Information About Jonathan - Didcot teacher -

(2 reviews)

Personal Description:

I am a friendly, experienced teacher, performer and composer based in South Oxfordshire, offering lessons in flute and baroque flute. Originally from the south coast, I studied with Michael Cox (BBC Symphony Orchestra) & Karen Jones at the Royal Academy of Music and Ransom Wilson at Yale, before undertaking a historical performance course at Juilliard in New York. I teach at two secondary schools and perform professionally both as an orchestral flautist and early music specialist on period instruments. I generally teach at home (Didcot) with some limited availability in Oxford and Reading.

Tutoring Experience:

I have over a decade's experience as a teacher, ranging from teaching undergraduate students at Yale & Oxford Universities to beginner groups in the classroom. I am employed in three independent schools as a visiting flute teacher, where I also lead and coach ensembles. As an early music specialist I have been a visiting consultant at the Oxfordshire County Music Service in collaboration with Instruments of Time & Truth.

I have extensive experience of preparing students for ABRSM and Trinity exam boards, and in coaching students for advanced auditions and performances at degree level.

Tutoring Approach:

I've witnessed first-hand the transformative effect great music can have, especially for those learning an instrument. The benefits extend beyond the artistic: improving self-discipline, problem-solving and critical thinking skills, but above all, the process of learning an instrument must be fun, and I work with each individual to find the best mixture of repertoire and exercises to help them improve quickly.

As a developing flautist, a lot of the technical aspects of the instrument did not come to me easily, and I worked very hard to find, visualise, and apply solutions. I know this has made me a better teacher, and I take great satisfaction in helping students overcome similar problems.