I'm a saxophonist, composer and band-leader and graduated from Leeds College of Music in 2010 with First Class Honours, also receiving the Sam Hood Rosebowl for Outstanding Performance. I went on to work with many of my former tutors, appearing in bands led by Jamil Sheriff, Mark Donlon and Jamie Taylor, and released my debut album with my band Wild Flower Sextet in 2015 alongside a national tour, with Selwyn Harris of Jazzwise describing it as, “their own unique stamp on Shorter’s very personal repertoire… of a quality that resonates with its inspirational source… Enjoyably un-pretentious.” This year, I re-located from Leeds to London to study for a Masters in Performance at the Royal Academy of Music.
Alongside my performance work, I've also built up a lot of experience in teaching music. I've taught many private students of different ages and abilities, with some taking ABRSM classical and jazz grades and achieving high results and others going on to study further at leading UK conservatoires. I've also taught at Leeds College of Music between 2012 and 2015, teaching classes on the Further Education course and also running a module in the History of Jazz on the degree course, as well as providing paternity cover for one-on-one saxophone lessons in 2013. Finally, I was heavily involved in community music in Leeds, running weekly workshops in jazz improvisation for adult learners at the HEART community centre for five years as well as organising amateur jam sessions for the participants.
I have a very flexible approach to teaching which is based entirely on the student's needs. I don't have a set 'method' for teaching as I believe every student is different, although I do make sure we work towards general goals including technique (sound production, embouchure, scales), rhythm/time-feel and aural skills. I try and cater the lessons to the student's taste in music and make sure we're working on material that the student finds fun, engaging and relevant.
Languages | English (British), French |
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Availability | Weekends, Weekdays (evenings) |
References Available | On File |
Leeds College of Music | 2010 | Bachelors | BA (Hons) Jazz (First Class Honours) | |
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Royal Academy of Music | 2017 | Masters | MA Performance |
Music | |
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Primary | £30 |
Secondary | £30 |
GCSE | £30 |
A-Level | £30 |
University | £30 |
Casual Learner | £30 |