About my career as a Woodwind Teacher and Repairer

My love of music and woodwind instruments started as a child when I first was given the opportunity to play the recorder at primary school. As soon as possible I progressed onto the Clarinet and then Saxophone and gained my grades up to Grade 8 with the A.B.R.S.M.  After completing a three-year Woodwind instrument making and Repair course at the Newark and Sherwood college I also developed a love of playing the Flute and Oboe. I then went on to work for the Wind Group and Flute tree in Sydney Australia which is a specialist in Flute Repairs and top end Flute sales. When I came back to the U.K. I worked self-employed as a Clarinet repairer as part of a co-operative for the Woodwind workshop in Huddersfield. Since then I have worked as an Oboe finisher as part of the production line for Howarths of London and then as a self-employed repairer and teacher.

Throughout my career as a repairer, I have continued to teach and play woodwind instruments, touring with Big bands. I also have been very fortunate to conduct the Saxophone Ensemble at Robert Smyth Academy and currently I run a Saxophone and Clarinet band for my adult pupils. This was set up as a place where my adult pupils (and other adult learners)  who had never experienced playing as part of a Saxophone and Clarinet group could come along and have a go. It is also an informal social club and we organise regular curry nights and play at charity events.  We rehearse at the St. Hugh’s church hall, Market Harborough alternating Friday evenings. The first hour is spent on an easier programme of pieces and the following half an hour class is for pupils/members who would like to stretch themselves a little more with challenging pieces.

I have continued my professional development with teaching courses with A.B.R.S.M. and a Degree with the Open University including Modules on Music.

Get in touch if you’d like to work with me or visit pages on lessons, repairs or band to find out more.