John Sandford
About
I am a Classroom Music Practitioner and Choral Music Director with over 30 years experience running children’s and adult choirs. I hold a Certificate of Teaching from the Royal School of Music specialising in voice training and work with individuals and groups to improve their singing technique and vocal health.
I am a Grade 8 standard keyboard/piano player who works with private students studying for exams or students who wish to learn new genres of music without the pressure of formal examinations.
I also have over 10 years experience running children’s music and drama workshops specialising in percussion activities, songs from around the world (particularly African call and response) and providing suitable music for dance dramas. I therefore have a wealth of resources to draw on to help schools who want to use music for a whole class or whole school project.
I have been Musical Director for school shows at primary and secondary level and can bring sound advice and vast expertise to any school that needs help with forthcoming school productions.
What I / we help young people achieve
Parents have commented on how their children have grown, not just as musicians, but as confident young adults. I never give up on my students and show empathy and a passion for my art.
I help run the Bath Junior Folk Band and would welcome the opportunity to work with schools who have an interest in providing folk music making opportunities for their students.
Opportunities for children & young people
- To learn to play an instrument and / or develop skills on an instrument
- To learn to sing
- 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
Also Works With
Choral Music Director and member of the Association of British Choral Directors (ABCD)
Times
- Term Time
- School Holidays
- Project based
- Drop in
Taught Instruments
- Ukulele
- Singing / Voice
- Piano / Keyboard
- Curriculum Music (Primary)
- Curriculum Music (Secondary)
- Music Theory
- Musical Director / Conductor
- Songwriting / Composition
- Digital Music
- Music Production
- Folk / Traditional
Ages Taught
- 7-10
- 11-13
- 14-15
- 16+
Level Taught
- Beginners
- Intermediate
- Advanced
Qualifications, Grades & Certificates Taught
- Instrument grades
- Rockschool
- Arts Award
Musical Clusters Covered
- Chippenham
- B-on-A / Corsham
- Trowbridge (CSL)
Endorsements
John Sandford
I have been fortunate to work with John Sandford over the past few years – firstly as a fellow singer and secondly as the conductor of a semi-professional choir.
John is one of the most engaging conductors I’ve come across. He has a wealth of knowledge on his subject and imparts this in a way that is both fun and informative, thereby ensuring it stays locked in.
John is highly motivated and has enthusiasm in abundance. He is encouraging and really knows what makes for a good concert in terms of repertoire.
I very much hope I have the opportunity to work with him again in the future.
Susan Fleet (Lea Graham Associates)
My Training & Development
Certificate of Teaching with ABRSM
Degree in Humanities with Music
Dip Mus