Information About Lydia Catherine - Pontypool teacher -

(15 reviews)

Personal Description:

ONLINE LESSONS AVAILABLE VIA ZOOM - 30 MIN FREE TASTER LESSON

I am a professional clarinettist, music tutor, workshop leader, and graduate from the Royal Welsh College of Music & Drama with a BMus (Hons) – specialising in clarinet performance & woodwind tripling.

Tutoring Experience:

My practical qualifications include: DipABRSM Clarinet Performance Diploma, Grade 8 Clarinet & Classical Saxophone (ABRSM), Grade 8 Piano & Jazz Saxophone (TCL), and Grade 6 Flute & Music Theory (ABRSM). Additional certifications include: DBS Check (available on the Update Service), CPD Certified 'Level 4 in Higher Learning Teaching Assistant' (with Higher Distinction), EduCare 'NSPCC Child Protection Awareness', and 'NHS First Aid Essentials Level 2'.

In 2016, I graduated from the Royal Welsh College of Music & Drama with a BMus (Hons) Undergrauduate Degree in Music - specialising in Clarinet Performance. During my studies, I was taught by: John Cooper, Timothy Lines, Lenny Sayers & James Mainwaring. I also performed in masterclasses for Michael Collins and Andrew Marriner.

Early in my Conservatoire education, I discovered a natural aptitude for teaching, and soon became passionate about enhancing transferable skills - whilst also bridging the gap between Primary & Secondary School music education. I am also a keen advocate for inclusion and accessibility across all musical platforms, with particular focus on instrumental provision for children with additional needs.

I have volunteered at: Touch Trust (session assistant / performance specialist), Kings Monkton School (assistant Year 3 teacher), Making Music Changing Lives (assistant clarinet teacher), Bryn Deri Primary School (orchestra conductor / musical director), and Music in Hospitals & Care (fundraising assistant, 'bucket-collection' coordinator & Charity Ambassador).

I have worked as a music specialist at St. Patrick's R.C Primary School (year 3/4 teaching assistant & choir director), the Royal Welsh College of Music & Drama Junior Department (auxillary staff, admin / recptionist & orchestral support), Forte School of Music (group piano, 1-1 woodwind & singing tutor), and SuperStars Inc (KS2 music cover teacher). I have also taught peripathetic woodwind as an independant contractor, at both Sully Primary School and Willows High School (Cardiff).

Most recently, I began working for the OHMI Trust, as part of their 'Music Makers' project. I worked as an online assessor, liasing with and setting up phone calls and zoom assessments - for Primary School pupils with physical needs, in a range of schools across Brimingham & Northamtonshire. As a result of these consultations, data was then gathered, and accessible musical instruments / accessories could be allocated - ensuring 'Whole Class Ensemble Teaching' became inclusive for all pupils.

As a Welsh county musician at heart, I am hugely proud of my heritage. I consistently support Welsh Music, both in community settings (running workshops in various schools), and most prominently through a five-year affiliation with the National Youth Wind Orchestra and National Youth Orchestras of Wales (holding the seat of 'Principal Clarinettist' for two consecutive years).

I have performed in orchestral, solo, chamber, and choral settings - at the following prestigious venues: Royal Albert Hall (London), Royal Festival Hall (London), Symphony Hall (Birmingham), St. David's Hall (Cardiff), Wales Millenium Centre (Cardiff), The Sage Gateshead, St. Asaph's Cathedral, St. David's Cathedral, Berlin Konzerthaus (Germany), Warsaw Cathedral (Poland), Sagrada Familia (Spain), and Disneyland Paris (France).

Tutoring Approach:

Since 2014, I have taught: Clarinet, Flute & Saxophone to an advanced level, and Piano, Singing & Music Theory to an intermediate level.

I offer an inclusive and inspiring approach to music tuition - encouraging all potential musicians to realise and achieve their goals.

A typical lesson includes development of: tone, technique, stamina, expression, theory, aural & general musicianship.

My teaching style is suitable for all types of musicians, from casual to expert, beginner to advanced - if you want to learn a new instrument, rediscover an old passion, work towards graded exams, or just play for fun!