Meet our educators

Patrick Avery BMus(Hons)

Patrick Avery is an experienced classical and electric guitarist and teacher. He studied at London College of Music and Media where he gained his degree. Patrick has been a teacher for Southern Counties Music, Brigidine School, Windsor and at the North London Music Centre.

Dr. David Baker PhD, MMus, BMus(Hons), ARCM

Dr. David Baker read for his undergraduate degree at University College, Cardiff and, subsequently, completed Master of Music and Doctor of Philosophy degrees at Reading University. David is a trumpeter and Associate of the Royal College of Music, London. He is a member of the Royal Society of Musicians of Great Britain and the International Society for Music Education.

David’s academic pursuits have embraced qualitative research, research into musicians’ life histories and music service provision. He has published articles in these spheres in the British Journal of Music Education (Cambridge University Press) and the International Journal of Music Education (Sage). In 2007, David collaborated with John Miller, Director of Wind and Percussion, Royal Northern College of Music, on an investigation into conservatoire students’ pedagogical training. This work was published in the British Journal of Music Education. Furthermore, he participated as External Academic Assessor for a University of Plymouth approval panel for their new foundation degree (FdA: Popular Music and Jazz) at Exeter College. Most recently, though, David has been reviewing books for Cambridge University Press.

Over the past 10 years, David has taught brass instruments in a variety of primary and secondary settings for a Local Education Authority music service. In 1999, Peters Edition published Fast Track Trumpet Training, two volumes of his educational music for trumpet. Most of David’s current instrumental teaching takes place in a secondary school conferred with Department for Children, Schools and Families (DCSF) specialist music status.

David is Course Tutor for the Music Teaching in Professional Practice (Mtpp) initiative at the Institute of Education, Reading University. The Mtpp programme is a collaborative venture with the Incorporated Society of Musicians; it provides training for in-service music teachers. David also supervises Master of Arts theses at the university.

Zoë Belbin BMus, PGDip(TCM)

Zoë Belbin gained her music degree from the University of Surrey; she later completed a postgraduate diploma at Trinity College of Music, London. Zoë greatly enjoys working in pit bands in tandem with performing with her jazz duo and saxophone quartet, Sax Collective. Zoë is an experienced teacher who has worked for Surrey County Arts and Wiltshire Music Services.

Julia Bentley BPA(Hons)

Julia Bentley studied at Leeds College of Music. She has received the Arnold and Marjorie Ziff Prize (1999), the Laurence Crosthwaite Prize (2000) the Robert Tebb Trophy and the John Sheerer Prize for woodwind. With her duo Flutiful, she has performed alongside some of Britain’s top contemporary artists at venues including the NEC and Olympia. She has a longstanding association with Laurie Holloway with whom she performs several charity concerts each year. Julia is also a trustee and tutor for the Montgomery Holloway Music Trust, which gives aspiring young musicians the chance to work with professionals. She often performs for charities, too, including Break Through Breast Cancer.

 

Christopher Cobbson LLCM(TD)

Christopher Cobbson studied at Goldsmith’s College and at Guildhall School of Music and Drama, London where he gained an Advanced Certificate in jazz and studio music. Christopher has taught guitar at numerous schools in the London area including work with special needs students at Chelsea and Kensington Youth Centre.

Christopher’s performing activities have included Grease and Soul Train in the West End, Fiddler on the Roof in Germany, and national tours of House That Nat Built and Soul Train. As a soloist, Christopher has performed at parties for: Channel 4’s Cannes Film Festival; Working Title Films; Cirque du Soleil’s opening night; the Hollywood actor, Sam Neil’s birthday; and MTV. He has recorded with Courtney Pine, Sheila Ferguson and Funk Ambassadors. Moreover, Christopher has participated in music festivals throughout the world such as: the Vienne Jazz Festival, France; Womad, Portugal; the Wiesen Festival, Austria; the Afave Festival, Ghana; Reggae Sun Splash, Sweden; and the Festival of Dhow Countries, Zanzibar.

Julia Deats BA(Hons)

Julia Deats read for her undergraduate degree in music at Southampton University. Aside from her activities as a Kindermusik teacher working with children of 17 years, she is an accomplished flautist and pianist. Julia's teaching experience is extensive: She once taught music at Lambrook Haileybury School where she directed ensembles and coached singing groups. She now teaches Kindermusik for the Eureka Foundation and Edvantage. Furthermore, she delivers training sessions for nursery nurses and childminders as a tutor for KidsMusicEducation.com. Additionally, Julia is a keen music therapist who teaches children with special educational needs such as autism.

Christian Derie BMus

Christian Derie studied for his undergraduate degree in popular music performance at Thames Valley University. He has subsequently worked as a professional musician, including performing as a drummer for the luxury cruise ship, Costa Fortuna. Christian has longstanding experience as a private instrumental teacher.

Pete Effamy GCLCM (Jazz)

Pete Effamy studied jazz at Leeds College of Music before embarking on a busy performing and teaching career. He has performed widely as a jazz saxophonist including work with Clark Tracy. Furthermore, with Shakin' Stevens, Pete has performed on Danish TV, and on extensive tours of Denmark, the Faro Islands and the United Kingdom. He has also performed on Keith Barrettís Christmas Show (BBC2), Hit Me Baby One More Time (ITV1) and Top of the Pops (BBC1). Pete can be heard on the Sony BMG record label.

Pete's teaching experience has encompassed work at Leeds College of Music and employment with several Local Education Authorities. Alongside his other educational commitments, he presently teaches at a secondary school conferred with Department for Education and Skills specialist music status.

 

Diana Girdwood BA(Hons)

Diana Girdwood has an undergraduate degree in three-dimensional design with specialisms in silversmithing, ceramics, jewellery and industrial design. She has taught art in secondary schools in St. Albans and Berkshire. Diana is particularly interested in paper sculpture, plaster casting, printing and stained glass.

 

 

 

 

 

Piers Green BMus(Hons)

Piers Green studied for his degree at Trinity College of Music, London. He has performed as a member of the Pendulum Jazz Orchestra alongside top British jazz artists such as Peter King, Kenny Wheeler and Clark Tracey. Additionally, Piers has performed with the Paul Jordanous Big Band and Quintet. He enjoys teaching and has also led youth workshops, including one with Kent Youth Jazz Orchestra.

Lucy Heath BMus(Hons), PGDip(RCM)

Lucy Heath studied double bass as an undergraduate and postgraduate at the Royal College of Music, London with Enno Senft and Neil Tarlton. At the RCM, she won an award from the Sir John Ackroyd Trust plus the Eugene Cruft Double Bass Prize. Additionally, she trained as a postgraduate in Berlin with Klaus Stoll, Corrado Canonici and Corin Long.

Lucy enjoys working as an educator and freelance musician. She performs with orchestras such as the Royal Liverpool Philharmonic Orchestra and the London Soloists Chamber Orchestra. In 2001, Lucy participated in a three-month tour of the USA with London City Opera's production of Bizet's Carmen. She also performed for a video recording of the London Children's Ballet. Moreover, Lucy's activities as a chamber musician have included work with the Redlands Ensemble, Bass International and the HdK Kammergruppe. She teaches double bass and violincello in a number of Berkshire schools.

Thuy Hoang MA, PGDip(Mtpp)

Thuy Hoang studied as an undergraduate at the Royal Northern College of Music, Manchester and as a postgraduate at Reading University. Thuy holds both a postgraduate diploma in pedagogy and a Master of Arts degree in music education. She has provided pianoforte fingerings for Peters Edition educational publications.

Thuy's activities in music teacher education have embraced acting as Professional Mentor for the Music Teaching in Professional Practice programme at the Institute of Education, Reading University. Furthermore, Thuy is Chairperson for Slough Music Panel. SMP is a Local Education Authority steering group concerned with instrumental music provision in primary and secondary schools. Thuy presently teaches pianoforte both in private practice and at several grammar schools in Berkshire.

Simon Hood MMus, BSc(Hons)

Simon Hood studied pianoforte and double bass within the junior department of Royal Scottish Academy of Music before reading physics at the University of Sterling. Simon once worked as a nuclear physicist at Sellafield Power Station (British Nuclear Group). His musical training includes a Master of Music degree in pedagogy and music theory from Butler University, Indiana. In 1982, he also published a collection of Christmas songs entitled Pop Goes the Reindeer (Nelson). Simon taught in Arizona before joining a music service in the United Kingdom to work in numerous primary and secondary schools.

Ellis Hynd BMus(Hons)

Ellis Hynd studied for his undergraduate degree with the Guitar Institute. His subsequent activities as a performer have been prolific, including performances: with the Martyn Blagden Quintet; with Guildhall School of Music and Drama Big Band; for Brent Council; with Brent Jazz Orchestra; and with the Chris Turner Duo for the opening of Wembley Arena in 2006. Ellis is also an experienced teacher who has worked for music services in Brent and Ealing.

Jennie-Lee Keetley BMus(Hons), PGDip(RCM)

Jennie-Lee Keetley studied for her undergraduate degree at Birmingham Conservatoire; she also gained a postgraduate diploma in oboe from the Royal College of Music, London. Jennie-Lee has received a number of prestigious awards, including: the Lucy Ann Jones and Astor Award (Royal College of Music, 2002); a South Square Scholarship (2003); the Anthony Millar Oboe Prize (Birmingham Conservatoire, 2000); and awards from the Countess of Munster Music Trust (2002–2004) and the Musician’s Benevolent Fund (2002–2003).

Jennie-Lee has considerable teaching experience. She has taught for Ealing Music Service and Surrey County Arts. Furthermore, she has participated educational outreach projects with the Southbank Sinfonia, the Royal Philharmonic Orchestra, the London Philharmonic Orchestra and the Philharmonia.

Jennie-Lee has performed with: the RTE National Symphony Orchestra; the Royal Scottish National Orchestra; the Southbank Sinfonia; London Soloists Chamber Orchestra; the European Union Youth Orchestra; the World Youth Orchestra; and the Britten-Pears Contemporary Orchestra. She is an extra both with the London Symphony Orchestra and Birmingham Royal Ballet. Jennie-Lee was also an oboist in Miss Saigon.

Mark Kelly Dip(RCM), ARCM

Mark Kelly studied at the Royal College of Music, London where he gained diploma and associate qualifications as a violinist. He has worked extensively as a music educator, including work for the London Borough of Barking and Dagenham, and the London Borough of Waltham Forest. Furthermore, Mark has been class music specialist teacher at a number of primary schools. He has been Head of Strings at Wellington College, Berkshire. As a performer, Mark has performed with the Moscow Classical, Bolshoi, Berlin and Australian Ballet companies. He has also worked with the Ballet Nacional D’Espagne.

Nick Long GLCM(Hons)

Nick Long trained as a percussionist at the Royal Academy of Music and London College of Music; additionally, he studied pianoforte and trumpet. Nick has been both a musical director and arranger in music theatre. His educational work embraces children with learning disabilities and Rockschool Roadshow, a band that promotes popular music in schools.

 

 

 

 

 

Luis Javier Garcia Molino BMus

Luis Javier Garcia Molino read for his degree in popular music at London College of Music; he then completed a diploma at the Guitar Institute, London. Luis is an experienced electric and classical guitar teacher; he has been employed by Brent Music Service and Ealing Junior Music School. Additionally, Luis has taught at Casa de la Vila, Montcada I Reixac, Barcelona.

Helen Parker GRAM, ARAM, LRAM

Helen Parker is a graduate of the Royal Academy of Music, London. She won a scholarship to the Royal Academy where she studied with Patricia Clark. Her subsequent work as a soprano soloist is varied and impressive. For instance, in Saltzburg, she was Alphise in Rameau's Les Boréades under Sir Simon Rattle. For Richard Hickox, she sang first lady in Mozartís Magic Flute. With Philip Pickett and the New London Consort, she performed: Purcell Odes both in Rome and the Concertgebouw, Amsterdam; Bach's B Minor Mass in London, Spain, Italy and New Zealand; and a medieval Carmina Burana at the Deutsche Oper, Berlin. Her Queen Elizabeth Hall debut was as Ingrate in Monteverdi's Combattimento. Furthermore, Helen has appeared with the City of London Sinfonia, the Scholars Baroque Ensemble, and on BBC Radio 3 as Iris in Eccles' Semele with Richard Hickox.

Helen is also widely recorded. She can be heard in: Purcell's The Fairy Queen and Handel's Messiah with the Scholars Baroque Ensemble (on Naxos); Monteverdi's Combattimento and Locke's Psyche with the New London Consort (Decca); Allegri's Miserere with the Choir of Westminster Abbey (Sony); Purcell's The Indian Queen with the Academy of Ancient Music (Decca); pieces by Percy Grainger under Richard Hickox (Chandos); and Linley's Shakespeare Ode with Philip Pickett and the Musicians of the Globe (Philips).

Robert Parris

Robert Parris comes to the United Kingdom from Nevis in the West Indies. As a member of both the Boston Braves and Tropical Isles steel pan ensembles, Robert toured extensively including concerts at Oxford University. Robert has also performed at Henley Regatta for the past 15 years, has worked alongside the Joe Loss Orchestra and was featured on a Rod Stewart Album. He currently directs Tropico Steel Pans. Robert is in great demand as an educator having worked at Eton College and Windsor Boys' Schools. He was nominated for a Slough Mayor's Art Award in 2002.

 

 

 

 

Selah Pérez-Villar MMus, BMus(Hons), Advanced PGDip(TCM)

Selah Pérez-Villar studied for her undergraduate degree at Birmingham Conservatoire and later gained two postgraduate diplomas from Trinity College of Music, London. Selah has recently completed her Master of Music degree at Trinity College, where she received a Scholarship Award.

Selah has performed recitals in Spain, and in the United Kingdom at the Adrian Boult Hall, Birmingham Conservatoire Recital Hall, Blackheath Halls and Fairfield Halls. She was a finalist in the Leonard Smith Duo Prize with cellist, Brikelda Syla.

William Purefoy BA

William Purefoy has sung around the world, appearing with the English Concert, Sixteen, Orchestra of the Age of Enlightenment, City of London Sinfonia, New London Consort, Hanover Band, Musicians of the Globe, BBC Concert Orchestra, Purcell Quartet, and the vocal ensembles Cantabile and I Fagiolini. William has given recitals at Wigmore Hall, the Barbican and the Purcell Room; he has performed at venues in Innsbruck, Graz, Passau, Brezice and Radjovlica. He has recorded with the Hanover Band (on ASV Gaudeamus), John Harle (Decca), Richard Hickox (Chandos), and the Orchestra of the Golden Age (Naxos). William’s singing has also encompassed operatic work with the Scottish Opera, English National Opera and Staatsoperhannover. Furthermore, he has sung for John Harle and David Pountney at the BBC Proms and performed at the Globe.

William is a graduate of Magdalen College, Oxford. He also attended the opera course of Guildhall School of Music and Drama. At GSMD, William received the John Clifford Pettican Award. In 1995, he was a finalist in the Kathleen Ferrier Awards and winner of the NFMS Young Concert Artists Awards. In 1997, William won a Silver Medal from the Worshipful Company of Musicians.           

Dan Rees-Jones

Dan Rees-Jones began his musical life as a trumpet and pianoforte student before learning the bass as a teenager. Dan later studied at the Royal College of Music, London. His band Jamie and the First Class have performed at venues such as Brocket Hall, The Hurlingham Club, Stamford Bridge and Old Trafford. The band are also residents at London's Hammersmith Palais, often performing to audiences of 2,500 plus. Dan also performs with The Voodoo Trombone Quartet and is presently composing and arranging songs for their second album. He has performed in the legendary Soho venue Ronnie Scott's and, also as a session musician, has worked with two of the final twenty-five contestants in the ITV1 show, X-Factor. Understandably, there is high demand for bass guitar lessons with Dan; he is employed in numerous schools in Berkshire not least Eton College. He is also a member of Rockschool Roadshow, an ensemble that introduces large numbers of schoolchildren to the history and performance of popular music.

Tina Reibl BA(Hons), PGCert(GSMD)

Tina Reibl studied sociology, psychology, politics and anthropology at the University of Berlin before undertaking vocational training in youth work at Remscheid Academy. She later studied at the Guildhall School of Music and Drama and gained a Postgraduate Certificate of Advanced Studies in jazz and rock music. Furthermore, at GSMD, Tina participated in masterclasses with Steven Sondheim and Norma Winstone. Aside from having presented numerous vocal workshops, Tina has taught extensively in Berkshire schools, colleges and theatre schools. She is presently employed by a music service and Slough Music Panel. Tina also sings professionally, including work with Rockschool Roadshow.

David Sanchez Certificado de Aptitud Pedagogica, Titulo de Profesor Superior (Grado Superior de Musica Especialidad Piano)

David Sanchez is an experienced instrumental musician and classroom teacher. He has worked at: Blessed Hugh Farringdon School, Reading; St. Chrispin’s School, Wokingham; and has been Director of Music at Baylis Court School, Slough and Padworth College, Reading. Additionally, David has been a piano teacher at Fuentealbilla Music School and the Real Conservatorio Profesional de Música, Albacete, Spain. David holds an undergraduate degree with honours from the Real Conservatorio Superior de Música, Madrid. He is also a qualified classroom teacher in the United Kingdom.

Emily Saunders GBSM, ABSM

Emily Saunders studied music at Birmingham Conservatoire. Her teaching experience is broad and has embraced work: at Richmond Adult and Community College; for the Royal National Institute for the Blind; at Birmingham Conservatoire Junior School; for the National Autistic Society; and at numerous schools, including Wimbledon and Esher High Schools.

Emily has performed as a jazz vocalist at Jagz, Ascot and various London venues such as the Spice of Life Jazz Club and Way Out West. As a clarinettist, she has performed at Adrian Boult Hall plus the Symphony Hall, Birmingham. She has worked under the direction of internationally-renowned conductors such as Kent Nagano and Sir Simon Rattle. Moreover, Emily has performed at the Plaisir de Musique festival in Annecy, France and the Brighton Fringe.

Sarla Seth MA, MA, BA

Sarla Seth came to the United Kingdom in 1967. She holds an undergraduate degree from the University of Agra, India plus Master of Arts degrees from the Vishva Vidyala Institute and the University of Agra. Sarla enthusiastically promotes Indian culture as a musician, music teacher, ensemble director, choreographer and workshop presenter. Sarla has taught music and dance for numerous Berkshire schools including Eton College. Furthermore, Sarla has participated in cultural and community projects such as Goddess of the Fourfold Veil (2000), a musical play for the One World Festival featuring Hindi actor Nitish Bhartadwaj, Mantrang (2001) and Kaladarshan (2002). In 1982, she authored Ma Ki Mehma. She has been President of both the Eastern Women's Cultural Society and the Berkshire Shakti Centre. Sarla received Slough Mayor's Art Awards in 1998, 1999, 2001, 2003 and 2005.

Katie Stephenson BA(Hons)

Katie Stephenson studied for her degree at Brunel University where she received the Griffin Prize for Music. She has widespread teaching experience, including work for Southern Counties Music and Hayes Community College. Katie has performed in the Far East and United Kingdom with her percussion duo, Bang On! She has also recently toured Europe with the American duo, the Dresden Dolls. Katie is also a session musician and can be seen playing drum kit in the Jamie Cullum video, ‘Mind Trick’.

The Big Easy Brass Band

The Big Easy Brass Band was formed from eminent London musicians. These flexible and dynamic performers have worked with the likes of Jules Holland's Rhythm and Blues Orchestra and the Syd Lawrence Orchestra. They have performed in West End Shows such as Chicago, Guys and Dolls, and The Producers. They have also performed with top acts such as Basement Jaxx and Jamie Cullum. In schools, this ensemble brings to life the traditional street parade music of New Orleans in Mardi Gras, a highly entertaining and informative experience.

Fiona Troon BMus(Hons), Advanced PGDip(RCM)

Fiona Troon studied the bassoon and piano at Birmingham Conservatoire before attending the Royal College of Music as a postgraduate. Fiona has performed widely as a bassoonist and jazz pianist. She has been an extra with the Hallé and BBC Symphony Orchestras. Fiona has been guest principal bassoonist with the BBC Philharmonic Orchestra, and has toured with Glyndebourne Opera. Additionally, with Usseff, Fiona participated in an ITV broadcast. In 2005, she was a finalist in the Royal Overseas League competition with her wind octet, Octanphonie.

Fiona’s educational activities are wide-ranging. These have included work for Richmond Music Trust, and recorder, Kindermusik and musicianship teaching for Ealing Music School. She has tutored children attending the Royal College of Music Summer School. Moreover, Fiona has engaged children musically through outreach work for the college, on a tour of Ireland, and with the Southbank Sinfonia.

Timothy Wayne-Wright BA(Hons), PG Dip(TCM)

Timothy Wayne-Wright read for his undergraduate degree at Goldsmith’s College, University of London and later completed a postgraduate diploma in Vocal Studies at Trinity College of Music. Tim is currently Lay Clerk at St. George’s Chapel, Windsor Castle; additionally, he is a deputy Lay Clerk at many cathedrals and places of worship such as St. Paul’s Cathedral, the Brompton Oratory and Hanover Square Church. Tim also enjoys a successful and wide-ranging freelance career with such groups as the Ex Cathedra Consort, Polyphony and Tenebrae. Tim teaches music theory, singing and pianoforte.

Paul Wright BMus(Hons), GRNCM

Paul Wright was an undergraduate at the Royal Northern College of Music, Manchester where he studied trombone with Andrew Berryman of the Hallé Orchestra. Paul then joined crew of the Queen Elizabeth II as a member of the orchestra. He currently teaches brass in Berkshire schools alongside a freelance playing career. Paul's work as a trombonist has included West End shows such as The Producers, Guys and Dolls, Chicago and Anything Goes. He also performs with various big bands, salsa groups and orchestras. Paul is the founder of the Big Easy Brass Band, a New Orleans influenced Mardi Gras band, which has performed both in the United Kingdom and abroad.