Why is this so important?
The research is clear; playing a musical instrument improves outcomes in Maths and Languages, as well as communication and organisational skills. It leads to improved self confidence and a sense of personal achievement in all students and as such is recognised by schools and university admissions boards as a good indicator of attainment, endeavour, hard work and determination.
I live near Bristol with my wife and children who range in age from 5 to nearly 20.
As well as being a busy musician and teacher, I love the outdoors [whenever we can get out] gardening, watching films and cooking - my Paella is supposed to be pretty good, or at least my kids think so!
Family life here is busy and challenging as it is for all parents, but even though they sometime drive us mad I wouldn’t change being a dad for anything!
After graduating from London University, Goldsmiths’ College, I went on to post-graduate study at Trinity College in London. After that I did advanced study with Jose Maria Barcon in Barcelona and subsequently with Michael Winfield and Christine Pendrill back in the UK.
Since my early twenties I have worked as a professional orchestral musician and instrumental coach. I have considerable experience of recording work, theatre and touring engagements, in the UK and across Europe and have lead my own professional ensembles with appearances on radio and TV. I have worked with many of the London orchestras as well as the Porto Chamber orchestra and other European ensembles.
For many years I was a music examiner and adjudicator both in the UK and abroad and have relished the ability to pass on my knowledge and enthusiasm with a sense of performance and dynamism. I have also trained colleagues and service providers in delivering exam provision and improving outcomes and equity in music assessment.
Whilst humour and an obvious love of music has to be at the heart of all that I do, I am also a highly organised and articulate teacher, who is passionate about enabling pupils to have music as a core life experience. I use my knowledge and experience on a daily basis to support and encourage my students with their learning.
As an accomplished teacher in some of the UK’s most demanding and world-renowned schools, I have successfully prepared numerous students for scholarships and examinations.
Whilst many of my pupils have been of exceptional ability, many have presented with a variety of significant educational needs and I am incredibly proud of the fact that I have helped pupils of all ages, from 8 to 80 and from beginner to diploma standard, to reach their goals no matter what their background or advantages in life.
I have a strong commitment to inclusivity and using music to engage with wider social groups. Having been fortunate to work in so many prestigious environments, I have always been keen to take that experience to a wider student base and as such have worked at various local primary and junior schools with children from some of the most deprived areas of Bristol and further afield.
Having an outward facing character and enjoying listening to pupils as they learn, allows me to motivate students and create opportunities for them to flourish, whilst emphasising the important role that ‘one on one’ music lessons can play in terms of developing a student’s ability to communicate in all situations.
I have attended regular safeguarding training over many years and as such I am fully DBS certified.