James - Withington - Music Theory

Methodology

I am a freelance bassoonist living and working in Manchester and I am passionate about teaching students of all ages and abilities.

- Which subject(s) do you teach?

My main instrument is bassoon and I teach this from beginner to diploma level. I also teach flute and recorder and can incorporate theory tuition into any of my lessons when or if required. I am very happy to teach group lessons or split lessons of recorder / flute / clarinet for children - please contact me for more details. I can also start teaching recorder from a young age combined with theory lessons with a view to moving onto a different woodwind instrument at a later stage.

- Tell me about your qualifications.

I studied at the RNCM in Manchester for five years gaining a BMus (hons) and a Postgraduate Diploma In Performance (Distinction). I have recently returned to Manchester after completing a further two years study at a music college in Italy - The Conservatorio Luciano Campiani. I have several other ABRSM practical certificates including grade 8 flute (distinction).

- How much do you charge?

I charge £30 per hour for all lessons but am willing to teach shorter lesson lengths for young students. Please contact me about rates for group lessons. An introductory lesson discount will be offered.

- Where do you teach?

I always teach at the students homes which is why I charge £30 per hour as this is inclusive of my travel costs. I live in Central Manchester but I drive so most places are easily accessible (within reason). I also teach weekly in Leeds, Repton (close to Derbyshire, Ashby, Uttoexter, Leceitershire, Stoke-On-Trent) and Sedebergh (Close to Kendal, Cumbria, Lancaster, Preston, Bolton) and could arrange lessons in any of these areas as I travel through regularly.

- When are you available?

I am available days, evenings and weekends. I do try to keep regular lesson times but this may depend on any rehearsals or concerts I may have.

- Which ages and levels do you teach?

I teach students of all ages and all abilities from complete beginners to advanced. I currently have bassoon students as young as 7!

- Which qualifications do you prepare your students for?

I prepare my students for ABRSM Grades.

Experience

- What kind of experience do you have?

I currently hold serveral teaching positions including Bassoon lecturer at Leeds College of Music. I also teach Bassoon weekly at Repton, Foremarke and Sedbergh Schools where I also conduct the wind band and assist with other orchestra rehearsals. I have taught privately throughout my time in Manchester having mostly adult students but have also taught (short term) at several local schools as part of their music service provision. Whilst at the "Conservatorio L. Campiani" in Italy I taught the junior school bassoon and recorder students and coached chamber music. I am also also frequently invited as a woodwind adjudicator at music competitions for children of various ages.

- Do you have an up-to-date DBS (Disclosure & Barring Service, formerly CRB) Certificate?

I currently have a fully disclosed CRB certificate through Leeds College of Music and both schools that I teach in.

- Where and with whom did you train?

I began playing the flute at the age of 9 and gained a place to study at the Junior Department of RWCMD in Cardiff. This is where I also started bassoon lessons with the then principal bassoon of the BBC National Orchestra of Wales, Robert Codd. I went on to study at the Royal Northern College of Music, completing a four year undergraduate degree and then a one year postgraduate diploma course. During my time there I had lessons with many eminent professional bassoon players. After this I moved to Italy for two years to study in a town near Verona with the Italian soloist Stefano Canuti.