Brass lessons
I am Head of Instrumental Studies at Wetherby Senior School, assisting the Director of Music in effectively planning and organising the school's extra-curricular music activities. The music department holds three main showcase events per term in school, ensuring regular performance opportunities for soloists and ensembles, with dozens of other performances taking place in the local community and on tours throughout the year. Each year we also host events for wind, brass, percussion and strings, inviting other schools to attend for a fun day of rehearsals and other musical activities. I began teaching as part of Newham’s Every Child a Musician scheme and have since taught individual and group lessons for LSO Discovery, King's School Rochester and Kent Academy of Music, as well as tutoring the brass sections of the Kent County Youth Orchestra, Kent Youth Symphonic Band and Blackheath Halls Orchestra.
I teach all ages and abilities and, for interested advanced students, teach the essential skills needed for all standard doubling instruments. These include: natural trumpet, Eb/D and piccolo trumpet, in historical and modern performance styles.
I can prepare students for ABRSM, Trinity, MTB and Duke of Edinburgh Skills assessments, but am also happy for students to progress by following their own list of targets, or just playing for fun! I integrate aural and music theory elements as part of practical lessons.
I hold an enhanced DBS/CRB certificate.
Publications
Published in late-2012, the aim of Trumpet Sight-Reading is to provide a series of progressively more challenging tunes with a specific emphasis on developing the skill of sight-reading. The book is not restricted to one style or a particular standard of player, rather it is intended to present the challenges faced by trumpeters of all ages and abilities. From the beginner with only a couple of notes to their range, to the proficient player looking for new ways to challenge themselves, this book is designed to cover it all. If you are interested and would like more information please feel free to get in touch. Trumpet Sight-Reading was co-written with excellent composer John Kember, who has a host of other music books available through his website.