John Wesley-Barker

I generally recommend an initial one hour friendly consultative lesson. This gives me and you a chance to make a needs assessment and make a plan for the following lessons. Each pupil is unique. I encourage pupils to have agreed goals which they practice to achieve. This results in pupils having lessons only when they need, e.g. sometimes not necessarily weekly. I want pupils to progress and only wish to have pupils who are motivated to improve through practice. I offer encouragement, information, tools, support and techniques to give pupils access to ways to improve and progress and to boost confidence.
Particular emphasis is given to General Musicianship including, ear training, improvisation, sight-reading, writing music, extended performance techniques, harmony and theory. I teach children and adults in individual or group lessons.

Instruments and topics:

flute | saxophone | clarinet | piano & keyboard | theory | improvisation composition | music technology & software applications | chamber music and combo sessions

Syllabus:
Fun and enjoyment playing and listening to music.
Beginners to Advanced.
Graded Examinations: Pupils may wish to take Practical and Theory Examinations with the Associated Board, Trinity, London College or other examination boards.
National Curriculum - Music at Foundation level, Key Stage 1, 2, 3 and 4.
Genres: classical, jazz, pop & rock, world, avant-garde, minimal and loads more.

Location:
I prefer to teach at my country studio near Wimborne in Dorset. The Studio is equipped with recording technology and is in open countryside. There is ample parking and fresh air. I can also visit your home or premises by arrangement.

Support & Resources:
Pupils learning an instrument focus on expressive tone production, comfortable articulation by tonguing, fingering movement, stable posture. Dedication to regular and effective practice is essential. Pupils are also encouraged to listen, particularly to exponents of their instrument. Included is:
advice on instrument purchase or rental,
support outside of the lesson visit by e-mail and online messenger,
record of work covered in each lesson which can be sent via e-mail or printed,
make a CD with the recording facilities in my Studio we can record and edit
recommended listening of recordings or live performances,
Play-along Scorch pages, e.g. Clarinet Warm-Up
lessons for mixed groups, e.g. saxophone and keyboard, ensembles, family, groups of friends and so forth,
Masterclasses and Workshops for institutions, schools and colleges.
Cover teaching delivering National Curriculum - Music at Foundation level, Key Stage 1, 2, 3 and 4.
Music Book Store is a page on this website which lists music books and tutors which I recommend. You may purchase them from Amazon via this website, every time you do, I get a tiny commission.

Finally:
I look forward to hearing from you soon and discussing your particular requirements.