Information About Bryony - Rochester teacher

Personal Description:

I have been a musician for most of my life, starting my musical studies on the piano at age six. Performing in concerts and competitive music festivals was very much a part of my early life and this expanded into orchestral and chamber music performance after I took up the oboe at twelve. For seventeen years I was a member of Harlequin wind quintet with whom I performed regularly at the South Bank Centre, for music societies, schools and universities, on radio 4, 3 and Classic FM. I still play in my local area in orchestras and chamber ensembles and also as a soloist. I am married and have two children.

Tutoring Experience:

I began teaching the piano and oboe before I left school and have been doing so privately and in schools ever since, helping my pupils through their practical and theory grade examinations, GCSE and A level performances and auditions. In addition to teaching one to one, I was the woodwind tutor for Goldsmith’s Youth Orchestra from 1985 to 1987 where I ran a section of 25 young players and conducted the orchestra’s concert band, and am currently the woodwind tutor for Medway Youth Orchestra.

Tutoring Approach:

I aim to help my students establish a sound technique, good general musicianship and an understanding of how music is constructed, as well as some insight into the history and development of music. I encourage them to listen to a wide range of compositional types and to experiment with their own musical ideas. I am keen for them to take part in music making with their peers either at school or in the local bands, orchestras and choirs. Singing is also an important ingredient in musical training and it’s fun!