Core Education Team, Administration and Finance
Alastair McWilliam B.Ed (Hons)
– Director
Alick McWilliam BA (Hons), CPFA
- Finance Director and Company Secretary
Neville Lacey BSc (Jt Hons), CChem, MRSC
– Lesson and Examination Manager
Ashley Thompson BMus (Hons) PGCE
– Special Projects Manager
Julia McWilliam BA
– Administration and Special Projects
Instrument Tutors
Strings
Sarah Balfour Bmus (Hons), PGCE
Beverley Greenwood
Jon Henderson BA (Hons)
Judith McAuslan BA (Hons)
Laura Miller
Helen Richards B.Mus.
Ruth Tickle BA (Hons)
Anne Whittaker MA, GRNCM
Nick Bryne MMus
Gemma Robertson BMus (Hons)
Robin Johnson
Woodwind
Hazel Barrett GMUS (Hons) RNCM PPRNCM
Mrs Margaret Corlett BA (Hons) LTCL
Louise Denton CTABRSM
Suzanne Higgins BA (Hons)
Linda Howard BA (Hons)
Bruce Hunnisett BA(Hons)
Collette Jones ALCM
Lisa Kirwan BMus (Hons)
Mandy Lewis BA (Hons)
Sarah Lewis BA (Hons)
Sandra Lloyd-Griffith BA (Hons)
Andy Morel BA (Hons)
Tomasz Sadczuk
Andy Schofield GDJCM
Anna Stavrinides BA Mus
Lucy Keyes BA (Hons)
Julie Oade ATCL LTCL Dip. Mus. Cert. Ed
Brass
Jaqueline Keating
Ian Raisbeck BMus (Hons)
David Reynolds GRNCM
Kevin Norbury BMus (Hons) RNCM, LLCM
Danny Ortiz BMus
Piano and Keyboard
Sarah Balfour BMus (Hons) PGCE
Sue Capper
Richard Chivers MA
Michael Collings BA (Hons)
Louise Denton CTABRSM
Rosie Douglas BMus
Beverley Greenwood
Alwyn Hancock CTVCM LLCM TD
Will Hay BMus PGCE
Lisa Kirwan BMus (Hons)
Helen Lacey ALCM
Nia Morgan BMus (Hons)
Louisa Phillips BA Hons, PGCE
Suzanne Waller BA (Hons)
Ann Walshe PGCE, Dip Mus (Open), CTABRSM
Gemma Robertson BMus (Hons)
Phyllida Milne LRAM ARCM
Melvyn Owen
Stephen Roberts
Guitar
Lorraine Baker Wakefield
Joel Byrne-McCullough
Rodrigo Constanzo BMus
James Dewdney
Juliette Edwin Scott BEd
Alastair Gambling
Andy Hignett
Anton Hunter Bsc (Hons)
Robert Kinnear
Iain Lunt
Paul Mill
Andrew Millar BA(Hons)
Paul O’Hagan
Iain Reddy
Peter Reaney
Andy Smith
Dave Speakman
Matthew Tidswell
Stuart Williams
Dave Luvin
Jamie Godfrey BA (Hons)
Graham Bell BA (Hons)
Rocky Greenham
Drum Kit
Marek Dorcik
Chris Hough
Gareth Hughes BA (Hons)
Richard Kenyon
Steve Kingston A1 Mus, BC Mus HM Forces
Mark Mayhem
Carl Woodward
Luke Jennings BA
Core Education Team,
Administration and Finance
Alastair McWilliam B.Ed (Hons)
– Director
Alastair McWilliam graduated from Leeds University (Bretton Hall) in 1987. During his time at University, he was very active as both a performer and composer, founding a variety of bands and taking part in numerous festivals and competitions. His jazz suite, "Impressions", was specially commisioned and he was the first degree student at Bretton Hall to be assessed playing improvised as well as composed music.
Alastair grew up in Durham, surrounded by colliery bands and community music making, and was concerned to see how these opportunities for young people were severely curtailed in the 1980s. He became more and more interested in the very powerful, positive role an involvement in music plays in the education and in the all round development of all children. He believes that a teacher’s high expectations, excellent relationships with students, high standards of musicianship and bags of energy and enthusiasm are the keys to unlocking the amazing potential within young people.
He moved to Cheshire in 1987 to take up his first teaching post at Frodsham High School, before becoming Head of Music at Bishop Heber High School in Malpas three years later. During his time at Bishop Heber the numbers of children learning an instrument increased from 28 to over 200. Hundreds of students had opportunities to join one of the many new performing groups, the “Grand Concert” tradition was established, and Heber groups had a busy schedule of performances in the community. He initiated tours abroard for the Concert Band, Orchestra and Jazzheber, the school’s jazz ensemble, and the school was the first in Cheshire to record and release an album in CD format back in 1995!
Alastair was granted a part time sabbatical by the school in September 1995 to work on an idea he had to develop a coordinated, quality controlled music service that he believed would better support Cheshire’s young people, schools and instrumental teachers. This experimental music service – Music for Life – expanded from two schools to twelve within the year and such was the demand he decided to leave Bishop Heber High School in 1996 in order to concentrate on developing the service. At the start of 2006, Music for Life was working with almost 100 schools and was arranging the teaching of 2200 students each week.
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Alick McWilliam BA (Hons) FRCA
– Finance Director
Alick McWilliam was born and brought up in Durham. He was educated at Durham Johnston School and, after service in the RAF, at Magdalen College, Oxford, where he read Modern Languages. After graduation in 1951 he joined Coventry Corporation as a trainee accountant, and worked in a number of local authorities before being appointed by Durham University in 1963 to take charge of its financial affairs. The University was at that time embarking on a period of rapid expansion which required the introduction of modern accounting and management systems within the framework of collegiate governance. Although the rate of expansion proved highly variable, and was accompanied by increasing and sometimes irksome governmental control, Durham tripled in size over the following 25 years and developed a strong reputation in research as well as teaching. When Alick retired from the office of Treasurer of the University in 1988, Durham was firmly established as one of the leading UK universities.
Retirement did not bring inactivity. He was a member of, and held various offices, in St. Chad’s and St. Aidan’s Colleges, the Red Cross and the Johnston School Governing Body. In 1990 he was invited to participate in a conference and a series of seminars organised in Islamabad by the British Council for the vice-chancellors and senior officers of the universities of Pakistan, and in the following few years took part in similar training and study programmes in Zambia, Uganda, the Czech Republic and Slovakia.
Music has always played a major role in his life. He is an avid listener and concertgoer, and played piano and violin during his time at school; piano playing continues to be a significant part of his life. The experiment of setting up Music for Life in 1995 gave him an opportunity to be involved actively in the provision of a service for young people which he firmly believes to be valuable for their social as well as musical development. Its success rests not only on the quality of the tutors and their relationship with students, but also on a complex administrative and financial structure to which his professional skills can contribute efficiency and integrity.
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Neville Lacey BSc (Jt Hons),
CChem, MRSC – Lesson and Examination Manager
Neville has been working for “Music for Life” since 2003 following 20 years working as a Research and Development scientist for Duracell batteries and Gillette. He is a Chartered Chemist with four patents to his name. For 12 of the 20 years, Neville had worked in management roles ranging from Product Development to Health, Safety and Environmental. His final job with Gillette was as Battery Research Manager at their Advanced Technical Centre in Reading. Neville had been looking for a career change that involved some element of “community work” and a change from corporate life. He was introduced to “Music for Life” through his wife Helen, who is one of MfL's piano and keyboard teachers. Neville came in to help out during a busy summer period and has been working here since. He is a keen supporter of the “Music for Life” ethos and is pleased with the progress that both his boys, Alex and Chris, have made with their MfL saxophone and drum lessons respectively. As a result of all the musical influences around him, Neville has himself been learning to play the clarinet since November 2003. He says his clarinet sound is mainly inspired by the flock of Canada Geese that migrate over his house every year.
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Ashley Thompson Bmus (Hons) PGCE
– Special Projects Manager
Ashley studied composition at London University and organ with Andrew Lumsden (Westminster Abbey), and then education at Durham. Having started his teaching career at Bishop Heber High School, Malpas, he is now working as a freelance music educator in and around Cheshire. As Special Projects Manager for Music for Life, he is currently working in partnership with Excellence in Crewe leading the highly acclaimed Whole Class Instrumental Teaching project, introducing the joys of instrumental music making to every primary school in Crewe! Ashley is also the director of the Music for Life Junior Orchestra. Ashley has devised and directed all of the Summer Rock and Pop Summer Schools for Cheshire County Council. He has also worked alongside the Dance Advisor providing music for nursery to sixth form projects.
Ashley has composed for numerous stage productions. Most recently he was Musical Director for Amadeus at the New Vic Theatre where he has previously been Chorus Master for Sweeney Todd and Musical Supervisor on The Snow Queen and Once A Catholic. Recent commissions have included a rock reworking of Vivaldi’sGloria and Come, O True Light, a drum and bass anthem written for Worcester Cathedral.
As an accompanist he has toured Japan and he is currently Musical Director of The Phoenix Singers and The British Methodist Youth Choir, with whom he has recently released A New Dawn - an album of brand new choral works. His music is published by Boosey & Hawkes and Stainer & Bell Ltd.
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Julia McWilliam BA
– Administration and Special Projects
Julia McWilliam graduated from Leeds University in 1987 with a degree in English. She moved to Cheshire in 1987 and joined the Careers Service in Northwich where she worked as an advisor for three years. In 1990, she moved to begin her career for the Education Department of Cheshire County Council where she has worked as a project manager securing funding for, and briefing on, school buildings and school improvement. She was seconded to work with the Economic Development Unit within the County Council to work on a project to attract business development to Cheshire. She returned to Education as Area Education Manager for West Cheshire for four years. As Area Education Manager, she managed a large team delivering support services for all schools across Chester and Ellesmere Port. During this time she was also heavily involved in the review of services for the education of pupils with special needs.
A major career change came in April 2005 when she took the difficult decision to leave Cheshire County Council after 17 years to try something else - and decided to join Music for Life! Her background in, and knowledge of, education in Cheshire has proved to be an invaluable asset in the further development of MfL.
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Instrument Tutors
Strings
Laura Miller
Laura is an Accredited Suzuki Violin teacher. She began Suzuki teacher training at Amarillo College, Amarillo, Texas U.S.A. in 1980 and gained an Associate of Music Degree in 1982. Between 1983 and 1987 she received S.A.A. Suzuki teacher qualifications and taught violin with the Suzuki String Program at Amarillo College. In 1988 Laura accepted a post to teach Suzuki Violin in Co. Galway Republic of Ireland working with the Music Matters Scheme. Laura received European Accredited Suzuki teacher status in 1990 and moved to Britain in 1991. Laura was a member of the Wrexham Symphony Orchestra for 12 years and also performed with the Cambrian Philharmonic and the Oswestry Sinfonia. Laura currently performs with the Modelski String Quartet.
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Anne Whittaker MA, GRNCM
Anne Whittaker is an exceptional musician. Her first instrument is the violin but she is also an excellent keyboard and piano player. She sat her Grade Eight music exam at the age of only 12 gaining a distinction - a remarkable achievement. She went on to gain an 'A' at Music A Level whilst further gaining in experience as a performer. Anne was a finalist in the Chamber Music for Schools competition for three years in a row and attended quartet masterclasses with the world famous violinist, Yehudi Menuhin. Anne continued her studies at the prestigious Royal Northern College of Music in Manchester. Anne is combining her career as a performer with that of a teacher. Her manner with school age students, together with her expertise and experience as a musician, makes her an ideal teacher.
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Sarah Balfour BMus. Hons PGCE
Sarah studied for four years at the Birmingham Conservatoire gaining a 2:2 B Mus (Hons). She then went on to take a PGCE at Bretton Hall, part of Leeds University specialising in the arts and in teacher training. Sarah plays in a string quartet (Con Spirito), giving concerts and playing at other functions, such as weddings. She has been teaching violin for 7 years now, and has had great success through Music for Life. Her relationships with pupils are excellent and her work with them is of very high quality and integrity.
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Will Hay BMus PGCE
Will grew up in Kendal in the Lake District and studied singing, trombone and piano at the University of Manchester graduating in 2001 to become a lay clerk at Peterborough Cathedral. After two years he left Peterborough to do teacher training at the University of Durham and is currently a lay clerk at Chester Cathedral. He conducts the Neston Ecumenical Singers and teaches music in the Chester area both in schools and in private practice.
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Beverley Greenwood
Bev Greenwood was born in Liverpool and studied both piano and violin beyond Royal School of Music Grade 8 Level in North Wales. Prior to becoming established as a highly regarded instrumental teacher she was leader of the Denbighshire, Clwyd and North Wales Youth Orchestras, being presented to the Queen for her services to these orchestras during the opening of Theatre Clwyd in 1976. She has successfully taught pupils from the age of 3 to adult at all levels for the past 23 years covering such wide ranging skills as pre-school music, violin, piano and keyboard instrumental tuition, attaining continually high examination marks from her pupils. Bev’s skills also cover string ensemble work. She has successfully tutored violin workshops and orchestral days, including the string section of a children's music workshop and concert for up to 70 string players at the Liverpool Philharmonic hall. She has also formed a very successful violin group of local children, playing under the name of The Frodsham Fiddlers. The standard is from grade 3 to grade 8 playing classical violin and traditional fiddle music at local events and carnivals as well as staging sell out concerts at Frodsham Community Centre over the past four years. In recent seasons she has been playing 1st Violin for the Chester Philharmonic Orchestra appearing regularly at Chester Cathedral and in 1996 at the Royal Philharmonic Hall, Liverpool. Bev has worked with Music For Life for over 9 years and the work she has done for young people in the Frodsham and Helsby area is very well known and respected for its quality, care and integrity.
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Jon Henderson BA(Hons)
Jon was born in 1968 and educated at Wolverhampton Grammar School . His first public performance was in 1979 at Wolverhampton Civic Hall. Following this he toured France, Belgium, Holland, Germany & Yugoslavia as a member of the Wolverhampton Youth Orchestra and Concert Band. In 1990 he gained an honours degree in Creative Arts from Crewe & Alsager College and became a peripatetic string teacher working full-time in Cheshire schools and playing as a freelance Violin / Viola player. Jon is also a founder member of the Liadon Ensemble (formed 1990), a contemporary music group whose music has been widely used by dance and theatre companies and which has recorded 2 albums. He recently recorded a CD of music for solo electric violin and another CD of music for electric violin and guitar with guitarist Gary Hickey. He plays as leader of the Salford Symphony Orchestra, conducts of the Romulus Singers and is a member of "Sine Nomine" International Touring Choir, who this year performed as a guest choir at the renowned Three Choirs Festival. Jon has been working with Music for Life over many years and has built a reputation as one of the finest violin teachers in Cheshire.
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Ruth Tickle
Ruth Tickle began her music training at the Royal Welsh College of Music and Drama. She has participated in many recitals and concerts, including performances for HRH the King and Queen of Norway, Her Majesties Governor to the Isle of Man and the Lord Mayor of London. Regularly competing in music festivals in the UK, Ruth has won many major prizes. Ruth currently teaches singing, violin and piano both privately and as part of the Music for Life team.
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Susie Jones BMus (Hons)
Susie began her playing career in Hampshire, where she played 1st violin in the Wessex Youth Orchestra and was leader of the Southern Youth Orchestra. Susie then studied violin performance at the Royal Welsh College of Music and Drama, gaining a BMus (Hons) and playing for various engagements in South Wales with the ‘Hope’ Quartet. In 2002 she began teaching violin and running various string ensembles at the Berkshire Young Musicians Trust in Reading. She then went on to take a 2 year PGCE with Specialist Strings Teaching at the Royal Northern College of Music, in which she studied the Dalcroze Eurhythmics method with the renowned Karin Greenhead. Whilst at the RNCM she taught violin, Kodaly, Eurhythmics and string ensemble on the award winning Junior Strings Project, thus enabling her to integrate these methods into her string teaching.
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Nick Bryne MMus
Nick Byrne was born in Liverpool into an extremely musical family. Originally thinking that it was a double bass, Nick took up the cello aged eight and began lessons with Gethyn Jones. He went on to study music at Hull University, where he won the Andrew Brown Performance Prize. Nick was then awarded the Sir Thomas Beecham Scholarship to study Post-Graduate Performance at the Royal Academy of Music, London, with David Strange and Colin Carr. Nick continued studying in Winnipeg, Canada, where he won the University of Manitoba concerto competition and made numerous recordings for CBC radio, including performances with the Manitoba Chamber Orchestra, Measha Brueggergosman and Groundswell New Music. Nick currently works as a freelance cellist and plays regularly with the Royal Liverpool Philharmonic, BBC Philharmonic and BBC National Orchestra of Wales. He also performs as session player for the Liverpool Session orchestra and has recorded with many pop artists, appearing on BBC Radios 1, 2 and 3 as well as being bass player on "Hollyoaks" and "Casualty". Teaching is a passion of Nick's and he has been teaching all levels of cello and double bass in the North West for 5 years with great success.
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Gemma Robertson BMus (Hons)
Gemma began singing and playing the violin at the age of four, followed a few years later by the piano. While at school, she performed with amateur dramatic societies and was a member of several orchestras, including the Cheshire Youth Orchestra. Gemma also became a Bishop's chorister at the age of 14. Gemma graduated in 2006 from Huddersfield University with a Bmus (hons) specialising in singing. She was also a member of the University choir, orchestra and new music ensemble. Since graduating Gemma has focused on a career as a music teacher, teaching violin, piano and a wide range of singing styles . Gemma is often featured as a solo performer with South Cheshire Young Musicians and performs regularly as a professional musician at weddings and concerts. She has recently joined Music for Life and is very enthusiastic about her experience in Cheshire schools so far.
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Robin Johnson
Robin attended the Royal Northern College of Music studying the violin. He is an experienced musician and teacher and has been teaching the violin at Kingsmeade School, Hoylake, and Upton Hall School for many years. Robin has previously been assistant music teacher in the music department running the Junior and Senior Orchestra and teaching Key Stage 3 music, as well as GCSE and A level. Robin's two daughter's also studied music, the youngest also at the Royal Northern College of Music.
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Woodwind
Mrs Margaret Corlett BA (Hons) LTCL
Margaret graduated from London University with a joint Honours Degree in Music and German. After spending four years in Salzburg , Austria , she returned to England to work as a teacher. Living in Leeds she developed her career as a freelance pianist and accompanist, working especially with solo singers and instrumentalists as well as choirs and operatic societies. She also branched out into Musical Directing for several musical plays and conducting a small choir. This was followed by 2 years in Holland where she expanded her linguistic abilities, teaching piano and flute in English, German and Dutch, directing a multi-national choir and working with a Dutch clarinettist. Returning to England , seven years ago, she has become established as an accompanist in the Chester area. She has performed with many soloists and choirs, and works for Music in Hospitals, as well as teaching privately from beginners to diploma level and working with Music for Life. She also teaches A – level music students at Sir John Deane’s College, Northwich, and junior music at Queen’s Lower School, Chester
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Jaki Chapman BA Hons PGCE
Jaki graduated from Coventry University in 2006 with a BA hons in Music Composition and Professional Practice. Whilst there she was awarded first prize for Contemporary Composition. She went on to study at University of Central England in Birmingham where she obtained a PGCE in Secondary Music. She has also studied under jazz legends Jean Tussaint and Jamie Abersold at Jazzwise Summer School. Jaki has been playing saxophone for 11 years and has always enjoyed playing woodwind. She has experience playing a wide variety of music, and currently performs with many groups across the UK ranging from ska bands to contemporary jazz fusion ensembles! At present, Jaki teaches private lessons to both adults and children, she is involved in teaching music workshops with various organizations and also is working professionally as a freelance musician. She performs, composes and teaches in and around Manchester
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Andy Schofield GDJCM
Andy studied music at Leeds College of Music where he gained a first with distinction on the Jazz and Contemporary Music course. He was also awarded the prestigious prize for best saxophonist in 1984 and also plays clarinet and flute to similar high standards. In recent years, he has worked for the British Council in Bulgaria, helping to develop jazz and improvisation skills through a series of workshops beginning in 1992. In 1998 he was an adjudicator for the Regional Music for Youth festivals in Birmingham and Manchester. From 1994-2000 he was a tutor at Salford University, and currently is a course-leader on The Music Place Jazz Summer School in Manchester. As a performer, Andy has worked at the very highest levels. He is a member of the Creative Jazz Orchestra and in this context has worked with notable jazz names such as Peter Erskine, Kenny Wheeler, Mike Gibbs and Bill Frisell, appearing regularly on BBC Radio's Jazz on 3 series. Andy is the co-leader of the Richard Iles/Andy Schofield Jazz Orchestra, which has toured extensively in the UK, and in recent years has worked with the Halle Orchestra, Tim Garland's Northern Underground Jazz Orchestra and the New York based "Fab Faux" Beatles revue band. In 2005, he composed and performed a special commission for Manchester Jazz Festival, which featured as special guest British Jazz piano legend John Taylor. Someone with this level of professional musicianship and an excellent track record as a teacher in schools and colleges has an enormous amount to offer young people.
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Suzanne Higgins BA (Hons)
Suzanne graduated from the University of Salford in 1997 having achieved a First Class BA degree in Band Musicianship. Her own playing experience is already very impressive. She was voted "Best Young Jazz Soloist" by the Daily Telegraph's Young Jazz competition in 1993 and has played with the Wigan Youth Jazz Orchestra, touring and performing with artists such as Georgie Fame and Bobby Shew. Suzanne has been a member of the Andy Prior Big Band, performing at many famous venues such as Ronnie Scott's Jazz Club and the London Palladium and taking part in numerous television and radio performances. Suzanne has led her own band, performing at the Manchester Jazz Festival and at the Bridgewater Hall. She has also worked with the Halle orchestra and Burt Kaempfert Orchestra. Recently Suzanne has played with renound jazz pianist John Taylor at the Manchester Jazz Festival and with Jacqui Dankworth in a performance of Duke Ellington's "Sacred Music" at Manchester Cathedral. At the Beatles festivals 2004 and 2005 Suzanne has played with New York based band "The Fab Faux" led by internationally acclaimed bassist Will Lee. Suzanne is an excellent woodwind teacher who has worked with Music for Life for many years, working with beginners up to Grade 8 students. She has worked to help us establish the new Music for Life Big Band, set up in partnership with Cheshire County Council.
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Collette Jones ALCM
Collette was born in Preston, Lancashire, and initially trained as a scientist, obtaining a B.Sc and PhD in Chemistry from Liverpool University. After graduating, she spent nearly twenty years working in industry as a research scientist and computer specialist. During all this time music was a very important activity, and in 1991 she gained a ALCM on Flute. Around this time, Collette began teaching music and enjoyed it so much that she eventually made the career change to full time music teaching. Collette teaches woodwind and piano to pupils of all ages and has now recently completed an Open University Diploma in Music.
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Andy Morel BA (Hons)
Andy graduated from Salford University in 1994. Since leaving Salford, he has performed at the highest levels as a musician. He leads his own jazz quartet and is a member of various bands including The John Ellis Big Band, Pocket Central, Shades Jazz Orchestra, Sax Assault, the Richard Isles/Andy Schofield Big Band, the Andy Prior Orchestra and the Georgina Bromilow Big Band. Recently, Andy took part in the Andy Prior Big Band National tour playing at venues such as the London Palladium and has worked on numerous recording dates as a session musician. He recently toured Bosnia with an African folk band, 'E2K' and recorded a debut album with them. Andy has great experience as a performer and has an enthusiasm for music which he is keen to share with young musicians. This combination makes him an excellent teacher. He also teaches for the Wigan Music Authority where he co-directs the Wigan Junior Big Band and Swing Bands, both feeder bands for the Wigan Youth Jazz Orchestra run by Ian Darrington. Andy has worked with Music for Life for many years now with great success and we recommend him with confidence as someone who has a great deal to offer young woodwind players.
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Hazel Barrett GMUS (Hons) RNCM PPRNCM
Hazel is a very experienced teacher and musician. She studied at the Royal Northern College of Music where she graduated with a music honours degree and a diploma in Professional Performance. Hazel was also awarded the Maimie Woods woodwind prize whilst there. As a performer, she works at the highest levels having been appointed a member of the Royal Liverpool Philharmonic Orchestra for five years and now freelancing with orchestras in the North West including the Manchester Halle, the Camerata and the BBC National Orchestra of Wales. Hazel was recently featured on the Chanel Five Documentary, "The Singing Estate" with the Royal Liverpool Philharmonic Orchestra. Hazel has worked with Music for Life for many years now and is an outstanding and popular teacher..
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Lisa Kirwan BMus (Hons)
Lisa graduated with Honours from the music department at the University of Hull where she specialised in ensemble performance and composition. She now teaches both adults and children the clarinet, flute, saxophone, piano, recorder, keyboard and theory. She also composes and arranges pieces of music for local schools and ensembles and has proved to be an excellent, committed teacher with Music for Life over the last few years.
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Louise Denton CTABRSM
Louise graduated from the Royal Schools of Music as a music teacher, and has been teaching alto saxophone, piano and keyboard for some years. Her own playing experiences have varied from playing a saxophone solo at Wembley Stadium before an international sporting event, and jamming with local band Zoot Serious and a Bellyful of Bop in their early days. Louise started working in partnership with Music for Life five years ago and has rapidly gained the respect of pupils, schools and parents as an excellent and committed teacher. The fact that her teaching list has grown from 14 to over 100 pupils during that time speaks for itself!
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Sarah Lewis BA(Hons)
Sarah Lewis graduated with a 1st class in Music Performance whilst studying Music, Psychology and Philosophy at the University of Liverpool during the 1990s. She studied with RLPO teachers from the age of 13 and has attended many courses and master classes including teachers Atarah Ben-Tovim and James Galway to name but a few. As a performer, Sarah has toured Europe with youth orchestras, played at many venues including the Royal Albert Hall and has also appeared as guest concerto soloist with several local orchestras. In 1997, she was an instrumental finalist at the Llangollen International Musical Eisteddfod. With over 16 years successful teaching experience from college lecturing to primary and senior school guidance, Sarah enjoys working with a wide variety of musical talent in both tuition and ensemble direction. During her spare time, she can be seen as a classical recitalist around North Wales and Chester and as a session musician within the Cheshire folk scene. She is currently about to undertake a part-time MA degree in Community Music based at the Liverpool Institute for Performing Arts (LIPA) and the University of the Arts in Philadelphia, US.
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Linda Howard BA (Hons)
Linda Cope has been a Woodwind Teacher with Music For Life since November 2005. She has been playing saxophone and woodwind for 18 years, graduating from Dartington College of Arts in South Devon in 1990 and Salford University College in 1994, obtaining a BA (Hons) in Popular Music & Sound Recording. Whilst at college she performed in the college Jazz Big Band, touring Germany, the UK and Greece and performing in big band competitions in the UK, and performed in a Salsa band on percussion. She currently plays in jazz ensembles, theatre shows and soul/function bands throughout the UK and Spain. She also currently teaches in schools around Cheshire and teaches adults and children privately from her home in Macclesfield, Cheshire.
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Anna Stavrinides BA Mus
Anna studied music at the University of Wales Bangor. She now teaches and performs in the Wirral and Cheshire area. She plays with the Chester Philharmonic Orchestra as well as being a founder member of the Elina Trio with whom she gives concerts in the UK and Switzerland. Anna has been teaching flute to adults and children since she graduated in 2004 and also runs after school music theory classes. A former Music for Life student herself, she is very aware of the value of learning an instrument in school and is keen to offer her students the same opportunity.
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Tomasz Sadczuk
Tomasz is a classically trained musician and he has been playing the clarinet professionally for 20 years. Whilst playing in The Representative Band of Silesia Military District in Poland as a professional soldier for 10 years, he studied in Poznan Academy of Music and gained an MA in Music Education.
He has worked for Yamaha in their Music School as a saxophone teacher and has taught privately in Poland. Since he came to England he has been much in demand as a solo clarinettist to play at many public functions. Recently Tomasz has been working at Ellesmere Port Specialist School of Performing Arts in their music department. He has both a passion and knowledge for music and an interest in instruments and conducting. Tomasz is keen to pass on his knowledge and musical experience to others in order for them to enjoy music as much as he does.
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Bruce Hunnisett BA(Hons)
Bruce graduated from Salford University in 1995 having achieved a First Class BA Hons degree, and the Goff Richards Award for best jazz soloist. He has worked professionally as a freelance musician in a wide range of areas - classical, jazz, cabaret, pop, soul - and formed his own jazz quartet which has toured all over the UK. Bruce has performed and recorded on saxophone, clarinet and flute and has undertaken a number of composition and arranging assignments. Bruce believes that contributing to the musical education of others is an important part of his job as a musician, and has been actively involved in teaching since leaving Salford. He teaches at Manchester City College, teaching advanced instrumental techniques and improvisation skills. He also works in a number of schools. Bruce has experience of teaching all ages from pre-school children to pensioners. Music for Life is happy to recommend Bruce as a first class teacher. He is a musician working at the highest levels, but who also wishes to ensure that teaching is central to his work as a musician.
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Lucy Keyes BA (Hons)
Lucy began her music studies at the tender age of 8 learning clarinet at her local music centre in Sussex. From this she began learning the bassoon which led her to gain a Junior Exhibitionist award at the Junior Trinity College of Music in London. It was at Trinity where she studied voice, piano, theory and musicianship. After graduating from the Royal Northern College of Music with a BMus (Hons) degree and a Postgraduate Diploma with Double Distinction, she gained work as a regular freelance musician with all the leading orchestras in the north of England. Lucy teaches both privately and at Upton Hall School and Redcourt on the Wirral. Lucy is also a member of the Souza Woodwind quintet.
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Julie Oade ATCL LTCL Dip. Mus. Cert. Ed
Julie Oade graduated from Huddersfield Polythechnic with a diploma in music having studied joint piano and flute. She then went to Manchester College gaining a certificate in Education with distinction in the principles of education. Julie played principal flute with Lancashire Schools Symphony Orchestra touring Denmark, USA, Canada & Sweden. She was also a member of the Merseyside Youth Orchestra under the direction of Sir Simon Rattle. Julie began her career as a class teacher for 5 years in Bootle, before going onto teach music privately in order to spend time with her children. Julie has performed widely herself. She has also enjoyed taking part in concerts at the Philharmonic Hall as a member of the Birkenhead School Choral Society.
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Brass
Jaqueline Keating
Jacky Keating has been teaching brass instruments and the piano for several years, both privately and within her local schools. She has an excellent success rate with ABRSM exams that her pupils have taken, and her number of pupils are continuously growing. Jacky has Grade 8 Euphonium and piano, and has been involved in local and youth brass bands for the past 20 years. Jacky has recently joined Music for Life because she loves to work within schools and get as many children as possible involved in playing musical instruments and joining musical groups.
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David Reynolds GRNCM
David was born in Weston-super-Mare . He studied at the Royal Northern College of Music from 1991 under Nicholas Childs and Steven Mead, graduating with a college diploma with endorsement in Theory. At the Royal Northern, David regularly performed with their wind orchestra and brass band, which included various radio broadcasts and two CD recordings. He toured Japan with the wind orchestra in 1995. David is involved in music at every level. His love of music has resulted in playing solo euphonium for Roberts Bakery brass band (1994-5), playing keyboard in a church rock band (1998), singing in a backing choir for The Chieftains in Manchester and Birmingham (1999) and singing in the gospel choir at the opening ceremony of The Commonwealth Games (2002). He also leads and teaches 2 and 4 part ‘a capella’ songs regularly at his local church. He has been extensively involved as the editor of a new church song book, published in 2004. 2005 saw the launch of a new music venture in the form of brass and keyboard rental and purchase scheme involving both used and new instruments. David is an excellent brass player and pianist, having obtained grade 8 distinction on euphonium, trombone and theory and grade 8 merit on piano. He started working with the Music for Life team in September 1996. David continues to develop as a performer and has developed a very successful career in teaching. Since 1997 his pupil’s exam results have seen an average 91% pass rate. In the last 3 years, this has risen to 98% with 34% obtaining merit or distinction. His manner with pupils and his own abilities as a musician have proven to be a very successful combination.
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Kevin Norbury BMus (Hons) RNCM, LLCM
Kevin first achieved national widespread recognition in 1992 after winning the Brass Final of the BBC Young Musician of the Year competition. He studied at the Royal Northern College of Music in Manchester, during which time he was taught by some of the world's leading brass players. He is also an excellent pianist. His music has taken him all over the world, appearing as a soloist in Germany, Austria, France, Denmark, America and the Middle East. He has performed Concertos with the Halle Orchestra, Manchester Camerata, Northern Chamber Orchestra and the Massed Military Bands of Kneller Hall. Kevin has also broadcast as a soloist on national radio, featuring on both Radio 3 and Radio 2. Kevin has been giving brass lessons for many years in the Northwest. He believes in bringing music to as wide a variety of young people as possible, and in 1997 founded the OomPah! music scheme. This provides music therapy workshops for young people with moderate or severe emotional, physical and behavioural learning difficulties.
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Ian Raisbeck BMus (Hons)
Ian Raisbeck studied Trumpet at the Royal Northern College of Music Junior School and Birmingham Conservatoire graduating with a BMus (Hons) degree in 2006. During this time Ian was winner of the Birmingham Conservatoire Brass Prize and the Bernard Brown brass ensemble prize, he was also a finalist in the prestigious Ludlow Philharmonic Concerto Prize and the Doris Newton Music Club Prize. He began teaching in 2004 for the Birmingham Music Service working in a variety of schools as a Brass Peripatetic teacher and upper brass tutor for the Birmingham Schools Brass Band. Since then Ian has worked with the Derbyshire Music Partnership as well as with many private pupils. Ian has taken a keen interest in ensembles and has worked as conductor / tutor with the Birmingham Schools Brass Band, Birmingham Schools Training Wind Orchestra and Colmers Farm area Wind Band. In addition to this he has also developed many of his own teaching resources and, as part of the Music for Life team, he is keen to pass on his knowledge and musical experience to others in order for them to find music as enjoyable as he does.
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Danny Ortiz BMus
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Piano and Keyboard
Beverley Greenwood
Bev Greenwood was born in Liverpool and studied both piano and violin beyond Royal School of Music Grade 8 Level in North Wales. Prior to becoming established as a highly regarded instrumental teacher she was leader of the Denbighshire, Clwyd and North Wales Youth Orchestras, being presented to the Queen for her services to these orchestras during the opening of Theatre Clwyd in 1976. She has successfully taught pupils from the age of 3 to adult at all levels for the past 23 years covering such wide ranging skills as pre-school music, violin, piano and keyboard instrumental tuition, attaining continually high examination marks from her pupils. Bev’s skills also cover string ensemble work. She has successfully tutored violin workshops and orchestral days, including the string section of a children's music workshop and concert for up to 70 string players at the Liverpool Philharmonic hall. She has also formed a very successful violin group of local children, playing under the name of The Frodsham Fiddlers. The standard is from grade 3 to grade 8 playing classical violin and traditional fiddle music at local events and carnivals as well as staging sell out concerts at Frodsham Community Centre over the past four years. In recent seasons she has been playing 1st Violin for the Chester Philharmonic Orchestra appearing regularly at Chester Cathedral and in 1996 at the Royal Philharmonic Hall, Liverpool . Bev has worked with Music For Life for some time now and the work she has done for young people in the Frodsham and Helsby area is very well known and respected for its quality, care and integrity.
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Helen Lacey ALCM
Helen is a qualified Registered General Nurse who changed career in 1994 to teaching music privately. Whilst training for her ALCM performance diploma, which she was awarded in 2001, Helen worked as a Teaching Assistant in Hampshire obtaining an OCR Level 2 in "Supporting Teaching and Learning" along the way. Her work for the primary school included running recorder groups and supporting and accompanying school performances. Helen has also been a member of several choirs including the Newbury Choral Society. Shortly after joining Music for Life, Helen took up jazz piano and already has several pupils who have passed ABRSM jazz piano exams. Helen is a friendly, conscientious teacher with a strong commitment to self-improvement and good experience of working in schools. and, as a keen supporter of the Music for Life ethos, Helen assists with the running of our Junior Orchestra at all their rehearsals and events. Helen's background, personal qualities and musical interests are all of great benefit to her Music for Life pupils.
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Nia Morgan BMus (Hons)
Nia studied at the University of Manchester where she graduated with a BMus (Hons). Her main instrument is piano, and she achieved the remarkable standard of Grade Eight by the age of fourteen. Nia also achieved grade 8 standard on violin, and has been a member of the National Youth Orchestra of Wales, as well as being a member of the University of Manchester Symphony Orchestra. Nia is also a freelance harpist and has been commissioned to write music for a number of theatre in education projects. Nia has worked as an exam accompanist with Music for Life for some years now, a job that demands a very high level of musical skill and great sensitivity. Nia fulfilled all that could have been asked of anyone in this role, and is very popular and successful with students. She has now developed her teaching in schools further, and I am delighted that she has chosen to do so in partnership with Music for Life.
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Louise Denton CTABRSM
Louise graduated from the Royal Schools of Music as a music teacher, and has been teaching alto saxophone, piano and keyboard for some years. Her own playing experiences have varied from playing a saxophone solo at Wembley Stadium before an international sporting event, and jamming with local band Zoot Serious and a Bellyful of Bop in their early days. Louise started working in partnership with Music for Life five years ago and has rapidly gained the respect of pupils, schools and parents as an excellent and committed teacher. The fact that her teaching list has grown from 14 to over 100 pupils during that time speaks for itself!
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Alwyn Hancock CTVCM LLCM TD
Alwyn has over 25 years experience in teaching the Piano, keyboard/Organ and theory of music, as a private tutor, instructor / Advisor / pianist in schools. The Schools he has worked in include Denston College, Middlehurst School, Knypersley First School. Alwyn has had, over the years, hundreds of pupil examination successes with the ABRSM (piano, theory of music), Trinity College (keyboard) and Victoria College London (keyboard/Organ). Alwyn has been involved as an instructor on a 4 year project called Aiming High working with year 9 students and the BBC Philharmonic Orchestra holding concerts at the Victoria Hall Hanley and Kings Hall Stoke. He has also tutored recorder groups who have been entered for local festivals and performances at Litchfield Cathedral. As a musician Alwyn has held posts as resident pianist at Trentham Gardens , Clayton lodge Hotel, Moat House Hotel, Keele Hall, Great Morton Hall, Tatton Park , Weston Park , Piccadilly Hotel Manchester. He has also been a Church organist for over 20 years. Alwyn has worked for Music for Life since 2002, mainly in the Congleton area.
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Ann Walshe PGCE, Dip Mus (Open), CTABRSM
Ann Walshe has been a teacher for several years. She studied with the Open University and gained a Diploma in Music and she is a trained teacher. Ann has been teaching piano and keyboard for Music for Life since December 2000 during which time she gained her CTABRSM in 2003. She is also now studying jazz piano. Her pupils make excellent progress and the numbers who choose to continue are evidence of her successful relationship with them.
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Richard Chivers MA
Richard Chivers has spent over 20 years as a Director of Music in Preparatory Schools in Surrey and Hampshire. He has been involved in making a number of recordings working with school choirs, some of which have been broadcast by the BBC. Richard is an organist and singer with connections to many cathedrals in the south of England. He has been working with Music for Life since moving up to Chester in 2004 and has proved to be an exceptional, thoroughly professional and successful teacher.
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Lisa Kirwan BMus (Hons)
Lisa graduated with Honours from the music department at the University of Hull where she specialised in ensemble performance and composition. She now teaches both adults and children the clarinet, flute, saxophone, piano, recorder, keyboard and theory. She also composes and arranges pieces of music for local schools and ensembles and has proved to be an excellent, committed teacher with Music for Life over the last few years.
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Sarah Balfour BMus (Hons) PGCE
Sarah studied for four years at the Birmingham Conservatoire gaining a 2:2 B Mus (Hons). She then went on to take a PGCE at Bretton Hall, part of Leeds University specialising in the arts and in teacher training. Sarah plays in a string quartet (Con Spirito), giving concerts and playing at other functions, such as weddings. She has been teaching violin for 7 years now, and has had great success through Music for Life for a number of years - her relationships with pupils are excellent and her work with them is of very high quality and integrity.
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Michael Collings BA (Hons)
Michael graduated from Leeds College of Music with a 2:1 BA honors degree in 2004 and is working to build on his reputation as a music teacher and his expertise in Music Production. Michael has worked as musical director for a number of organisations, including the Clywd Community Theatre Association and the Mikrocosmos Theatre Company. He is also heavily involved with the Phoenix Theatre Company as soundtrack writer, musical director and technical consultant. 2006 saw Michael expand his teaching work, starting to run a rock school at Malbank High School in Nantwich and teaching piano and keyboard through Music for Life in two primary schools in Cheshire.
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Rebecca Taylor BMus (Hons)
Beccy Taylor started studying the piano at age 8 progressing to studying music through her 'A' levels. During her period at High School she was fully involved in the school ensembles and toured overseas. She has just recently graduated from her 3 year Music Degree at Huddersfield University where she studied performance and was taught and influenced greatly by her tutor, Keith Swallow. During her degree, she performed in various concerts and ensemble works which also included playing as a Flautist. Beccy attained both her Grade 8's on the Flute and the Piano at aged 16, however, decided to major in Piano during her degree studies. Beccy currently is working as a freelance piano and keyboard teacher and is much in demand across the area.
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Louisa Phillips BA Hons, PGCE
Louisa began her musical and dramatic career at an early age gaining recognition as an up-and-coming talent in the BBC Song for Christmas and Musician of the Year competitions. Following her studies Louisa became a professional singer and actor for several years with many professional theatre credits including Cats, Piaf, the White Devil and Look Back in Anger. Composition and recording work saw Louisa attain success in many different genres including dance music, rhythm and blues and, most notably, jazz where she performed with her band, 'The Dutch Jazz Trio' at the North Sea Jazz festival in the Hague alongside Al Jareau and Oleta Adams following the release of her album with Polygram. More recently Louisa has collaborated with lyricist and writer Karlton Parris as composer and Musical Director for three musicals. The latest offering - 'the Rippers 5' recently played in the New York Festival off-Broadway, New York to excellent reviews. Throughout her career Louisa has continued to teach piano, singing and drama privately to pupils in her home in addition to working with adult and child drama groups and choirs. Louisa loves working with children and ensures her lessons are enjoyable and accessible to all different styles of learning. Having built a reputation as a fun, creative and inspiring teacher, we are delighted to welcome Louisa on board as a new teacher for Music for Life.
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Suzanne Waller BA (Hons)
Suzanne graduated from Keele University after completing a degree in Music where her principle performance instrument was the flute. Beyond her subject she was actively involved in the music life of the university playing in the concert band for many years. This love for playing in ensembles has stuck with her and she still enjoys playing in orchestras for theatre productions and is keen to encourage this enjoyment in children, establishing and running a junior choir. Suzanne has also played keyboard instruments since a child, with the organ being the first instrument she played and achieved grade 8 on; this was quickly followed by the piano. Since leaving university Suzanne has gone on to teach the flute and keyboard instruments in Cheshire primary schools as well as privately. She is also busy with class and group work, leading sessions in singing, recorders and fife projects.
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Phyllida Milne LRAM ARCM
Phyllida Milne is an accomplished pianist and an experienced teacher. She taught at Huyton College, Liverpool, and was Head of Music at Hilbre High School for many years. Phyllida has taught music in many capacities at Upton Hall School, including teaching piano to post-Grade Eight standard, and she has also accompanied many students for their Associated Board music exams.
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Guitar
Loraine Baker Wakefield
Loraine started to play the guitar at school aged 8 years, where she discovered a love of folk music. After leaving school she didn't play guitar for a few years, she then went to university where she met a group of friends who played in a band together and needed a double bass player. Using the knowledge she acquired as a child on the guitar she taught herself to play the double bass. Since then she has never looked back! She is regarded in high esteem amongst musicians and audiences throughout the U.K Europe and America and has toured those areas with various overseas artists, playing Cajun, Bluegrass and Folk music. She continues to tour with three well-established bands and with her husband Pete who is a Singer-Songwriter/guitarist. She has also contributed to numerous CD's of artists in the Cajun, Bluegrass, Folk and Roots genres. " I love playing and singing. Through 'Music for Life' I want to give the children I teach the stepping-stones to allow them to enjoy music as much as I do". She also has a love of singing and performs singing workshops. In 2008 she formed a community choir consisting of members of all ages and abilities.
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Joel Byrne-McCullough
Joel is a professional performer and teacher with ten years experience in Jazz, Blues, Rock and Classical guitar styles. Recent performance highlights include tours with vocalist Jacqui Dankworth, and performances with Irish jazz star Louis Stewart. Joel has a BMus (Hons) Degree in Jazz, Popular and Commercial Music, and has recently completed a 'RockSchool' LRSC teaching diploma. A regular workshop and group lesson leader, Joel seeks to develop solid groundings in theory, technique and improvisation, while making lessons inspirational and fun!
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Robert Kinnear
Robert Kinnear has been playing the guitar since age 11. His passion has always been blues based rock, classical music and musical theatre, having performed as lead guitarist in a number of musicals during his GCSE's and A-Levels. During his A-Levels, Robert independently studied for his Rockschool grade 8 and gained a distinction, which allowed him to get onto the University of Chester Popular Music performing degree. He recently graduated with a 2:1 in Popular Music and English. Whilst doing private lessons for family and friends, Robert's main guitar teaching took place at a shop called Soundmove Music in Bebbington on the Wirral, where he worked alongside his old guitar teacher Martin Pleass. He taught at Soundmove for four years and taught a wide range of children and adults, succesfully getting many through the Rockschool syllabus grades 1-8. Outside of teaching, Robert has enjoyed being involved in various bands and next summer he is set to go on a 60 date farewell tour with his university band that he set up with friends from the Popular Music degree.
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Dave Speakman
Dave Speakman has provided tuition in guitar, music technology, composition and music theory since 1997 covering all ages and levels. He has taken pupils through various graded exams, aided pupils with performance, music theory, music technology and composition aspects of BTEC, A-Level and GCSE music and is currently tutoring a student through his grade 8 guitar. In addition, he is experienced in teaching beginners of all ages. His main areas of expertise lies in electric guitar (particularly blues, jazz, rock and folk), computer based music, music technology, music theory (particularly jazz and popular music theory) and writing music for a variety of ensembles. Dave studied at Salford University on a performance based course under the guidance of Andy Watson (session guitarist and writer for Guitarist Magazine), Brian Kelly (guitar teacher at Salford University) and he still studies with Mike Walker who is regarded by many to be the most important and influential jazz guitarist in Europe. As a performer, Dave has performed at a wide variety of venues and events including Band on the Wall - Manchester; Chester Music Festival; The Roadhouse - Manchester; The Dance House - Manchester; Barfly - Sheffield; various DAN, AMP and Made of Stone events; Granvilles - Stoke; The Castle - Oldham; Exchange Square - Manchester (broadcast live on BBC Radio); In The City - Manchester; The Night and Day - Manchester. He has played in a variety of different ensembles covering several genres including solo gigs, jazz duos, a three-piece funk/rock band, indie bands, various cabaret bands and a ten-piece soul/funk playing both original material and covers.
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Stuart Williams
Stuart is a player and teacher of guitar, banjo, fiddle and mandolin and also plays ukulele. He has worked extensively as a session musician and musical advisor on many recording projects and has also worked with many touring musicians on live performances. Stuart believes passionately in the value of music education, and has been active in teaching for over ten years. He has taught in schools and privately, and has run many music workshops, including the Snowdon Workshop Weekend, a twice yearly residential course held in Snowdonia. Stuart is currently music advisor for a not for profit company, 'ACLAIM' ( acoustically live and inclusive music). His responsibilities involve organising and performing workshops for primary and secondary age children, those with physical and sensory disabilities and older people living in residential or nursing homes. He also has arranged concerts and festivals involving national and international artists. Stuart is very enthusiastic about developing his work in local schools. We are delighted to be able to recommend someone with such outstanding experience and interest as a guitar teacher for local children.
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James Dewdney
James has been teaching guitar since leaving school, and has been working with Music for Life for several years now. He plays and teaches in a number of different styles and likes to provide lessons that specifically cater for the musical tastes of the student. James also played a major role in developing and delivering Music for Life's "Whole Class" guitar teaching project which has introduced hundreds of children in Crewe to the joys of guitar playing! James is currently writing and performing with the acoustic four piece combo Dulaman.
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Ed Billingham ALCM, PGdipRNCM
Ed Billingham is one of the best classical guitarists in the UK . He studied at the London College of Music with Carlos Bonell where he was chosen as a soloist in his first year to play Rodrigo's Aranjuez Concerto. Ed recently did the post graduate performance program at the Royal Northern College of Music. He has performed widely as a concert player throughout the UK . Ed is an experienced teacher of all age groups and abilities. Although a classical specialist his tuition is very much geared to enabling each individual to develop at their own pace, and to enable students to follow their own musical interests. Creativity/ improvisation, standard music reading and chord playing are covered in his fun packed classes! Ed lives in Manchester with Anne is wife, and daughters Rebecca 11 and Victoria 6 and cat Tiddles.....
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Alastair Gambling
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Paul Mill
Paul started playing music at the age of 8 learning the piano. He then moved on to learn the guitar which he taught himself. Paul studied for a BTEC in popular music at Accrington & Rossendale College where we studied composition and performance in many popular styles of music (Jazz, Reggae, Funk etc). Paul is currently studying at MMU Cheshire for a BA joint honours in Cultural Studies and Music where the focus is on compositional techniques, performance and critical issues in music. Paul has played with various bands (pop, folk, and rock) in many venues across the U.K. including the Edinburgh festival performing original material and cover versions. He has also worked on musicals for amateur dramatic societies. In addition to his music studies and performing, Paul has also worked as a classroom assistant at Helmshore county Primary School and as a volunteer for the 'coMMuni' project where he taught a group of teenagers from Crewe various recording techniques in a recording studio. Paul is still an active player of both guitar and bass, his main interests being classical and jazz guitar.
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Andy Smith
Andy Smith has 17 years teaching experience ranging from working with private students to working in local schools and music stores. He has composed and performed on a number of commissions from television companies, commercial companies and local bands. Andy has performed throughout England with various bands and solo artists. He believes that teaching is an essential part of his career as a musician. He tailors his teaching to individual needs and has proven to be very popular and successful during the time he has worked as a Music for Life recommended teacher.
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Peter Reaney
Peter is a player and teacher of guitar, bass guitar and harmonica and has been playing for the last 25 years. He has worked extensively as a session musician and live performer throughout the U.K. He likes to structure his lessons to provide a good understanding of various styles of music and how they relate to each other. As an experienced blues player, Pete teaches his students to be expressive and creative using improvisation, composition and dynamics in their own work.
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Iain Reddy
Iain has been playing the guitar since the age of six, after seeing a poster of Elvis on the fridge door. Classically trained, he reached grade 8 at age fourteen and promptly quit to move on to electric guitar. After leaving school with two O Levels, in English and Music, he went on to study in Jazz/Rock and Pop at Leigh College. Iain has been in numerous bands since the age of ten. He has toured Europe and made several albums. Iain continues to play live and record in his studio. As well as being a peripatetic teacher, he also has a number of private students and is a lecturer in music at Blackburn College.
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Juliette Edwin Scott BEd
Juliet has been playing various instruments for many years, in folk bands, clubs and pubs with members of her family. She has spent time in recording studios singing and playing on friends CDs. She has worked as primary school teacher in Chester, Liverpool, Ellesmere Port and Tilbury in Essex. For the last fourteen years she taught at Eaton Primary School where her aim was that each child learned to play at least one instrument and where she organised a school orchestra involving all key stage 2 children. She has composed songs for school plays and encourages children to write their own songs. When teaching the mandolin she concentrates on traditional jigs, reels and well known British and Irish tunes, using tablature and conventional notation. On guitar, children learn to play a wide variety of traditional, bluegrass, rock, folk, country and contemporary songs, aswell as blues riffs and scales using tablature.
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Anthony Hunter Bsc (Hons)
Anton has been playing guitar in bands since before he knew how to play, and was actually a student with Music for Life for most of his high school years. After that he studied physics in Manchester for three years, where he also joined the university big band and played with countless other groups ranging from jazz through to indie whilst also co-running a 16-piece blues and soul band. His tastes are quite diverse but his true passion at the moment is experimental music and jazz. Although a physics graduate, he promises not to slip too much science into his lessons.
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Iain Lunt
Iain Lunt has been playing guitar since his early teens. After finishing his GSCE's Iain studied for a BTEC National diploma in Popular Music at Mid-Cheshire College, Hartford. He is currently studying music with the Open University, and is due to complete his degree next year. Iain is very enthusiastic, particularly when it comes to music and working with young people. He has much experience of working with both primary and secondary age children, through his involvement with after school clubs in local primary schools, and helping to organise and run church youth groups. He also has experience of playing lead guitar as part of a group (mostly rock and pop type stuff), and has done various solo guitar sets, which are primarily jazz (and a bit of classical thrown in for good measure). When it come to teaching, above all he loves to see students enjoying their instrument, whatever the style of music.
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Andrew Millar BA(Hons)
Andrew began his music education at the age of eight with violin lessons, progressing to achieve grade 6. However, he picked up the guitar at the age of ten, and has not put it down since! By the time he was fifteen he had become a regular performer at venues across the northwest with various bands. These included performances in both the Cavern Club and a sell-out concert in the Anglican Cathedral in Liverpool. After successfully completing his A-levels in Music, Maths and Chemistry, Andrew continued his music education at Canterbury Christ Church University in Kent. Here he obtained his music degree covering many different genres of music, from classical through to rock, pop and jazz. Andrew's chosen specialisms were in jazz performance, composition and arrangement; and instrumental teaching. Alongside his intense studies, Andrew taught guitar on a part-time basis around all areas of Kent. He has taught large groups of both children and adults, alongside smaller groups and many one-to-one students. Andrew is a firm believer that through enjoyment and hard work every student can reach their potential (as a guitarist) and has high ambitions for all his pupils. He thoroughly enjoys working with children, sharing his enthusiasm and inspiring them as guitarists; after all, every one of his new young pupils are part of the next generation of guitarists.
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Matthew Tidswell
Matthew has always had a real love of music and enjoys sharing this with others. He has been playing guitar for 14 years and drums for 7 years. He is never afraid to venture into new territory musically, and one cannot help but be swept along by his enthusiasm. In the past, he has been a member of a number of bands in Manchester & currently plays in a local group performing various styles of music. Matthew specialises in teaching modern & classic rock but also enjoys Jazz, Funk and Classic. Lessons are a balanced mix of theory and practice and include a flexible tailor made approach, based on the interest of the individual student. Matthew demonstrates a very calm and engaging personality, and because of this, his students enjoy lessons and progress well. To quote a parent:: 'Matthew is such a positive, happy and delightful man who strives to create a warm and creative atmosphere, even when my daughter is off par! Matthew sensitively keeps a steady pace to the lesson, working within my daughter's ability and supporting her progress towards further learning. Matthew produces excellent varied activities throughout the lesson, catered towards my daughter's interests to maximise her interest, motivation and enjoyment.
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Andy Hignett
Andy studied music theory, recording techniques, popular music history and guitar grades at Wirral Metropolitan College. He has been teaching electric, acoustic and bass guitar in a variety of styles for over seven years.
He has also played (and in some cases written) music on the soundtracks for independent film and theatre productions, most notably Shoreline's 'The Magic Opera', 'The Other Worlds Of Meredith' and 'The Book Of Spells'.
Andy writes, records and tours with the bands Sheldon and The Rising Sons and can be seen playing at Alexander's Jazz Bar And Theatre open mic. night most Tuesdays.
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Paul O’Hagan
Paul began playing guitar as a teenager and within a year was gigging professionally. He has played in many bands and has experience of most styles of music after playing and teaching for over 25 years, notching up literally thousands of live performances. Beginning with rock music, he has since played and performed Jazz, Country, Blues and solo fingerstyle all over the country, recording sessions at the BBC's Maida Vale studios and enjoying radio and TV appearances in various bands and line-ups over the years. Paul's guitar duo appeared at the Wrexham International Jazz Guitar Festival 2006. He is an active member of the musical community in Manchester and Stockport, appearing at many of the local jam nights, and he organizes a monthly student jam session in order to give students a chance to perform in public, something he believes is essential to the development of confidence and the full enjoyment that can come from playing the guitar.
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Joel Byrne-McCullough
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Jamie Godfrey BA (Hons)
Jamie has completed his BA (hons) degree in popular music with Performance & new media and graduates from Chester University in November 2009. His path to university has taken him from being a young self taught guitar enthusiast, into several bands, and through a B.T.E.C national diploma in popular music performance at the Leeds College of music. During his time in further and higher education Jamie has always made time to be involved in anything musical he can find, from volunteer guitar teaching at primary schools in his home town of Sheffield, to helping with the organization and logistics for charity shows, and of course playing live as often as possible. All of these things have contributed to his instrumental technique, friendly demeanour and above all his attitude towards teaching the guitar. As of September 2009 Jamie will be based in Chester where his dedication will be focused squarely on teaching and constant professional development both as a teacher and a performer.
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Graham Bell BA (Hons)
Graham studied for BTEC & HND in Music Performance at North Trafford College through Access to Music progressing onto The University of Salford's Popular Music and Recording Degree graduating in 2004. He has been teaching music for 8 years through The SNAP Project, Manchester as an employee of Save the Children, Trafford Music Service and as a sole trader 'Graham's Guitars' in schools and from home. He currently teaches electric, classical and bass guitar where students have a choice of studying either Trinity accredited Rockschool grades 1 to 8 (Trinity Guildhall for classical guitar) or his own 'Graham's Guitars' course which takes pupils to GCSE standard in preparation for the performance section of their exam. Graham began learning music aged 6 and has studied electric and classical guitar, electric bass, piano, violin, voice and recorder. Played many concerts and gigs, recorded EP's and albums, worked as a guitar tech in a music shop, been a radio DJ, club promoter, gig promoter, DJ agent and is experienced in music technology, live sound and recording. His teaching reflects the useful elements of this varied experience geared towards the needs of the group or individual to enable the pupil to achieve their personal best.
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Drum Kit
Steve Kingston A1 Mus, BC Mus HM Forces
Steve Kingston served as a drummer and percussionist with HM Forces for a period of 25 years during which time he performed in many parts of the world. He was involved with ensembles playing a variety of music including popular classics, big band, rock and pop music. Steve has experience of recording and TV work and has also performed on Royal and State occasions. Since retiring from HM forces as 2nd in command of the band in 1988, Steve has built a teaching practice in a number of schools coaching students to GCSE performance level and preparing students for graded music exams (Grades 1-8). Several of his students have been successful in school group competitions and have progressed to music college to further their studies.
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Richard Kenyon
Richard has been a professional musician and teacher since 1995. His experience of work as a professional drummer has been invaluable in enabling him to offer high quality teaching to students. He has played many different musical styles over the years aswell as teaching drums in schools throughout Cheshire . Early live work included playing in musicals for amateur dramatics groups, local folk band Twisted Flax and function band The Original M’s. He has played with numerous jazz quartets and big bands in the north west and USA . During the nineties he also played regularly with anglo-french folk act Jabadaw, Santana-style latin fusion band Makor, soul band Turn It Loose and Police tribute band Undercover Police! Another tribute act, Ice Nine, playing the instrumental rock guitar music of Joe Satriani, evolved into a major original project, the Dean O’Shea Group. Richard recorded the group’s debut album and toured in support of Albert Lee, John Jorgensen (Elton John), Bernie Torme (ex Ozzy Osbourne), Carl Palmer (Emerson Lake & Palmer), Noel Redding (Jimi Hendrix) and more. Infact, original music has always been a major part of Richard’s output. Art rock project Integer has been ever-present, whilst the recording of prog-rock band Iconic Phare’s debut album saw him work with Alan Parsons, producer of Pink Floyd’s 'Dark Side of the Moon'. He has also recorded extensively with pop acts Lazy Eye and The Interceptors, with whom he also toured in support of Spandau Ballet. Most recently Richard has been working with top function band Classique and soul band Solar Power.
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Mark Mayhem
Mark Mayhem has gained a reputation as an excellent player and teacher. As a performer, he has performed with many bands and artists, and he has been involved in working for TV. His extensive experience of performing live and in the studio has been of real value in enabling him to develop as a performer and as a teacher. He has been tutored, and subsequently recommended for work, by some of the best leading players in the world. These include Ian Thomas (the drummer for Tom Jones and a leading session Artist in London), Peter James, and Thomas Lang, a world renowned session artist, who has worked with Robbie Williams, Geri Halliwell and many more. Mark has been featured in the UK magazine "Kerrang" and has been recommend for work with Coldplay, Feeder and Sterophonics. As a teacher, his goal is to bring his experience into the class room and to see young people develop confidence and enjoyment through learning how to become excellent, solid drummers. He is keen to develop his reputation as a teacher in schools, and is delighted to be working with Music for Life
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Gareth Hughes BA (Hons)
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Carl Woodward
Carl started performing at the age of 15, he then went on to study at S.C.O.P.A, where he also became a drum teacher. He prides himself on being a professional ' live' and 'studio' player, offering an insight into the skills needed to become a successful musician. Carl has toured extensively, culminating in his biggest concert to date in Minsk of the former Soviet Union to 20,000 people and from 1997 0 2007 has toured the UK and Europe playing with the likes of Tower of Power, Joe Satriani, Paul Weller, Dream Theatre and toured with BB King. Carl has a wealth of studio experience having recorded as far afield as New York as well as some of this country's top studios, recording 7 albums and a number of compilations. He also has Irish and European television credits. He is still an active, professional player as well as a teacher.
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Chris Hough
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Matthew Spall BMus
Matthew is a professional musician having graduated in 2007 with a bachelor of music degree from the Guildhall School of Music and Drama in London. At the Guildhall School he studied with several renowned classical percussion and drum kit teachers which enabled him to develop a rounded musical education. Whilst in London he performed and recorded with top function bands Back Beat Village, Funk Factor and the Brenthouse Band. He also performed with the Heritage Orchestra abroad and in the UK and has performed at many venues in London including the 606 Jazz Club. Matthew has also worked with the band Pack of Six performing and recording original funk and soul tunes. He has extensive experience playing in musicals and big bands in and around London and the North West.
As well as a performer Matthew is a dedicated teacher and has a wide range of experience having taught privately and also at Kingston Music Service, The London Oratory School and City & Islington College. Matthew is both an active performer and teacher in the North West and is pleased to be working for Music for Life.
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Luke Jennings BA
Luke is an active professional musician and a dedicated teacher. He began his teaching career five years ago as a private instrumental tutor, but now also works as a drum and guitar teacher in a number of schools across the North West and also teaches music at a Christian Youth Centre, The Bank, which is located in Upton Village, Wirral. He is a tutor for the National Youth Music Camps, which take place every year at The Stables music theatre in Wavendon, Milton Keynes. Founded by Sir John Dankworth and Dame Cleo Laine, his work at the NYMC includes group guitar workshops, band-building workshops, and live performances. As a performer, Luke work has encompassed working as a session musician, gigs, theatre productions, musicals, recording sessions and film work; he has recently completed recording for the feature films My Big Break and Heathen Stevens. Luke is currently working with Liverpool-based songwriter Shane Beales, and has recently also been recording in London for EMI Publishing. He is a member of many bands, including the Groovy Wonderband and Capone, and he has recently set up a jazz-fusion quartet. Luke is also active as a composer. This combination of experience as a musician working at the highest levels and a commitment to young people makes Luke an ideal teacher.
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Singing
Rosie Douglas BMus
Rosie Douglas started her music career in Somerset, performing piano and vocals, and composing for original theatre shows. Having already been involved in music from an early age, Rosie started running music and drama workshops very early on in her career. Having completed music and drama training at Strode College, in 1994 Rosie moved to Manchester to study at Salford University. It was there that she received further training in performance, and took up singing lessons. In 1997 Rosie was commissioned to write a composition for members of the Halle Orchestra, resulting in media coverage and a performance at the prestigious Bridgewater Hall.
From 1997 through to 2008, Rosie's focus became education, and this led to her co-ordinating the National Diploma in Music Practice, as well as being a main-grade lecturer. Rosie's teaching specialists include performance, music theory and aural skills. Also during this period Rosie gained experience teaching students with learning difficulties teaching music and drama, and worked with English Speakers of Other Languages (ESOL) teaching music. Outside of teaching Rosie also did outreach projects in under-privileged areas, working with some of the City's top arts' facilitators and organisations such as Contact Theatre, and APM.
Rosie has also done vocal sessions for top musicians in Manchester, run and co-run music workshops, taught piano and singing, and developed a composing partnership producing music for film and television.
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Barbara Lindsey ARNCM
Barbara is originally from Hampshire, but then studied in Winchester and Manchester. She was a member of the Scottish Opera for three years before moving to Wallasey. Barbara, who is married to a musician and has two grown up sons, continues to perform across the North West and is an experienced vocal teacher, working both in schools and privately.
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