I am an established bassoon teacher with over 25 years’ experience and have taught children as young as 7. I also regularly teach adults who are complete beginners, ‘returners’ seeking to brush up on their former playing skills, or those who are looking to improve their playing. 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.
I have taught in numerous schools over the years, but now concentrate solely on private teaching from home in Nailsworth, near Stroud.
Previous bassoon teaching posts held:
Cheltenham Ladies’ College (2020-2025)
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.
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! I teach 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.