Where do lessons take place?

Although lessons usually take place in person at my home to the west of Bradford, they can also take place online. Home visits can sometimes be arranged, depending on time and location.​

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What experience do you have as a musician and teacher?

I have enjoyed playing the trumpet/cornet almost every day since I was 7 years old. Having worked in music education for over 30 years, and having played alongside professional and amateur musicians all my life, I have a great deal of experience! My work as an ABRSM examiner has given me a particularly good view as to what it takes to achieve high levels of musical expertise.

 

What age should a child start learning a brass instrument?

Ideally, when the second teeth are though. This will vary according to each child, but as a general rule, this will be around 8 years old. As for adults, there is no age limit!

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Do you teach adults?
Yes! You are never too old to start playing, or to pick up from where you left off. Did you play in a brass band when you were younger, or have you recently started playing again and would like to brush up on your technique and music reading? Would you like to learn to play duets? Learning a musical instrument can bring incredible rewards and satisfaction.

 

How much practice should I do?

Practising for a short time every single day will do much more for your technique and understanding than practising for marathon sessions one or twice a week. Your enjoyment of playing will also increase in tandem with your ability. The quality of practice, however, is far more important than the quantity, and a feature of my lessons is to teach students how to practise. If you can practise every day and structure your practice intelligently, impressive progress can be made rapidly.

 

How long are the lessons?

I normally recommend 30 minute lessons for beginners and 45 minutes to hour long lessons for intermediate and more advanced players. Lessons can take place weekly, or fortnightly.

 

What styles of music do you teach?

I teach students how to read music so that, ultimately, they can play any style of music they choose. A broad range of styles develops different aspects of technique as well as maintaining interest in music generally. I encourage students to play with rhythmic confidence and musicality.

 

How do you teach?

I always encourage students to warm-up in order to develop flexibility, strength and tone quality. A student's musical preferences are respected and incorporated into the lessons - they are much more likely to practise music that truly inspires them - there is an abundance of quality repertoire available to play. I use my instrument to model good practice in every lesson and we will play duets as soon as a student is ready to do so.

 

Do you accompany your students at the piano?

Yes! Performing with an accompanist on a regular basis will be a huge benefit to your development as a musician.

 

Do you encourage your students to play in bands and ensembles?

Absolutely! There is nothing better than making music with like-minded people. The benefits musically are second to none and the social side can be amazing - you can make friends for life.

 

Do you enter students for exams?

Yes, but only if and when a student is willing and ready to take them. They can be a really useful learning tool, and a way of setting goals and measuring progress. For those wishing to take exams, I teach ABRSM and Trinity exam syllabuses from Prep Test up to Grade 8 and Diploma level - both traditional live exams and the new recorded performance exams.

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Do you have a DBS certificate?

Yes - I have a current, enhanced DBS certificate.

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How much do lessons cost?
Prices are available on request.