Pedagogy
The Oboist Clinic
The Oboist Clinic
* Oboe (including Cor Anglais) consultation lessons
* Oboe Reed Making (clickable link to page)
* Audition / Performance Preparation
* Navigating the Music Profession as a Neurodiverse person (clickable link to page)
My extensive experience as an orchestral musician, chamber music oboist and soloist means I have a unique over-arching insight into life as a professional musician, both full-time in an orchestra and as a free-lance musician. I have sat in every chair (principal, second, Cor Anglais) in every type of orchestra (Symphony, chamber, opera, ballet, music theatre) and have toured as a concert soloist.
I have learnt how difficult it is as someone on the Autistic Spectrum to cope with the demands of Orchestral Trials in the UK. I can help with performance anxiety, feeling overwhelmed and advise how to navigate the social side of a Trial.
My deep analysis of technique as an oboist means I can identify areas of technique that need to be developed and have proven strategies for improving technique. In just one consultation lesson, I could set you on a path to a more solid and secure technique.
Pricing:
3 hour consultation £150
Follow up session £45 per hour
for professional oboists wanting advice
Oboe, theory, musicianship lessons
for everyone
Music Lessons
* Oboe (including Cor Anglais)
* Oboe Reed Making
* Music Theory (Theory examiner and paper setter for Trinity College London)
* Composition (including GCSE / A level composition portfolios)
* General Musicianship
Teaching experience
I teach in a number of Oxfordshire private schools, in both the junior and senior departments. I have built up the numbers of oboists in both schools and certainly the oboe is not an endangered instrument in these schools!
I also teach privately from home. With over 25 years of experience as a teacher I can combine my experience as a performer with my teaching experience to offer every student an individual, tailored experience.
I teach from beginners right through to giving consultations to professional players and everything in between. Students can choose whether to take exams or not and I use MTB, ABRSM and Trinity boards.
Why have private lessons?
It used to be the case that mostly adults came for private lessons. Although I teach in schools, an increasing number of parents are opting for private music lessons for their children and there are a number of advantages -
- More cost effective. An hour lesson costs on average less than a 40 minute lesson in school.
- More flexible. We all have busy lives and although it is possible to book a weekly slot at the same time each week, there is more flexibility with private lessons when life gets in the way!
- Facilities. I have my complete music library, reed adjusting kit and everything that I need to teach at hand. I try to have as much as possible in school, but always seem to need the one thing I don't have!
- Parental support. Some pupils come alone for their lesson whilst parents enjoy some quiet car time or go to the village cafe. Parents are also welcome to sit in lessons meaning they can support their child better at home.
Mindful Practise
Mindful Practise and a secure technique are my aims from day one with every pupil and I also integrate all areas of playing - from music theory, rhythmic awareness, instrumental technique, mental preparation, improvisation and musical interpretation. Advanced students are given the opportunity to learn to adjust or make their own reeds.
I have developed my own beginner's tutor book, and whilst I don't use this exhaustively, I do use it with all my beginners. As a composer, I am always writing new pieces for pupils, both solo and ensemble. My tutor books are available to purchase from the reed shop. There are three volumes, each with a clear learning roadmap and end of book test and certificate.
* Lessons from my studio in Lower Heyford (5 minute walk from Heyford train station), or for one-off consultations I will come to your home, at an extra charge. Theory lessons and one-off advanced oboe consultations can be made online.
* Current DBS certificate.
* Safe-guarding training regularly refreshed through OSCP (Oxfordshire Safe-guarding Children Partnership).
Pricing:
£22.50 for 1/2 hour / £45.00 for 1 hour (up to Grade 8)
£50 1 hour (Post grade 8)
Professional Consultation (up to 3 hours): £150