Information About Catherine - Wickford teacher -

(10 reviews)

Personal Description:

Thank you for your interest!
I have been an enthusiastic player, teacher and advocate of the bassoon for more than forty years. I began studying, myself, with Essex peripatetic tutors and then had lessons with Vernon Elliott at Trinity College, London, whilst at university.
Alongside my career as a music teacher, I’ve been Principal Bassoonist with Essex Symphony Orchestra for over thirty years and am responsible for co-ordinating our successful annual Young People’s Workshop where youngsters play alongside our experienced players. I also regularly play in concerts with various orchestras, schools and choirs all over Essex. As well as orchestral playing, I love playing chamber music and, over the years, I have played in the Magwitch Trio, the Danzi Quintet and, currently, Mistral Winds, a flexible ensemble who play at local events in Essex

Tutoring Experience:

I began my teaching career as a primary classroom teacher and then became a primary music specialist in various Essex schools for thirty years, teaching whole class music and recorder lessons, running choirs and orchestras and conducting school concerts and area music festivals. Throughout this time I also taught lessons at home in the evenings on bassoon, clarinet, flute, recorder and music theory.
Ten years ago I became a full time woodwind instrumental tutor and have taught in primary and secondary schools in Chelmsford, Westcliff, South Woodham, Maldon and Little Baddow.
I am also a tutor working with Essex Youth Ensembles, playing alongside students in rehearsals and concerts.
I live in Wickford, Essex, within easy distance of Chelmsford, Southend, Brentwood, Billericay, Shenfield and Basildon. At my home I teach bassoon pupils of all ages on mini, short reach and full size instruments. I teach face-to-face lessons but also via zoom for those pupils who live further away. In fact many pupils successfully follow a hybrid pattern of zoom lessons during term time and face-to-face lessons in the holidays.

Tutoring Approach:

I teach every pupil according to their wishes and requirements, progressing at a speed that best suits them, generally teaching towards ABRSM or Trinity Guildhall exams but only if they choose. I also help school students select and prepare GCSE and A level solo performances and happily play and record duets with them for ensemble performances.
Many adult students choose not to take exams so, instead, we aim for developing skills and technique so that they can play music of their own choice as well as suggestions from me. We play lots of duets and we have established a termly ensemble which brings like minded learners together for an enjoyable morning of music making.
I hope to pass on not only my knowledge and expertise but also my enthusiasm for this absolutely wonderful instrument!