Information About Thomas - Peckham teacher -

(1 review)

Personal Description:

Thomas started his musical journey at the age of 8, receiving saxophone lessons weekly before deciding to embrace his musical passion into his studies. Whilst studying music at a young age academically, Thomas excelled through the ABRSM grades on the saxophone accomplishing Grade 8 Distinction by the age of 16. After completing his Music GCSE with an A, Thomas began to focus on his Diploma for Saxophone. In the Summer of 2017, he attained a distinction in his Diploma and was announced an Associate of the Royal Schools of Music.
In the same year, he achieved a grade A in Music A-level at Farnborough Sixth Form College, where he studied as a Music Scholar. Farnborough Sixth Form College has gained a reputation to be one of the finest academic institutions of further education in which to study music at A-Level. The Department of Education, describing it as having "a distinguished contribution to music education in the UK". While studying at Farnborough, Thomas seized the opportunity to work alongside and learn from fellow enthusiastic musicians where he would attain other musical skills, set up and run Jazz Ensembles and perform a Saxophone Concerto with a full, professional Orchestra.
Thomas now attends University of London, Goldsmiths where he was awarded a scholarship to study BMus Music and is set to graduate in the summer of 2020. Thomas is tutored by two industry leaders, Paul Bartholomew and Mick Foster. Whilst studying in London, Thomas has performed across the city contributing in all styles of music. Recently, he has performed in popular music settings with upcoming guitarist Harry Baker. Thomas is involved in a number of jazz ensembles and groups including lead alto for the Creative Jazz Ensemble and a member of Kings College London Big Band. He has also been involved with more contemporary ensembles in experimental music with electronics; his most recent work demonstrating his participation with the work of Stockhausen.

Tutoring Experience:

Having been taught by two of the finest saxophone teachers in the country, Mick Foster and Paul Bartholomew, I have acquired considerable knowledge and transferrable skills which I can apply to teaching. Ever since I began playing the saxophone I have had many tutors each of which have contributed in their own style leading me to have a broad approach to my teaching methods. Therefore I believe I have experienced proven methods and techniques. Many of my peers at university also teach which provides a platform to share best practise.

Tutoring Approach:

I believe that passion to experiment and improve plus enjoyment and the ability to please an audience are the fundamental reasons why I continue to play the saxophone. I make sure this is applied in all aspects of teaching. My aim is to focus on what the student wants to gain and learn, but also provide guidance to their practical learning. The essential objective for the student is to enjoy their musical experience. Through this approach, I aim to build and nurture the students technique and skills to develop as a musician. As the student progresses and learns, their confidence will build. What the student will learn, is an enjoyable discipline, motivation to succeed, improvement, determination and drive to learn, and develop confidence in their performance technique.

If a student wants to further their studies in music, I believe it's important to teach, alongside instrumental tuition, theoretical understanding. In order for a musician to progress as a saxophone player they must understand the music theory. My goal is to succeed in making my students the best possible musicians they want to be through studying and understanding technical and theoretical musical aspects and by grasping the theory, the practical playing becomes more expressive and dynamic.

I offer tutoring for all styles of music for saxophone whether that be Classical, Jazz, Popular, or just something that you're keen to play! I began playing classical saxophone and still retain a love for classical repertoire. As I progressed as a saxophonist, I developed a passion for Jazz which I expressed through my saxophone playing. Recently I have also played in more popular settings which include; Soul, Reggae, Pop and Rock.