Experience
I am a qualified and experienced teacher of Saxophone, Clarinet, Flute and Music Theory. I have been teaching privately for a number of years, previously in the Worcestershire area and now in Greater London and Hampshire. I am also enrolled as a tutor for the Royal College of Music Teaching Service. I have been teaching music to all ages and abilities, ranging from complete beginners to grade 8 instrumentalists. I have an extensive knowledge of the ABRSM exam specifications, having taken many exams myself, and I have a 100% success pass rate. For students not wishing to take examinations, I enjoy adapting the lessons and their content to the students’ specific aims. I travel to students so they can learn in the comfort of their own home and always tailor my approach to suit individual learning styles.
I also have experience assisting with coaching various ensembles including saxophone and clarinet quartets, swing-band sectionals, and orchestral sectionals. I have previously been involved with orchestral workshops for primary schools which involved coaching woodwind sections, individual tuition and arranging music parts for the students. The workshops culminated in a performance to the parents at the end of the day so they could see the rewards of their children’s effort.
I hold a current enhanced DBS Check and am happy to provide references on request.
If you would like to discuss tuition or get more information, please get in touch.
My Approach
I believe that the most important aspect of learning an instrument is to make it an enjoyable and rewarding experience; playing should never become a chore. I try to make my lessons as fun and interesting as possible for all levels of ability; whether it be creating the first sounds or working towards advanced examinations and public performances. I am an enthusiastic and reliable individual who works hard to ensure that music-making in whatever form is an enjoyable and rewarding experience.
See what others have said
“Laurence is calm, kind and knows his stuff. He established an immediate rapport with my child and helped him a great deal.” – July, 2018
“Laurence has made an immediate connection with [pupil] which is good news, and she has actually done some practice without any nagging for the first time in ages. Always prompt and willing to make suggestions.” -October, 2017
“We think Laurence is a dedicated, skilled and reliable saxophone teacher. We would definitely recommend him to others!” -October, 2017
“I started learning the Saxophone 5 years ago but after a number of lessons I gave up as it did not feel like we were making progress. Laurence has a very relaxed approach which allows me to push at my own pace, he does not come with a fixed idea of what will work but […]
“Laurence is a friendly tutor who works to tailor his lessons around what my children would like to achieve. We were pleasantly surprised to see him arrive for their first lesson with his own clarinet, and they really enjoyed having him play along with them! Laurence is a good communicator and I am hoping that […]
“My son really enjoys his clarinet lessons with Laurence. I love the way that he is giving my son real enjoyment in playing.” -February, 2018
- Ideal for beginners just starting out and wanting to get a taste for music learning
- Suitable for pupils who want to explore in more depth whilst still developing
- A must for pupils looking to master their instrument and prepare for exams or gigs
Laurence Astill 