Lessons are normally weekly and are of thirty, forty five or sixty minutes in duration. For adult students a more flexible course of lessons can be arranged if their work pattern changes weekly. Tuition is on an one to one basis. Progress is quite rapid as the saxophone is quite straight forward to learn. Music reading is one of the first steps and this is relatively easy for wind instruments.
As the student progresses they are accompanied by their teacher at all levels on either the piano or a wind instrument and this use of music arrangements adds motivation for the student. music arrangements sound very professional.
We teach all styles of saxophone: Classical, Jazz and Popular music are all explored. Jazz improvisation, tone production and articulation are developed at the earliest opportunity.
It is difficult to advise parents as to an appropriate age at which to commence saxophone lessons. As a guide, children should be able to comfortably hold and play the instrument first. Many music shops allow youngsters to be sized to their instrument.
Our young students are encouraged to join local/school orchestras to further their development.
A.B.R.S.M. examinations are offered for those interested.
85% of our woodwind students are adult beginners and continue their lessons for some considerable time. Early progress encourages adult learners to work towards a higher standard of playing.
Much of the above saxophone information is applicable to the clarinet with lessons following a similar pattern.
However, for many young children the teaching of the much smaller 'Lyons Clarinet', specifically made for youngsters, is recommended. This would benefit those youngsters who would find the Bflat instrument too large.
A.B.R.S.M. examinations are offered for both children and adults who are interested in formal qualifications..
Again, flute lessons have a similar format to the other woodwind instruments listed above. Our teacher, Mark Leadbeater, is a highly trained flute specialist who will teach all styles of music with piano or flute accopaniment.
A.B.R.S.M. exams offered for those interested.
As explained in our Terms and Conditions, it is essential that all students have their own instrument on which to regularly practise. Instruments can be bought from local retailers, on-line or from the link below.
As an alternative to buying a new woodwind instrument, saxophones, clarinets and flutes can be hired for a trial period from many woodwind websites.