Information About Stuart - Enfield teacher

Personal Description:

I balance a busy performing and teaching portfolio. Having gained a scholarship to study at the GSMD and many years performing at the highest level I have been fortunate to have access to some amazing teaching and learn from world-class musicians. I have always had a passion for sharing music with others and gravitate towards chamber music over being a soloist. I founded CHROMA, a chamber ensembles comprised of more than 20 artists upon graduating in 1997. Since then it has grown into a thriving community and I am immensely proud of the reputation we have garnered and the connections we had made throughout the profession.

Teaching for me is ‘sharing’, a mutually beneficial adventure that unlocks creativity, passion, charisma, confidence and gives us all a voice.

Graduated Guildhall School of Music and Drama 1997 BMus (Hons): First Class
BBC Young Musician of the Year Woodwind Winner and Concerto Finalist 1994
Royal Over-Seas League Competition Woodwind Winner and Finalist 1997

Head of Woodwind and Percussion - Highgate School, London 2011-present
Visiting Artist/Lecturer Royal Holloway University of London, Royal Academy of Music, Oxford University

Artistic Director and Founder of chamber ensemble CHROMA 1997-present (**Web Address Removed**)

Tutoring Experience:

Over 25 years teaching experience from beginners to Conservatoire level and beyond. I oversee a team of 11 Visiting Music Teachers in my role as Head of Woodwind and Percussion at Highgate School and regular mentor/coach of University Symphony Orchestra and pro/amateur Orchestras. I have forged long-standing relationships with many leading UK University Music Departments: Oxford, RHUL, Durham, RAM, GSMD, Birmingham Conservatoire, Aldeburgh Young Musicians. I have made many visits to work with young people receiving their musical education under the aegis of El Sistema at Baris için Muzik, Istanbul.

Private practice encompassing students from 7-70 years of age.

Tutoring Approach:

Everyone has the potential to excel and develop a talent on the clarinet. Every lesson is tailored to suit the individual. Lessons are always fun-packed, relaxed as well as focussed and progressive. I am very personable and love getting to know you well to better guide your progress and encourage you to become your own best teacher!
Currently lessons delivered via zoom. Safety and security are paramount.

Having performed at the highest level for many years and working with young people of all ages and abilities I am keenly aware of issues like stage fright and have studied a wide variety of techniques to help with all aspects of performance practice.
I utilise techniques drawn from sports psychology, mindfulness and martial arts that compliment the Art of Perfomance. Many teachers do not consider the importance of defining the difference between Playing, Practising and Performing an instrument. These are distinctly different aspects of learning and too often students are left floundering, making little progress or panicking about an event because their teacher has not prepared them properly.
I endeavour to ensure all my students have clear methods and approaches for all aspects of their musical journey and I am still learning too. Every student affords me a fresh challenge and a new adventure. I learn just as much as they do because the path to musical success is different for every individual.