About

In 2008 I started working for the Surrey Music Service. I taught clarinet, sax and flute to individuals and groups of all sizes in several schools.

At this time I became involved in the Government ‘Wider Opportunities’ scheme. This involved teaching clarinet, recorder and sometimes trumpet, to whole classes of Key Stage 2 children. As well as teaching instrumental technique, I also became familiar with the Key Stage 2 Curriculum and incorporated this into my lessons as much as possible.

In 2013 I moved back to the West Country and began working for the Wiltshire Music Service. Since then I have continued to offer small and large group tuition as well as whole class instrumental/curriculum lessons at schools around the County.

I currently teach in 6 schools in North Wiltshire.

Over the years I have been a conductor/tutor for several ensembles. These range from flute and clarinet choirs, to local bands and County ensembles.

For several years I was an instructor in the Air Training Corps with a particular interest in Cadet marching bands. I have held the Bandmaster position for Squadron, Wing, Region and National ensembles. During my time with the National Marching Band, they have performed several high profile events such as:

The Royal International Air Tattoo
Birmingham Military Tattoo
Disneyland Paris
Rugby Matches at Twickenham
London Parades.

In September 2015 I became the Music Coordinator for Keevil Primary School. I work with each class from Reception to Year 6 as well as running a choir, band, recorder ensemble and assisting with all school plays and productions. In 2016 the choir performed at the Trowbridge music festival.

In April 2020, during the Covid-19 lockdown, I began teaching my pupils online via Zoom. I find this to be a very good alternative to face to face teaching. As soon as schools allow visiting teachers back onto their premesis I will be returning to teach my students in person. When this happens I will still be offering online lessons to new students that might find this method more convenient.

Qualifications:
I studied at the Royal Welsh College of Music and Drama, 2003-2008.
BMus(Hons) in clarinet performance
PGDip in clarinet/bass clarinet performance
DipABRSM in clarinet principles of instrumental teaching
Grade 8 clarinet
Grade 8 flute
Grade 5 Piano
Grade 5 voice
Grade 5 theory

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What I / we help young people achieve

I am a vibrant teacher who is committed to providing the best musical education to children and adult learners. I am particularly interested in 'grass roots learning' and really enjoy introducing whole classes of children to the world of music.

I have had particular success at Keevil Primary School. After my first year teaching clarinet to the year 3/4 class, 10 children signed up to continue learning a woodwind instrument. After the second year, I had a further 9 applications. My aim is to increase the number of pupils learning an instrument at Primary School, which will in turn increase the numbers of pupils at Secondary School.

I believe graded music exams are a great way to show progress. I use both Trinity and ABRSM exam boards depending on the strengths of the pupil. I understand however, that some children do not respond well to this exam system. In these cases I work with the pupil to find alternative ways to measure progress.

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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

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Times

• Term Time
• After School
• School Holidays

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