Information About Dorian - Holmfirth teacher

Personal Description:

I was born into a musical family and began playing the trumpet at the age 6. Having achieved Grade 8 by the age of 14, I went on to study in London at the Royal College of Music Junior Department for two years and then Trinity College of Music for a further three years. I have an extensive knowledge of music theory and am a strong reader and improviser of music. Since leaving music college in 1988 I have worked as a professional freelance trumpet player, performing a diverse range of music including classical, jazz, salsa, pop, blues, funk, mariachi and other World music. Performance credits include:

Frank Sinatra
Shirley Bassey
Neil Diamond
Jamie Cullum
The Temptations
The Drifters
Pendulum Jazz Orchestra backing international jazz artists including Kenny Wheeler; Gerard Prescencer; Stan Sulzman and Ben Castle.

I have over thirty years of teaching experience and ALCM and LLCM in composition. I have taught students across a wide range of ages, from beginner to post-grade 8 diploma level. I can also teach jazz improvisation and composition.

I am currently working as a private brass tutor, an examiner for Trinity College London and as the musical director of three choirs.

Tutoring Experience:

2014 - 2020: Bradford Music & Arts Service - Brass Teacher

2016 - 2018: Halifax Cube Choir - Musical Director

2011 - 2018: Chapel-en-le-Frith Ladies Choir - Musical Director

2010 - 2014: Ryburn Valley High School - Brass Teacher

1997 – 2004: Leighton Park School, Reading – teaching lower brass and some Music Technology (Edexcel AS & A2 Level).

1998 – 2003: Danes Hill School , Oxshott, Surrey – teaching all Brass, Brass Ensemble and Keyboard.

1992 – 1999: Bearwood College, Wokingham, Berkshire – teaching all brass and the brass ensemble.

1995 – 1999: Queen’s Park Community School, London – teaching all brass and the brass ensemble.

1995 – 1997: Young Music Makers (Saturday morning music school) – teaching jazz improvisation in a group lesson.

1991 – 1992: Douai Abbey School, Berkshire – teaching all brass.

1989 – 1992: St. Edwards Preparatory School, Reading – teaching all brass and the brass ensemble.

Tutoring Approach:

My approach is to treat each pupil as an individual so he / she receives the best guidance possible to suit them.
I have extensive experience in preparing students for exams with the ABRSM, TCL and LCM exam boards, as well as for GCSE and A-level performances, diplomas and auditions, or just for fun!