About

Like many people, my introduction to music was learning the recorder at primary school. I went on to learn flute at secondary school and quickly switched to the saxophone which I feel in love with instantly. This passion did not stop and led me to the Royal Welsh College of Music and Drama, where I earned by BA degree, specialising in classical saxophone. Here I gained a lot of experience playing in ensembles, orchestras, big bands and sax quartets, including recording sessions at the BBC in Cardiff.

Since graduating 20 years ago, I have been teaching saxophone, flute, clarinet, recorder and music theory throughout Wiltshire & Somerset schools.

I run wind ensembles schools and am particularly pleased with a saxophone ensemble in Bath, which has reached a very high standard and they are now playing for concerts outside school. Having played in ensembles from the age of 13 until now, I can’t stress to my students enough how important (and fun!) ensemble playing is, both to musical ability and personal development. Making music with others is incredibly valuable and rewarding.

I play regularly with the GBH big band as well as numerous musicals throughout the South West. I enjoy the challenges which musicals present, not only do I have to switch instruments, but you have to remain alert as no two performances are the same.

In November 2018 I began conducting the West Wiltshire Intermediate Wind Band at the Wiltshire Music Centre, which is the band I first started playing with!

 

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What I / we help young people achieve

I have a good relationships with my students, schools and parents and enjoy sharing my knowledge of instrumental playing and the enjoyment this brings. I can tailor my lessons for each individual successfully. Some students suit the examination process, whilst others do not at all. I have to be flexible and understanding of my students requirements.

My students achieve secure marks in instrumental exams (with ABRSM and Trinity). Preparation for exams requires discipline and perseverance, it's not easy to take an exam, so once the effort has been applied, the end result always creates a huge sense of achievement and boosts confidence.

I encourage all my students to get in involved in ensemble playing, both in and outside of school. It's a very sociable activity and is huge fun, which in turn, promotes happiness. The hard work involved in concert preparation requires team work, on quite a large scale. The end results are very rewarding; when you can see happy faces in the audience and hear their applause, it is hugely gratifying.

I think music provides a healthy distraction from todays ever increasing 'screen' and social media culture. I see music students much more easily able to communicate verbally, as well as musically and this also builds their confidence.

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Opportunities for children & young people

• To learn to play an instrument and / or develop skills on an instrument
• To learn to sing
• To play, perform music with others
• To learn things about oneself , other subjects or life-skills through musical activity
• To work with and support other young musicians
• To develop their wellbeing

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Also Works With

Salisbury Area Music Cooperative

Wiltshire Young Musicians

 

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Times

• Term Time

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Working with special needs

I have had experience working with children with autism, dyslexia, ADHD and asperger’s and find music an invaluable asset to their lives. Seeing children grow and benefit from the discipline playing an instrument commands, is extremely gratifying. Understanding their different needs and adjusting my teaching style to suit them is a welcome challenge.

It is particularly rewarding to see students develop from shy and nervous in lessons, to proud and confident in school performances.

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