Information About Sarah - Forest Hill teacher

Personal Description:

I am a very bright and bubbly person, who has had a huge enthusiasm for the bassoon since starting it in secondary school, I'd love to share this enthusiasm by encouraging students to improve and enhance their playing, as well as enjoy playing this beautiful instrument!

Tutoring Experience:

I have been teaching a range of ages and standards, giving students an all-round experience of learning the instrument. I have been part of coaching ensembles in the Junior Conservatoire at RWCMD, playing alongside students in orchestras, giving advice and words of encouragement to help boost confidence in playing, as well as tips on playing. Also at the Juniors, I ran a reed making workshop for the bassoon students, showing them the processes of making a double reed. This was something the students really enjoyed and loved doing! The students were then given the chance to make their own reed using my materials whilst I was there with them to help.
I have been part of giving workshops in primary schools in Yorkshire with my wind quintet, where we collaborated with a string quartet. We introduced each instrument, demonstrating each of their sounds and characteristics. All the students were really engaged and enthusiastic about the workshops, showing a deep interest in the instruments as well as the world of music.

Tutoring Approach:

Find out aims of pupils (graded exams etc.), focus on areas that need improving, help them make a good sound, produce a good technique using scales and exercises, teach them the correct embouchure and use of air support (as some produce bad habits which may affect them in the long run). Above all, to help to foster enjoyment of playing the bassoon - enough to continue as a hobby or to help them pursue as a career, orchestral/chamber or solo.