I have been playing the Clarinet and Saxophone for over 10 years now and being a teacher is something I have always wanted to do. I started teaching formally in May 2008, but I was helping out people I know before hand, when getting ready for exams or just helping when they were struggling.
Within 5 years of starting the clarinet I had done my grade 7. I was a member of Oxfordshire Central music school for around 4/5 years, in which time I was asked to tour with Oxfordshire Senior Schools Orchestra, where I had a great time playing around Germany, Belgium and Holland. I was also in reserves for Oxfordshire County Youth Orchestra. Playing in these orchestras gave me a love of Classical music which as a teenager I never thought would happen.
I started learning the Saxophone at the age of 10 and successfully passed my Grade 8 with Merit in 2006. I play and teach both Tenor and Alto Saxophone. Jazz is something I love. Music is something that has helped me a lot with gaining confidence and self-esteem. I think that now it is my turn to give that to someone else. I have a motto when it comes to teaching and that is:If you are going to teach do it right or don’t teach at all.
As a student I had teachers that let me down, didn’t turn up, one even sent me to an exam without even teaching me what I had to do! If this has happened to you or to someone you know I am sorry, but know that not all teachers are like this. I was lucky I found two teachers who helped and taught me brilliantly.
How I Teach
It is important that each student is taught individually to suit them and I adapt to each one and make sure I teach them in a way they understand. I am patient, kind and I make sure we have FUN!However I do expect my students to practice; of course there are going to be times when this is not possible but in that case there are other things that can be done without the instrument to improve technique and understanding.I want to teach anyone who is willing to learn. I teach anyone from any age and of any standard from complete beginner to advance.
Peace of Mind
I have been CRB Checked. If you do not know what that means, it is a certificate done by the Criminal Record Bureau to make sure that I have no criminal record, and am safe to work with Children. All Teachers should have this check.If I am teaching students under 18 I like to meet the parents and talk to them on the first lesson also, as there is obviously things that I need to go over and 4 ears are always better than 2!
