Information About Sue - Southwark teacher

Personal Description:

Saxophone, clarinet and composition.
Has performed as a professional musician, since 1996 and currently performs in London with a profile Sudanese Psychedelic Funk band, in a jazz trio performing jazz standards and as part of the experimental music world in London, performing at Cafe Oto, The Jazz Cafe, The ICA, The Vortex and Iklectik Art Lab. She has played internationally in many festivals, including Womad, Tusk Festival, The Guess Who Festival (Utrecht) and Montreal Jazz Festival. Was a resident performer at the Millennium Dome and has played in rock bands (The Cambodian Space Project), Jazz and funk bands and in more experimental /modern classical contexts. Has run own ensembles, including a Charles Mingus tribute band, an experimental ensemble featuring horns and electronics and also co-runs an experimental music club in London.

Tutoring Experience:

Has been teaching one to one lessons since 1996, entering pupils for ABRSM graded exams, encouraging them to play in ensembles and perform. Since 2004, has taught at a Junior School in Central London, teaching for ensembles of wind instruments and the school orchestra. Arranges for ensembles and individual performances, both in the jazz and pop styles. From 1999-2018 taught at a Saturday music school in Central London, teaching one to one, clarinet and saxophone. Has also run saxophone workshops at the Royal Festival Hall, schools and universities. In 2018, awarded an Arts Council Grant to work on improvisation with students in Leeds and London. Teaches exam level entries in jazz and classical styles.

Tutoring Approach:

Teaches to suit pupils, whether it's classical, jazz or popular music. Through own experience of performing on stage and rehearsing, understands the need to choose material which a student really enjoys playing. Therefore, sources material to suit the pupil.
Encourages students to be aware of breathing and good physical techniques and how this relates to a personal sound. Works on good technique, aural training, sight reading and improvisation and utilises backing tracks to help practice sessions. Helps pupils understand the benefits of regular practice in order to feel a sense of achievement. Arranges performance situations for pupils and encourage them to find playing situations, or enter for an exam.