Information About Barry - Banbury teacher

Personal Description:

I am a very enthusiastic, friendly and dedicated musician with over 40 years playing the saxophone and 30 years teaching. Throughout my career, I have been lucky enough to play a huge variety of music styles and groups, including a military band, jazz bands, swing bands, saxophone quartets and my long-term band playing ska, rock, blues, soul and funk. I have never stopped actively performing, either as a soloist or in groups, and I have accrued many years of experience performing at all sorts of events including, festivals, clubs, parties, weddings and memorials. I also play the piano, clarinet and flute.
As of 2024, I am leading my own saxophone quartet and still with my old band (25 years still going!)
I am also an artist and potter, and I work as a humanist celebrant, conducting non-religious ceremonies.

Tutoring Experience:

I was for several years in the army and after qualifying at The Royal Military School of Music in London in the early nineties I have been teaching privately and in schools to children and adults of all abilities ever since. For many years, I was the visiting woodwind teacher for several local schools up until 2018.
I completed a Certificate of Teaching at the Associated Board Royal Schools of Music in 2009 (CTABRSM).
I now only teach privately at my home music room.

Tutoring Approach:

My teaching style is to encourage the saxophonist inside you to develop freely as an all-round, confident and complete musician, ensuring that the first thing that happens is that you enjoy it! With that in mind, I prefer to go with tunes that you would like to play instead of tutor books (although these are sometimes useful).

Learning to play any instrument is ultimately about expression and connecting with an audience. I love playing and teaching music and helping people to develop. It is my hope that you will enjoy yourself and, as you progress, encourage the possibility of playing in small ensembles.