About Me – Saxophonist and Saxophone Teacher
I am a full time musician; a saxophonist & saxophone teacher. I teach saxophone privately at my studio in Southbourne (BH6), and at various local music schools. When I’m not teaching I run AB Workshops, bringing together budding musicians with world class musical educators.
I also gig professionally; with my own band, The Boogie Bumpers, and play with the Red Fez Orchestra, Forza Saxophone Quartet and the Grand Central Trio.
I can also be seen playing solo saxophone at various events such as weddings and coroprate events.
I conduct the Coda Beginners Jazz Ensemble that runs weekly term time, it’s a great way to sharpen up your sight-reading skills and play music as a group.
Education
ABRSM Exams – I started my musical education by the traditional route of the ABRSM syllabus and achieved Distinction at Grade 8.
Chichester College – I decided to pursue a musical career and to that end continued my studies with a one year Level 3 Diploma in Jazz where I obtained a Double Disinction as a result. This was the springboard that led me to University.
University of Chichester – I spent four years studying for a Bmus Jazz degree, and achieved a First Class degree with honours.
University of Southampton – A further two years were spent studying for a Masters (Mmus) degree in music performance, under the guidance of Dan Mar-Molinero (Head of Jazz and Pop Performance). The University of Southampton is well respected, and its excellent musical department with high standards pushed me even further.
DipABRSM – Currently studying for this qualification to further understand and improve on my classical saxophone playing. Never stand still!
I run AB workshops, which in collaboration of some of the UK’s most respected educators and saxophonists such as Bob Reynolds, Derek Nash and Andy Scott, help people realise their dream of becoming better musicians. These saxophone workshops run regularly through the year, with emphasis on improving ensemble playing, sight-reading, tone, technique, and dedicated courses for jazz improvisation.
If you haven’t already been on one of these workshops I thoroughly recommend you come along and join in the fun learning and playing with other musicians. I am happy to discuss suitability for our workshops.
Am I The Right Saxophone Teacher For You?
Learning should be about fun, and to that end I make lessons engaging and help you reach your goals by carefully focused targets. Whether you want to play Baker Street to a backing track, or are on your way to higher education (think scales and etudes), I strike the balance between what you need to know and getting you there sooner than later. I am empathetic to personal needs and personalities, learning and teaching should be on a person by person basis. As a professional gigging musician I can also teach you what you need to know in the real world of playing music. If this sounds right for you, please get in touch and let’s discuss your saxophone journey further.
