Gary Pike
About
I currently teach at Hardenhuish School where I also conduct a Clarinet and Saxophone Ensemble, and Sheldon School where I also conduct a Clarinet Ensemble. Lessons are additionally taught from home near Corsham.
I started playing the clarinet in 1969; joined Her Majesty’s Royal Marines School of Music in 1975 as a clarinettist and violist and after qualifying, travelled extensively, recording and performing a variety of music around the world at amazing venues; became a civilian again in 1988 and continued to teach in East Devon after gaining a LTCL Teaching Diploma; moved to North Wiltshire in 1990 and gained a first class honours degree in music at Bath Spa in 1994; and now teach clarinet and saxophone to all ages and abilities in the local area.
What I / we help young people achieve
Through patience and understanding, I endeavour to help students learn the tools needed to express themselves through music. Grades or no grades, students are encouraged to do their best, and above all to enjoy the process. Support is given through encouragement during lessons, with a focus on the development of self belief. Through my student/parent website, among other things, weekly attendance and progress can be viewed, and timetables can be viewed. Progress marks allow me to let students know how I think they are doing according to their ability. They can assess whether the time they are putting into practice is seeing the appropriate progress and how by applying various practice methods, they can save time and effort.
Opportunities for children & young people
- To learn to play an instrument and / or develop skills on an instrument
- To create / write music and / or lyrics
- To develop recording /production skills
- 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
Times
- Term Time
- After School
Taught Instruments
- Woodwind
- Music Theory
- Musical Director / Conductor
- Songwriting / Composition
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