I am an established bassoon teacher with over 20 years’ experience and have taught children as young as 7: I also teach adults. I’ve had the pleasure to see many pupils progress from being complete beginners right through to Grade 8 and beyond. My pupils have also successfully auditioned for the National Youth Orchestras of Scotland and the Junior Royal Conservatoire of Scotland.
I am a Graduate of the Guildhall School of Music (G.G.S.M.) where my teaching modules were supervised by Deirdre Dundas-Grant.
Bassoon teaching posts currently held:
Cheltenham Ladies’ College (from 2020)
Previous bassoon teaching posts held:
Redmaids’ High School, Bristol (2021-2023)
Badminton School, Bristol (2019-2023)
Pate’s Grammar School, Cheltenham 2021-2022 (ad hoc arrangement)
Cheltenham College 2020-2022
Wind tutor at the Bristol Pre-Conservatoire 2017-2018
High School of Glasgow (both Junior and Senior Schools) 2005-2016
Clifton College, Bristol 2000-01 & 2003-05 (also a wind group coach)
Clifton High School, Bristol 2003-2005
Junior King’s School, Canterbury 1988-1990
Click here for a range of testimonials from former pupils
I tend to use the Trinity exam board as I feel it offers more flexibility – but taking exams is by no means mandatory! I strongly believe that playing the bassoon should be fun!!
As a reasonable pianist I often accompany my pupils at lessons to give them a better understanding of how the piece fits together. This also enables me to prepare pupils for exam aural tests.
I am enrolled in the Enhanced DBS update scheme and I have also completed the EduCare/Musicians’ Union’s Child Protection in Education (Music) Level 2.
References are available on request.
Looking for a bassoon teacher?
I’d be delighted to hear from you if you are looking for a bassoon teacher in and around Stroud, Gloucester and Cheltenham. I occasionally also travel to Bristol.
Recently I have cut down my school teaching commitments but I am very much still teaching privately from home (near Stroud, Gloucestershire). I also offer online lessons via Zoom for more advanced pupils; I don’t recommend online lessons for beginners).
For younger players I would suggest a lesson of 30-40 minutes. For adults I recommend a 60 minute lesson.
Don’t have an instrument?
Firstly, don’t worry! Bassoons can be hired through Gloucestershire Music at a very reasonable rate.
Contact me here.
