / or develop skills on an instrument
- To play, perform music with others
- To work with and support other young musicians
Times
- Term Time
- After School
- Weekends
- School Holidays
Taught Instruments
- Woodwind
Ages Taught
- 7-10
- 11-13
- 14-15
- 16+
Level Taught
- Beginners
- Intermediate
- Advanced
- Tasters
Qualifications, Grades & Certificates Taught
- Instrument grades
- Duke of Edinburgh Award
Musical Clusters Covered
- Chippenham
- Calne & Melksham
- Marlborough & Pewsey
- Devizes