Information About Jessica - Mayfair teacher

Personal Description:

I’m a London-based trombonist and artist with a holistic approach to my creative practise and my teaching. Previously I was a scholar of the Royal Academy of Music (DipHE) and I am currently studying trombone at the Royal College of Music (BMus) with Rupert Whitehead and Byron Fulcher, sackbut (historical trombone) with Sue Addison, Alexander Technique with Judith Kleinman, and creative improvisation with Gerardo Gozzi and Alex Paxton.

I specialise in classical trombone, but my work spans across many genres and settings: I work with folk and jazz ensembles, and develop creative projects which link music, art and poetry. I’ve performed at major UK venues including the Barbican, Birmingham Symphony Hall, Bridgewater Hall, Ronnie Scott’s alongside incredible artists including Martin Carty, Billy Bragg, Lisa Simone, Hermeto Pascoal and festivals including EFG London Jazz Festival, Greenman, Brighton Early Music Festival, Young Euro Classic, Chelsea Arts Festival, and Wilderness festival. I have studied contemporary trombone techniques intensively with John Kenny in Italy, and recently performed in Santo Spirito on a course with the English Cornett and Sackbut Ensemble.

Tutoring Experience:

With ten years of teaching experience from ages 4+, I have worked at HMDT (formerly Hackney Music Development Trust) as a brass, musicianship and theory teacher and chamber ensemble coach; at Camden Music as an orchestral and big band section coach; and at Godolphin and Latymer Prep School (Redcliffe Gardens) as a brass teacher.

Within the Royal College of Music, I have worked extensively with their Sparks department, including with those affected by dementia with the English Touring Opera, facilitating creative composition workshops with KS2, and working with the organisation Gender and the Large and Shiny Instruments in their work addressing gender imbalances in brass instrumentalists.

I have training in Musical Leadership through Spitalfields Music, and Music Therapy from Nordoff–Robbins. I have facilitated collaborative improvisation sessions in Royal London Hospital, and volunteered as a SEND workshop assistant with HMDT’s Music Treehouse programme.

I bring my diverse professional experience directly into my teaching, giving my students insight not just into technique, but into creative expression, artistic mindset and preparing for real musical situations - I strive to help all my students grow with confidence and joy.

Tutoring Approach:

I have an innate drive to inspire younger generations of musicians – I believe it is essential for everyone to have the opportunity to connect with the arts, and I really enjoy enabling others in music. My lessons are friendly, supportive, and tailored to the individual; designed to build excitement, musicality, confidence, and technique simultaneously.

I specialise in trombone and teach up to and beyond diploma level. I also teach trumpet to Grade 5, after which I recommend a specialist trumpet teacher, and music theory to ABRSM Grade 8 and A Level music.

I am very flexible and lessons can be arranged at a frequency and duration that suits you – get in touch and we can work out what would be best for you together.

I offer a first trial lesson at the reduced rate of £20/30mins.

Lessons at my home in central London are £40/hour. I’m also happy to travel to you (location dependent) at £50/hour. Online lessons are available at £40/hour.

I also offer focused practice support sessions for students who already study with another teacher but feel as they would benefit from additional guidance - whether for exam preparation, performances, or maintaining momentum during the school holidays.
These sessions are designed to complement the work you are already doing. I have great respect for other teachers’ approaches - my role is to reinforce their guidance while helping you feel more secure and prepared.

This kind of support can be especially helpful for maintaining motivation and building confidence, particularly in younger players.
I have lectured with the Royal College of Music’s Widening Participation department on preparing for exams and performances, so I’m able to offer practical strategies and insight into having positive musical experiences while performing under pressure.