I am so excited to be joining the Dubai College Music Department this Autumn. I am a professional orchestral musician, but I also have over 20 years of experience teaching in schools.

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I have achieved my personal musical ambitions, so now I am committed to inspiring future generations to achieve theirs. I use my experiences of playing with famous orchestras to inspire my pupils, although some are more excited to hear about me playing Disney or Star Wars! I have something for everyone.

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I have been a freelance orchestral bassoonist and woodwind tutor since leaving the Royal College of Music as a postgraduate in 2004.  I have performed worldwide with some of the world’s best orchestras. I’ve also recorded regularly with ensembles, orchestras and notable musicians.  I play all the woodwind instruments and regularly teach Flute, Clarinet, Oboe, Recorder, Saxophone and Bassoon.

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My passion for classical music began as a teenager, my grandfather was a musician in the Royal Navy, and he was an early inspiration.  I took up the bassoon and practised tirelessly to work my way through the grades.  I loved performing and I knew early on the that I wanted to pursue a career as a professional orchestral bassoonist.

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At 15 I was awarded a full scholarship to Chetham's School of Music (Chet's).  Leaving my family and my school in Dorset, I moved to Manchester to immerse myself in musical study.  Chets gave me the opportunity to learn and perform with other talented young musicians, I was also the Principal Bassoon with the National Youth Orchestra of Great Britain.

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After Chets I successfully applied to read at the Royal Academy of Music and moved to London.  I went on to do my postgraduate at the Royal College of Music and finished my studies in 2004.

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I play all the woodwind instruments to Grade 8 standard, and at the Royal Academy I was awarded licentiate as a bassoon teacher.  Teaching has always been an important part of my professional portfolio, as I enjoy sharing my passion for woodwind with others.

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I have played with the most prestigious orchestras in the UK and taught at some wonderful schools. Playing bassoon for the Royal Philharmonic Orchestra gave me the opportunity to go on a world tour, supporting Sting on his Symphonicity show.  Another highlight was performing on the Star Wars Orchestra world tour and a stint at the London Palladium perfoming in the Wizard of Oz.