Information About Josh - Forest Hill teacher

Personal Description:

I am an experienced and active performer on the UK/European Jazz scene. I started touring with the legendary Pee Wee Ellis (James Brown, Van Morrison) when I was 16. At 18 I gained a place on the renowned jazz course at the Royal Academy of Music - Graduating with a 1st class degree in 2011, that year also winning a Yamaha Parliamentary Jazz Scholarship and the Kenny Wheeler Jazz Prize. The latter being a recording contract with Edition Records. My debut album 'Beginnings' was released in February 2012 to widespread critical acclaim, receiving 4* reviews in the Guardian and Evening Standard amongst others. I have also received awards from the EMI Music Sound Foundation and MBF Young Talent, and was nominated for the Jazz FM awards in the best newcomer category. In 2021 I was appointed as an Associate of the Royal Academy of Music for my contribution to music since graduating.

As well as being a constant presence on the UK and European jazz scenes for nearly two decades, I have toured and recorded extensively with artists such as Joss Stone, Michael Kiwanuka, Jordan Rakei, Jacob Collier, NAO, Paloma Faith, Mr Jukes, Miguel Attwood-Ferguson, Tony Allen, Ginger Baker to name a few. I am also a founding member of the UK band 'Native Dancer', who released their first album 'Tides' in 2020. After taking a few years away from releasing any music under my own name, in 2023 I released an EP titled ‘K.O.K.O’ on E2 Music.

As well as my extensive performing background, I am equally as passionate about teaching music and passing on my knowledge to future generations. I have taught privately for many years, from beginner level all the way through to Conservatoire students (RAM, Trinity, Guildhall)

Tutoring Experience:

* Private tuition from 2011 to present day - Beginner to advanced level, all ages
* Masterclasses/workshops at Guildhall School of Music & Royal Welsh College of Music and Drama

Tutoring Approach:

I like to make lessons as fun and enjoyable as possible, while also ensuring the fundamentals of playing the saxophone are covered from an early stage. I believe in a student led approach to teaching, based on their goals/interests, and will make lesson plans based on this. I'm happy to take students through the grades system or take a more informal approach depending on the students wishes. I come from a jazz background so I love to teach improvisation and aural skills, both of which I believe are key aspects of becoming a good musician. I teach from my studio space In Forest Hill (south London)