Information About Ian - Harrow teacher

Personal Description:

I am a highly experienced and successful teacher and performer of clarinet and saxophone based in Harrow. I was Director of a London 6th Form College and Head of a Creative and Cultural Skills Academy. I currently teach clarinet and saxophone from young beginners through to adults, whether aiming for exam success or purely for pleasure. I studied clarinet with Mark Jordan (Royal Northern College), Colin Lawson (Royal Academy) and Colin Bradbury (London Symphony Orchestra). I had much early success as a young performer reaching the final of the Festival of Music for Youth in a duet and performed as soloist in Mozart's Clarinet Concerto with the County Youth Orchestra. I then progressed to much professional work including the International Festival Orchestra for the National Gilbert & Sullivan Operatic Society. I was also a features writer for the Clarinet and Saxophone Society of the UK specifically on advanced technique in modern clarinet repertoire.

Tutoring Experience:

I have over 30 years experience as a music teacher, instrumental teacher with experience as a senior leader in education in charge of assessment and higher education. My clarinet and saxophone students are a mix of those playing for pleasure and those wanting to take exams. I have successfully achieved exam board grades from 1 to 8 in Classical and Jazz in both Digital and Face to Face formats. I teach many adults with little or no experience of musical notation and they still make rapid progress. I have taught GCSE and A Level Music and have even written a Music Degree whilst in charge of Higher Education. **Removed By Admin**

Tutoring Approach:

I adopt a nurturing approach to learning as well as challenging students to make rapid progress, through routine practice, whilst having fun. I always focus on technique and ensure that the basics are secure, using a range of practice routines to suit the individual. I do care about my students and customize my approach. Adults will learn the music and styles THEY want to play, selected with me, using backing tracks where possible to give it the real, full experience. I will also introduce other music as well in order to broaden interest and experience. Adults with little or no experience of music notation are most welcome. We learn the theory through playing. Students often record me and use this to support their own practice. Other adults may already have good experience on a different instrument to a good level or return to playing many years after learning whilst at school. Those that wish to progress through exams are very welcome, I will introduce other non exam music including improvisation as this will improve musicality. I play duets with all my students as a method of learning; always fun! Some students later decide to take an exam as this goal becomes a motivator and bring a sense of achievement. The first lesson will include a conversation to establish the purpose and aims of the lessons. Give it a try and see how it goes! I would love to help.