Christchurch
Saxophone Lessons | Clarinet Lessons | Artist development, Aural Lessons, Theory Lessons, Composition Lessons, Jazz Improvisation Lessons
Bio
I am an Ōtautahi based musician and composer, performing extensively both nationally and abroad at festivals, concerts, theatre shows and on recordings. I enjoy collaboration with some of our most exciting songwriters, composers, improvisers, music producers, dancers, painters, actors, poets, sculptors and directors, and direct and play in gypsy jazz group Swing 42. I have also played with the Christchurch Symphony Orchestra.
In 2015 I was awarded a Fulbright fellowship to take part in an international creative music residency in New York. In 2014 I was awarded a Doctor of Musical Arts in composition from the University of Canterbury, Where I was twice awarded the Lilburn Trust Student Award. In 2000 I graduated from the Sydney Conservatorium with a Mus.B in jazz performance.
My sound works have been commissioned by the RMIT Sonic Arts Collection in Melbourne and the Pyramid Club in Wellington.
Teaching Info
Music is for everybody, and it’s never too late to begin learning. In addition to being a composer, performer, bandleader, arranger, and festival curator, I have been teaching students of all ages and abilities for 25 years. Between 2001 and 2004 I was an itinerant saxophone and clarinet teacher in Sydney. Since then my teaching at the Ara Jazz School, University of Canterbury School of Music, and local schools has also included ear training, improvisation, composition and ensembles.
At the core of playing a wind instrument is sound production. I will help you produce a beautiful sound through breathing techniques and instrument setup. In addition to developing your ear, music theory and music reading are important skills, and there various excellent learning publications which we can work through together.
I enjoy teaching all levels, taking a holistic approach to the student’s individual needs and interests in a fun and creative way. Most important are that my students enjoy the experience of learning music and are challenged in ways that assist and support their journey.
I teach from a home studio in Papanui but lessons at other locations are possible in some situations.