Individual Teaching
For enquiries about lessons in London, or on Zoom, please contact Lydia directly here.
I have over 6 years of experience teaching students of all ages and abilities both privately and with Gloucestershire Academy of Music.
I have experience teaching students of all ages, from pre-school age to post-retirement. I have worked at The Big String with Gloucestershire Academy of Music, Cheltenham Everyman Senior Summer School, ran workshops in schools, and taught the saxophone and violin live on Radio Gloucestershire! I have an enhanced DBS, experience and training in facilitation as a volunteer facilitator with Voluntary Services Overseas and with The Door Youth project as a volunteer youth mentor.
"Lydia is kind, supportive and very patient. She knows exactly when to push or reign you in whilst keeping you motivated. Under Lydia’s brilliant tutoring I have gone from not knowing how to play or read a note to having passed my Grade 2 with a Distinction in one year."
- Adult Student
"Lydia is great fun, knowledgeable and very enthusiastic. She has helped me to progress at a fast pace, build confidence and enjoy learning."
- Adult Student
"It really has been wonderful to see [their] personal confidence grow through working with you."
-Parent of student
"I enjoy lessons [with Lydia], she gives me lots of inspiration and it makes me want to practice every day!"
- Young Student.
"I have truly enjoyed every lesson and [Lydia] gave me confidence even on the days that I was struggling".
- Adult Student
"Thank you for being an amazing teacher and helping me become more confident."
-Young Adult Student
"Lydia is proving to be a terrific teacher. Patient with this beginner."
- Adult Student
"Lydia is a great teacher. She is positive and encouraging and explains things well."
- Adult Student
Workshops
I also run coaching sessions and workshops on the performing aspect of music, from beginners to finalists of Gloucestershire Young Musician, ranging in age from 6-76!
The Art of Performance
Performing Music workshops in collaboration with Gloucestershire Academy of Music. These involve confidence, dealing with nerves, stage presence, sharing love of music with an audience, being a musical superhero, flouncing onto the stage, speaking and writing interesting introductions, musical movement and telling stories through music.
"I can see the improvements I’ve made, and have [increased my] confidence."
- Kimmy Kwok, Winner of Gloucestershire Young Musician 2022
"Lydia's performance masterclass helped me greatly with general performance etiquette - something I wasn't very sure about, having never given a public recital before. Further, she showed me some effective ways to reduce performance stress and connect with the audience, resulting one of the most memorable performances I have ever given!"
- Isaac Williams, Winner of the Carducci Prize, Gloucestershire Young Musician 2022
"I found talking about how to be confident and practising what to say and general stage presence was incredibly helpful."
- Bryan Luo, Gloucestershire Young Musician Finalist 2022
"I liked the shaking the nerves away and walking on practice. I learnt how to flounce!"
- Junior Student at GAM
"My favourite was directing Lydia and thinking about musical movement for dances and for sad pieces."
- Junior Student at GAM
Introduction to the Saxophone
I run workshops and assemblies for school groups, both independently and with Cheltenham Music Festival. Each assembly involves an introduction to the history of the saxophone, the science of sound, and musicianship. Students also have the opportunity to have a go making a sound.
"Amazing. Brilliant. A born teacher."
- KS2 Music Lead teacher
"Great stage presence. A natural musician. Very approachable."
- KS2 Music teacher and composer
"Great rapport with the children, inviting their opinions, and even getting some to have a go."
- KS2 Teacher
"It's easy to play the saxophone with a great big puff."
- Year 2 Student
"Made me want to play the sax."
- Year 4 Student
Music in the Community
I am very keen to share music with the community and am involved in several projects.
I am thrilled to be joining the North American Saxophone Alliance (NASA) Committee on the Status of Women Mentoring Program 2021–2022, mentored by Dr Holly De Caigny. The mentorship centres around developing a community music initiative, so watch this space!
Music Competitions and Festivals
I have adjudicated several school music competitions and community performance platforms. I enjoy being a friendly face and sharing some top tips for confident performances.
I am delighted to be an Associate Artist with Open Arms Artists' Collective, a wonderful charity which specialises in working with people living with dementia and their supporters/carers in community venues, care settings, homes, gardens and doorsteps.
A fantastic organisation which brings interactive classical music experiences to young people across the South West. I was in two touring shows in 2021.
