Information About Jess - Cockermouth teacher

Personal Description:

NOTE: "Composition" lessons refer to Improvisation lessons, although I can potentially offer composing lessons too.

I'm Jess (She/Her), a 23 year old multi-instrumentalist based near Cockermouth in Cumbria.

Having played Saxophone since 7 and Drums since 9, I have over 10+ years of experience in playing and performing on both instruments in many settings and genres; from leading the Jazz band "Oppgard" on Saxophone, multiple solo performances as a professional Saxophonist (Weddings/Functions/Bars/Pubs) to playing drum kit for various bands and productions (musicals, rock bands, brass bands, samba bands).

I've always loved the community, connections and bonds formed between people through music and I hope that through teaching I am able to help people enjoy their creative sides whether they hope to become a professional musician one day or simply want to casually learn how to improve their own playing.

Some of my music qualifications (I can only enter 4 in the website):

- Distinction Grade 8 Jazz Saxophone & Drum Kit
- LTCL Performance Diploma (equivalent to 2nd year of a degree) on Drum Kit
- BA (Hons) Music (Jazz) completed on Alto Saxophone
- Grade 5 Piano, Grade 8 Bass Guitar, and a strong understanding of other instruments in a band
- I also have a current DBS certificate.

Tutoring Experience:

I worked with the Westmorland and Furness Music Service for a year straight out of my university degree (Music (Jazz)) teaching drums and saxophone to whole classes & small groups, as well as leading a series of workshops on "Intercultural Music" which allowed primary school students to experience and learn to play/sing music from Asia, Africa and South America.

I have also taught private lessons since Spring 2024 to students of all ages (Primary/Secondary School & Adult) across Drum Kit, Saxophone (Alto/Tenor) and also Improvisation (Any instrument, with a focus on learning by doing rather than long theory sessions).

Tutoring Approach:

NOTE: "Composition" lessons refer to Improvisation lessons, although I can potentially offer composing lessons too.

Travelling to your home (free within 20 minutes of Cockermouth, further will be on a case by case basis), I tailor the lessons to focus on what you want to learn while still focusing on improving your playing to keep the lessons fun but impactful.

While I specialise in Jazz, I have experience in playing and performing numerous styles of music - this helps whether you just want to learn a new song, have a performance to work towards or even if you would like to complete grades!

My improvisation lessons can be tailored to all instruments and will focus heavily on learning through playing. I have an extended knowledge of Jazz harmony and can be detailed, or simple depending on preference.

Although I work from written music generally, I also encourage learning by ear and can work with students who either want to learn to read music or want to learn to play more by ear.