INTRODUCTION:
As a former touring professional on clarinet I am now thoroughly enjoying teaching several instruments at my home here in Budleigh Salterton, Devon.
I absolutely love teaching and I think this is reflected in the pupil testimonials below.
My top-class ability and experience enables me to offer something extra when
teaching.
My academic background as well as my extensive music experience has equipped me
to transfer my expertise and offer lessons on the piano and saxophone, as well
as the clarinet.
Please contact me if you are interested in learning from a top professional.
Having said all this, most of my pupils are under 10 and learning the piano and are coming to me because I make it fun.
I value each and every one of my pupils and try to help them with their voyage of discovery the same way my early teachers did for me.
What are you waiting for? Call me!
All lessons take place at my home studio in Budleigh Salterton.
I also visit some of the best clarinet choirs in the area to coach and give advice.
The photo on the left shows me coaching the Torquay Clarinet Choir.
Pupils come from all walks of life, are at varying levels of expertise, from beginner to advanced and have varied aims and ambitions.
I am flexible in my approach,
though I have tried and trusted techniques to get the best out of everyone.
Sometimes I give clarinet concerts in the area just to inspire my pupils and make them want a bit more out of themselves as players.
It is always enormous fun to play anyway and I am always open to invitations from concert promoters, given my experience and breadth of interest.
Pictured with me in some of the photos on the left is Frances Waters the pianist. We have played in all the local festivals and concerts to much acclaim.
I also have work experience outside music which enriches my approach.
This includes working as a civil servant in Whitehall, a computer programmer for a high street bank in London and a tennis coach.
I am a Musicians' Union member, have Public Liability Insurance, Enhanced CRB Clearance and did the 2011 NSPCC Child Protection Awareness Course.
So all in all you can trust me to deliver a professional service, one that is inspired and one that is informed!
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FEES:
* £14 per half hour. Pay as you go.
From 6 April 2012: Lessons cancelled with less than 24 hours notice will be charged at the full rate and will be added onto and payable at the next lesson. There will be no exceptions.
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PROFESSIONAL ROLES:
* conductor, Torquay Clarinet Choir
* visiting coach, University of Exeter Clarinet Choir
* recital & masterclass artist, Clarinet Convention, Cardiff University 2012
* (on books of Bournemouth Symphony Orchestra to be called upon in emergencies)
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QUALIFICATIONS, ACHIEVEMENTS & EXPERIENCE:
* lots of pupils have progressed to music college then music careers
* BA (Hons) Music, University of York
* ABRSM piano grades (all distinction) & ALCM clarinet diploma (distinction) age 16
* awarded Countess of Munster Music Scholarship, funding advanced clarinet studies, Royal Northern College of Music (RNCM)
* Sir James Heywood Exhibition prize-winner, RNCM
* on professional clarinet artist list of Vandoren of Paris by invitation
* instrumental teaching posts at leading schools including Ampleforth College, Queen Ethelburga's School and College of Ripon & York St John
* recitals nation-wide & abroad including prestigious invitation from International Clarinet Association to perform at 2007 convention, Canada
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TESTIMONIALS:
"Kevin is an extremely talented musician who has helped some of Devon's most talented young musicians find creative solutions."
- Ken Parr (Director of Devon Music Service)
"I listened to the recording of your concert all day."
- Sir James Galway
"Beautiful tone and technical authority."
- International Clarinet Association Journal
"Kevin is a very good piano teacher. He is patient and kind."
- Charlie (age 9), Budleigh Salterton
"My confidence level has risen hugely and this has helped me to achieve a great deal already on the piano."
- Harvey (age 15), Budleigh Salterton
"Kevin is a great piano teacher. He always makes my lessons interesting, enjoyable and challenging. He has helped me develop more confidence when playing and I always leave with a sense of achievement."
- Max (age 17), Sidmouth
"Kevin is a very good, patient teacher. He makes learning to play the piano very enjoyable."
- Jo French, Sidford
"Kevin is a great teacher and has really helped me improve my clarinet playing. He is very supportive, positive and encouraging but also challenging. We have played a good variety of music which I have enjoyed. Kevin uses different techniques to overcome anything I find hard to play."
- Rebecca (age 14), Honiton
"Kevin is an inspirational clarinet player who motivates me to improve."
- Dr Sarah Vaughan, Exeter
"Kevin brings out the best in your
clarinet playing. He is very challenging, yet very encouraging. I'm now
able to play more musically."
- Debbie McGrane, Exmouth
"Kevin has a natural ability to get the most from his students. My saxophone playing and understanding of music have greatly improved due to his teaching methods."
- Dave Griffiths, Exmouth
"With Kevin it is so much better having not just a conductor but also someone who knows what they are talking about musically."
- Liz Emerson (Director of Torquay Clarinet Choir)
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SEE A REVIEW OF ONE OF MY CONCERTS:
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© Kevin Hurst 2011
