Christchurch
Clarinet Lessons
Bio
John studied clarinet at Victoria University, Wellington and a number of scholarships and competition successes enabled him to continue his studies in London with John McCaw, at the time Principal Clarinet in the Philharmonia. After graduating from Goldsmiths College, John held the post of Sub-Principal Clarinet in the Orchestra of Opera North, Leeds, for twenty years. During that time John taught clarinet at Huddersfield University and was involved in numerous education projects through Opera North. John returned to New Zealand with his family in 2011 and is currently playing with the Christchurch Symphony Orchestra, the New Zealand Symphony Orchestra, teaching the clarinet and also running a successful woodwind repair and piano tuning business.
John currently teaches at Burnside High School, where he leads the woodwind Specialist Music Programme. He also teaches on the Outreach Band Programme at Beckenham School and privately from home in his dedicated music studio. John enjoys teaching beginners and postgraduate level students alike.
John has tutored students to the finals of the NZ Schools Chamber Music Contest, and has many students playing with the UC Christchurch Youth Orchestra and the NZ Secondary Schools Symphony Orchestra.
In his spare time, John is a keen laser sailor, cyclist, and gardener.