Learning an instrument is a lot like learning a spoken language; to speak fluently we must listen and imitate, as well as read and write. As wind players, we also have to learn to breathe properly in order to power our instruments. For this reason, we don’t just teach the notes of the instrument, we give our students the skills to become a fluent, well-rounded and confident musician.
PLAY WHAT YOU WANT
If you can’t play what you enjoy, then what’s the point in learning? No one wants to spend their time learning pages of tedious exercises and endless scales.
DUETS & BACKING TRACKS
Play duets with your teacher or along to backing tracks, which can be slowed down to manageable speeds. If you can’t find a backing track to a particular tune, we can create one for you!
READ THE DOTS
Learn to read notated music, chord sheets and play any music correctly at first sight. Reading is the foundation to understanding music, even if your goal is to play predominantly by ear.
PLAY ALL GENRES & STYLES
Learn to play the stylistic traits and techniques (and gimmicks) associated with specific genres; from jazz to classical to pop, and beyond.
TONE & BREATHING
Learn to breathe from your core to project your sound and get a killer tone. Enhance the sound of your instrument with adjustments to technique and embouchure, and advice on personalising your gear.
IMPROVISE & JAM
Learn how to read from chords and develop your own improvised solos so that you can comfortably blag it at the next blues jam.
LEARN HOW MUSIC WORKS
You don’t need a degree in quantum physics to understand how and why music works the way it does. You will learn about the elements of music, as and when it is relevant during lessons.
USE YOUR EARS
Train your ears to build the bridge between your mind, your fingers and your instrument. Quickly work out what notes will work over any tune. Learn how to transcribe your favourite tunes or solos and write them down.
NERVES OF STEEL
Use relaxation and breathing techniques to control the physical effects of nerves and master public performances. Build self-confidence by playing with other people in bands.
PRACTICE MAKES PERFECT
As a student you will want to practice between lessons to ensure you are progressing towards your goals. Life can get busy so we will help you establish a practice routine to fit your lifestyle.
MEASURE PROGRESS & SET GOALS
Establishing clear and realistic goals can provide structure in the vastness of music. Record the pieces you have been working on with our mobile recording studio so that you can hear your progress and share your achievements with family and friends. You could also enter a graded exam or aim to play a song at an open mic night.
Sing Your Praises
Learning to play saxophone was a “retirement project” and something I had wanted to do for years. I have found Robert’s flexible teaching approach coupled with academic rigour to be really very helpful; he is always encouraging and patient, even when I am making mistakes. He also explains things clearly, which is essential. I have discovered a new world in jazz saxophone, and I am making progress in this new adventure.
I started to learn the saxophone with Rob about 4 years ago, you could say I was a bit of a late starter (well into my seventies), but I have really found Rob’s teaching great. He is very patient (I am a slow learner) but he is full of praise for my efforts and moves me along to new music quickly. I recommend Rob as a music teacher to everyone who wants to learn an instrument.
Awesome teacher…… He tailors lessons to suit you which makes learning so much easier! He’s a really knowledgeable teacher, and he can put up with me which is a challenge in its self!!!!
Rob is a superb teacher and tailored my lessons specifically to help me achieve my goals. He also offered a wealth of really helpful advice on how to get through my first performance. He is really perceptive to how his students learn best and supports that with many different methods to help with learning the basics all the way up to more advanced techniques.
How it works
Students enrol for a weekly 30 minute lesson at a regular time. For more experienced players we recommend 1 hour lessons. We can sometimes offer flexible lessons to accommodate students who work shifts.
Lessons typically continue throughout the school holidays as we don’t believe learning an instrument should be a part-time venture (unless you have lessons at school), but you can simply notify your teacher in advance to book time off. We only teach on week days as our teachers are usually performing at events or leading our bands at the weekend.
If you are temporarily spending time away from home or live in another part of the world we can arrange lessons via Skype. Lessons can be gifted for friends & family for special occasions, contact us for more info.