Some background information about 1st 4 Reeds. As a musician with over 50 years experice, starting out as most do at school during the early stages of childhood, experience has been gained through playing in orchestra's, bands and social groups.
Professional teaching qualifications from both Winchester University (formerly King Alfred's College Winchester) and the Trinity College London were achieved in 1990 - 1994. This has been the foundations for providing high standards in lessons and ensuring that the students that learn with 1st 4 Reeds do very well.
Over the many years of teaching, our experience includes primary schools, secondary schools, military schools, TEFL education and private instrumental teaching. This vast array of school types and student ages require flexible and created approaches to planning and delivering lessons, which has over the years, supported the success that our students have enjoyed.
Primarily, the background training has been based on classical principles which provide, in our opinion, form the best capabilities and techniques for the player. In later years, as musical styles developed and music became available, interests developed in jazz, latin and some of the more popular styles. Practical experience has been gained from owning a jazz band some years ago, playing in a variety of orchestras and solo performances. All of which have taken place around Hampshire, Dorset and the Isle of Wight.
During the University years, the main study was the Clarinet with second study in Piano. Saxophone was introduced into the repertoire of instruments during the later years of 1990, mainly to play alternative musical styles such as jazz and latin and expand the range of instruments.