Information About Luan - Sutton Coldfield teacher

Personal Description:

I have been a professional clarinetist for 30 years and in 2023 I was awarded a National Teaching Fellowship in recognition of my commitment to music education. As a performer, I have freelanced with orchestras and ensembles such as the CBSO, Manchester Camerata, Opera North and BCMG, played principal clarinet for numerous Longborough Festival Opera productions and was Co-principal Clarinet with Orchestra of the Swan from 2007-2021. As a chamber musician, I have performed for festivals and music societies throughout the UK, on BBC Radio and at the Banff International Festival.

I worked for Live Music Now, Music in Hospitals and Care, and the Lost Chord project for Dementia suffers for many years, delivering hundreds of interactive performances and workshops in mainstream and special schools, hospitals, hospices and care homes across England and Wales.

In addition to 20 years as an adjudicator member of the British and International Federation of Festivals, I worked as a diploma examiner (performance and teaching) for the Associated Board of the Royal Schools of Music from 2007 to 2022 and was a recording artist for ABRSM’s 2018-21 clarinet syllabus.

Tutoring Experience:

My teaching experience spans 30 years. I have taught across all educational phases: early years, primary, secondary, higher education, adult learners - my clarinet pupils have ranged from age 7 through to 70 encompassing all levels - beginner to diploma.

Alongside a thriving private teaching practice, my previous teaching roles have included Head of Woodwind and Brass at Royal Birmingham Conservatoire's Junior Department and Head of Instrumental Studies at Hallfield School in Birmingham. In addition, I have held numerous instrumental teaching positions in independent schools and music services within and beyond the West Midlands. I have taught at Royal Birmingham Conservatoire since 2011, supporting aspiring professional musicians and training them for careers as instrumental teachers.

Tutoring Approach:

I am passionate about supporting aspiring clarinet players of all ages and abilities to enjoy their music making, to set their own goals, pursue their own musical interests and to progress in whatever ways they wish, whether this involves improving technique, musicianship and/or sight reading skills, developing creativity, exploring repertoire for pure enjoyment, or working towards examinations.