Information About Chris - Westminster teacher -

(5 reviews)

Personal Description:

Since graduating from Royal College of Music in 2010 I have been working professionally in a variety of musical contexts within the UK and abroad with various orchestras / opera / theatre companies etc as well as extensively as a chamber musician, conductor/orchestral coach and occasionally as a soloist.

As an orchestral player have been on trial for Sub-Principal Clarinet & Bass Clarinet with Bournemouth Symphony Orchestra for the same position with Welsh National Opera between 2019-2024. Based in London, I maintain an active freelance career performing with a variety of orchestras which has included London Symphony Orchestra, Philharmonia Orchestra, Royal Philharmonic Concert Orchestra, Royal Northern Sinfonia, Manchester Camerata, English National Opera, London Chamber Orchestra, Birmingham Royal Ballet, London Concert Orchestra.

Tutoring Experience:

My private practise of 16 years includes students of all ages and abilities and I have taught in both public and private sector and at university level. During the last academic year, my students have gone on to perform with National Children's Orchestra, gain places at Royal College of Music Junior Department as well as received music scholarships to some of London's most prestigious independent schools.

Below is a list of past and present teaching positions:

- London Oratory School (2023-)
- City of London Academy Hackney (2022-)
- Durston House Preparatory School (2021-)
- Larmenier & Sacred Heart Primary School (2021-2023)
- Barnes Primary School (2021- 2022)
- Cardinal Vaughan Memorial School (2017-2019)
- St James Prep & Senior School Hammersmith (2016-2019)
- ArtsFirst - Wider Opportunities (2016-2017)
- Twyford CoE School (2016-2017) (M.C)
- Wyborne School in Eltham (2011-2012)
- St John's Prep & Senior School (2011-2012)

In terms of wider educational experience, I have coached chamber groups and given clarinet masterclasses at conservatoire level (Leeds College of Music) as well as conducted and coached adult learner and amateur orchestras. Since 2017 I have worked with Amati Orchestra as their wind & brass sectional director.

Tutoring Approach:

I aim to create an open environment where learners feel they can ask questions, discuss outcomes and be in control of their learning. A sense of feeling guided and not dictated to, whether children or adults, beginner or advanced is central to my approach. I believe having a tangible and clear marker of progress is important so I do encourage people to work towards grade exams, though this is not essential.

My approach is centred around the idea that music is best learnt through building a stable instrumental technique and understanding of the musical idioms (scales/arpeggios/musical structures/notation) so for beginners I focus on building structure and routine around these new concepts. Ultimately my aim is that learners come away from lessons feeling enthusiastic and inspired to go and discover and enjoy music and I believe that studying through the prism of above, initially at least, is the best way to achieve this.