BMus (Hons.) Royal Northern College of Music, Manchester
Post Graduate study, Royal College of Music, London
CRB Enhanced Disclosure
Junior Fellow in the Royal College of Music, London and member of the Musician's Union
References are available upon request

Subjects

Interview

Which subject(s) do you teach?
I teach the Trumpet, Cornet, Tenor Horn and Euphonium from beginner to Grade 8 level. I work on general performance skills, musicianship and theory in these lessons.

I also specialise in performance on the natural or baroque trumpet and teach this instrument to interested players. I can also introduce students to the cornetto, a rare instrument that falls between a recorder and trumpet.

Tell me about your qualifications.
I have played the trumpet since the age of 9 and the cello since the age of 6.

I completed an undergraduate degree in performance on the trumpet (BMus (Hons.)) between 2004 and 2008 at the Royal Northern College of Music, Manchester. My post-graduate training was at the Royal College of Music, where I am now working as a Junior Fellow.

What kind of experience do you have?
I started teaching following a lot of experience with education and outreach performance work. This included teaching how brass instruments work, teaching rhythmic and notation skills in workshops and generally getting young people to enjoy and be enthusiastic about music. In my final year of undergraduate study, I worked in the Royal Northern College of Music, where I had a position in their Community Outreach department assisting with education projects. I am still actively involved in teaching music through workshops and use workshop-style skills throughout my instrumental teaching.

I have taught trumpet, cornet and tenor horn privately since 2006 and been involved in tutoring in brass ensemble playing since 2004. I also have experience teaching period natural trumpets in workshops and individual lessons.

How much do you charge?
I charge £30 for an hour-long lesson and £20 for a 30-minute lesson. If I have to travel out of Zone 2, I may a small additional travel fee.

Where do you teach?
I work in South Kensington and live in Islington, so from those two locations I can travel to quite a lot of London. I will teach at my house before 6PM but regularly travel to students' addresses.

I live beside Canonbury Overground Station and 15 minutes walk (a short bus ride) from Highbury and Islington Station (Victoria Line). Also, Essex Road and Angel Stations are within 10 minutes on the number 73 bus. My work is close to South Kensington, Gloucester Road and High Street Kensington Stations.

When are you available?
I can teach on Mondays, Fridays or at the weekend but also have varying availability through the rest of the week.

I am a freelance musician with performance commitments, so I do require some flexibility with schedule. If I am not available for a regular slot, I will work around my schedule to maintain regular lessons.

Which ages and levels do you teach?
I teach up to and beyone Grade 8, from complete beginners. I feel that due to the physical nature of brass instruments that students below the age of 7 are too young to support and blow the instrument. I generally start students on the cornet or pocket trumpet as they are easier to hold. I can recommend instruments appropriate for all levels of playing and also tutor books and repertoire from popular music to jazz and classical playing.

Do you have a CRB (Criminal Records Bureau) disclosure certificate?
I have an Enhanced Disclosure CRB check from the Royal Northern College of Music (from my studies there). I am currently updating to a London CRB (being processed).

Describe your arrangements for online tutoring.
I can teach via Skype video/audio and I also provide a number of my own exercised/studies which I can print or email to students.

Do you belong to any professional organisations?
I am currently a Junior Fellow at the Royal College of Music in London, specialising in period performance on the trumpet. I am also a full Musician's Union member.

I regularly perform with a range of professional orchestras and ensembles in the UK and Europe. I have performed with RTÉ Concert Orchestra, Manchester Camerata, Irish Baroque Orchestra,Clonter Opera, Chisinau National Opera, Göttinger Baroque Orchestra and Orchestra of the Age of Enlightenment.

I also have rehearsal/scheme experience (educational) with the London Symphony Orchestra, BBC Symphony Orchestra, Royal Philharmonic Orchestra, Orchestra of the Age of Enlightenment, and London Sinfonietta,

Where and with whom did you train?
As a teenager I studied with Paul Beniston (Principal Trumpet with the London Philharmonic Orchestra). From 18-22, I studied with John Miller, Jamie Prophet and David Staff at the Royal Northern College of Music. Since then, I have studied with Alistair Mackie, Michael Laird and Ian Balmain at the Royal College of Music. These are some of the finest professional trumpet players in the UK and are all excellent teachers. I have also received masterclasses from the world-renowned Håkan Hardenberger.

Tell me about some of your current students.
I have a range of students across London, some of whom play purely for enjoyment and do not wish to take exams, others who are working on exam repertoire.

I also teach some older students (18+) the natural or baroque trumpet (no valves!) and teach beginner players on the cornetto (something between a recorder and trumpet).

Do you have a personal message for students?
Playing music should be fun, rewarding and educational. The life skills that you learn as a musician can help you in every part of your life - but for me music is about enjoying sound, making sound for myself and for other people to enjoy!

Articles

The History of the Trumpet!
Subject: Trumpet
Topic: did you know?
Created: 09/11/2009