Teaching
Subjects taught:
* Oboe (including Cor Anglais)
* Oboe Reed Making
* Theory (I am an examiner and paper setter for Trinity college theory exams and also teach ABRSM theory)
* Composition (including GCSE / A level composition portfolios)
* Audition preparation
*German (level C qualification)
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I teach at Abingdon school and Headington school, 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 both ABRSM and Trinity boards.
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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.
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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 book is available to purchase from the reed shop.
*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.
*DBS approved.
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): £120
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Testimonials
JL
Date: September 2024
Maddy is not only a talented player and composer but a fantastic teacher. She has the ability to work through the musical difficulties and anxieties of her pupils, regardless of their age or ability. A skilled communicator, clear and precise, her patience seems endless. Lessons are relaxed and enjoyable, although always working towards better understanding and improvement. A gem.
Anthea
Date: January 2016
Maddy started to teach my son oboe nearly 2 years ago when he had just done his Grade 5 and was aged 12. I sat in on the first couple of lessons, and as a musician myself, was really impressed with her own oboe playing ability, her enthusiasm which was obviously then reflected in my son and also her way of explaining the music theory behind the pieces too. My son has since taken his Grade 6 and is now working towards his Grade 8. She also encourages him to take part in Orchestras and other concerts. I believe she would be a great teacher for any oboe level and is patient but firm when needed! I would recommend her to anyone.
Liz
Date: January 2016
We found Maddy via the musicteachers.co.uk website and have been thrilled with the choice that we made. From the very first lesson it was obvious that my daughter was going to get on well with Maddy. She has helped my daughter to increase her confidence and enthusiasm for playing. Before we switched over to Maddy my daughter had been considering giving up playing the oboe because she had not been getting on with her previous teacher. She is now so glad that she didn’t stop because Maddy has helped her to remember why she loves playing. In the initial lesson, Maddy listened carefully to what we said about what my daughter finds easy and difficult about learning an instrument and playing music in general. She also listened carefully to how she played and started to give advice on breathing techniques. Most importantly she gave lots of praise for what was already being achieved. After each lesson my daughter comes out enthused and she is once again enjoying doing her practice at home. This is because she is being taught how to get the best out of her oboe and her over-all playing. My daughter has always found musical timing difficult to master and Maddy knows this, so she teaches her techniques to help her to get it right. Also, if a standard fingering for a note does not give the correct tone on her oboe then Maddy works with my daughter to find an alternative which does work. She has also chosen pieces for my daughter to learn which she enjoys playing and obviously this makes the whole experience much more pleasurable. We have also been very encouraged by reports from the leaders of the orchestras that my daughter is in. They have reported that her confidence and playing has improved significantly since she started her lessons with Maddy. It is obvious that Maddy enjoys teaching and working with students, helping them to achieve the best standard that they can. We are very pleased that we chose Maddy Aldis-Evans and would highly recommend her to others. Liz Hobbs
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Peggy
Date: April 2016
Thank you so much for teaching Jeffrey with great patience. His oboe skills have been honed under your inspiring teaching. He said you are the best oboe teacher he has ever encountered. he will miss you after the lessons finish.