WELCOME
Our team of instrumental teachers is led by Director of Music, Benjamin Rous, and Head of Strings, Sophia Bartlette, who are happy to give advice regarding music tuition to all parents on request.
Welcome to this new online brochure to introduce Roedean’s fabulous team of visiting music teachers. In our team of 24 teachers, we are able to offer high quality professional tuition in all standard instruments: Piano, organ, theory and music and aural tuition, singing (classical, music theatre, pop and rock)
Flute, recorder, oboe, clarinet, bassoon, percussion (drum kit and orchestral percussion), trumpet, French horn, trombone, harp, violin, viola, cello, double bass, guitar (classical, electric, bass and ukulele).
Lessons can be scheduled weekly for 30, 45 or 60 minutes. The lessons are scheduled during non-lesson time for students in Key Stages 4 and 5. Some lessons for Key Stage 3 are scheduled during non-lesson time and others are scheduled on a six-week rotational basis, in order that the same lesson is not missed twice within a half term.
We have a large number of pianos at Roedean for pupils to use for practice and also a selection of other instruments for hire eg clarinets, trumpets, bassoon, French horn, trombone, harp, guitars and all bowed string instruments. The school Chapel has a two manual Walker organ.
WHAT ARE THE BENEFITS OF LEARNING A MUSICAL INSTRUMENT?
It can greatly improve mental health, building self-esteem and helping morale, especially in these difficult times.
It has been acknowledged that one-to-one lessons have a broader therapeutic value for pupils too.
Music helps to produce complete human beings.
It has an impact on students’ concentration and memory and improves academic performance
Benjamin, Director of Music
Essentially, music education enhances psychological well-being, school engagement, creativity, empathy, language and literacy, learning, confidence and self-esteem, spatial awareness and numerous other skills and qualities.
SPECIAL INSTRUMENTS LESSON SCHEME
The music department is delighted to introduce its programme to promote the apprenticeship of special and particular instruments: oboe, bassoon, trumpet, french horn, trombone, orchestral percussion, viola, cello, double bass and organ. These instruments are readily available in the department and the following schemes are open to all Roedean musicians.
We hope this initiative will be of interest to you and look forward to your daughter’s application for an initial interview with the Director of Music.
For further information please e-mail hde@roedean.co.uk or call 01273
667510
SCHEME 1: TASTER IN A SPECIAL INSTRUMENT
We are offering ten lessons in one of the above instruments at 50% fees as a taster for talented pupils.
SCHEME 2: SPECIAL INSTRUMENT AS A SECOND STUDY
All pupils studying at least one instrument at Roedean are invited to take up a Special Instrument at a reduced cost. This reduction of 50% of the fees is valid for the duration of the tuition.
SCHEME 3: SPECIAL INSTRUMENT FOR MUSIC STUDENTS
All GCSE and A Level Music pupils are eligible to apply for tuition in a Special Instrument at 50% fees as part of their studies at Roedean. This fee reduction is valid for the duration of the tuition.
Teachers
Sophia Bartlette
Georgia Mae Bishop
Susan Denyer
Trevor Denyer
Matthew Draper
Helen Greenfield
Frances Hall
Ros Hanson-Laurent
Matt Hobson
Karen Kennard
Nicole Leclercq
Jane Lister
Emily MacDonald
Lucy Mair
Maria Marchant
Galina Mendes
Kate Mumford
Yoko Ono
John Rattenbury
Instrument
Strings
Singing
Double Bass
French Horn
Oboe
Clarinet, Saxophone, Piano, Theory
Piano, Theory
Violin, Viola
Drum, Percussion
Brass
Flute
Harp, Piano, Theory
Piano
Singing
Piano
Recorder, Theory
Cello
Piano
Guitar, Bass, Ukelele
SOPHIA BARTLETTE
HEAD OF STRINGS
Qualifications: LWCMD Performers’ Diploma, PG Dip (RCM)
Sophia Bartlette began learning the violin with her mother at the age of two. She was a member of the National Children’s Orchestra and attended the Junior department of the Royal College of music. She went on to obtain a first in performance at the Royal Welsh College of Music and Drama and then completed a postgraduate degree at the Royal College of Music. She has studied with esteemed violin professors Dona Lee Croft and John Stein and taken part in masterclasses with The Brodsky Quartet, Ivry Gitlis and led orchestras under conductors such as Martyn Brabbins and Sir Georg Solti.
Sophia is a busy freelance violinist and session musician and works regularly with pianist and composer Amoret Abis. Together they perform at music festivals around Europe and devise interesting and conceptual programmes.
Sophia has played with the Brighton Philharmonic, Welsh National Opera, BBC National Orchestra of Wales and regularly performs with many local orchestras and ensembles. She has performed live on Radio 3, The Graham Norton Show, at Glastonbury festival and many others.
Sophia previously taught the violin at the Royal College Junior Department and private schools in London and Kent before becoming Head of Strings at Roedean. In her spare time she likes to walk her dogs by the sea, read, and garden. She runs her own music courses created for children called ‘Music is Fun’.
Track: Romance – Amy Beach
Track: Pavane in F sharp minor, Op. 50 – Gabriel Fauré
I have been learning the violin and viola with Ms Bartlette for 5 years, since joining Roedean in Year 7. My lessons with Ms Bartlette are always interesting and different. Her extensive knowledge of technique and her enthusiastic approach make every lesson fun. She demands consistently high standards and makes sure each student reaches their potential. She makes me look into the music and work out how to convey the piece to an audience effectively. I recently obtained distinction in Grade 6 viola and am working towards Grade 8 on my violin.
Eva (Yr12)
GEORGIA MAE BISHOP
SINGING
Qualifications: BMus (hons), MPerf, ADCert (Opera)
Georgia Mae Bishop is an operatic Mezzo-soprano originally from Jersey, now living in Brighton. She studied at Chetham’s School of Music before completing her BMus (hons) in performance at Trinity Laban, then joining the Opera School at the Guildhall School of Music & Drama to complete her MPerf and ADCert in Opera. Georgia enjoys a busy performing schedule and has worked with Opera Holland Park, Garsington Opera, Birmingham Opera Company and next season will work at English National Opera. She is an Opera Prelude Young Artist and has made debuts at the Barbican Concert Hall, Royal Festival Hall, Wigmore Hall and with the LSO and LPO.
Georgia is from a family of jazz musicians and so has a deep appreciation for all kinds of musical and vocal styles, developing a holistic teaching technique and striving to build a supportive and creative learning environment.
Va! Laisse couler mes larmes –From Act III of Werther, Massenet
SUSAN DENYER
DOUBLE BASS
Susan Denyer studied the Double Bass at the Royal College of Music after having private lessons with Jack Silvester.
She then performed with D’Oyle Carte Opera Company, Scottish Ballet, BBC Scottish Symphony Orchestra and Scottish Opera.
Most recently, she has performed with Opera de Baugé, played with British Chamber Orchestra, Camerata of London and been on three New Year tours of China with Kent Sinfonia.
Susan has an extensive teaching practice among the Sussex independent schools, having previously taught with the West Sussex Music Service. Many of her pupils have gone on to study at London and other Conservatoires, with several now performing professionally. All her pupils have gone on to play the bass as adults at the level that suits them.
I had never played another instrument before starting the double bass and I have really enjoyed having one-to-one lessons and the focused and personalised experience of it. I love the fact that my abilities have been able to develop so much, yet I still feel that I have good control over the direction I want to take with the bass and the different music I love to play.
Isla (Yr11)
TREVOR DENYER FRENCH
HORN
Trevor Denyer has been playing the Horn for too many years to count!
He studied at the Royal College of Music before performing with Royal Ballet Touring Company, D’Oyle Carte Opera Company, Scottish Opera, Scottish Chamber Orchestra, BBC Scottish Symphony Orchestra.
Most recently, he has been Solo Horn with Opera de Baugé, played with Camerata of London and been on three New Year tours of China with Kent Sinfonia while being Musical Director and Arranger for the “Swing Quartet” Double Duos.
He also has a busy Horn teaching practice, with a number of his pupils going on to study at the London conservatoires.
MATTHEW DRAPER
OBOE
Qualifications: GRSM LRAM ARAM
As an oboe reed specialist and consultant, Matthew Draper has worked at the Royal Academy of Music, the Guildhall School of Music and Drama and the Royal College of Music. Matthew is currently a visiting reed consultant at Wells Cathedral School and is the oboe specialist at Roedean and Brighton College.
An undergraduate student at the Royal Academy of Music in London, Matthew was awarded postgraduate scholarships from the Wingate Foundation and the Countess of Munster Musical Trust to study at the Hochschule fur Musik in Munich.
Matthew has worked as a guest with orchestras including the Philharmonia Orchestra, the Royal Philharmonic Orchestra, the Ulster Orchestra, English National Opera Orchestra, the London Philharmonic Orchestra, the City of London Sinfonia and the Bournemouth Symphony Orchestra. A frequent soloist with the Locrian Ensemble of London, Matthew has recently been appointed as second oboe in the Irish Chamber Orchestra.
As principal oboist in London’s West End, Matthew is currently working on productions of Miss Saigon, Wicked and Les Miserables, and has previously worked on countless others including Cats, Ragtime, The Woman in White, Oliver, My Fair Lady, Porgy and Bess and Joseph and his Amazing Technicolour Dream Coat.
I thoroughly enjoy my oboe lessons with Mr Draper. I am currently playing one of my favourite pieces on the Oboe called Gabriel’s Oboe from The Mission, it is very exciting being able to play pieces that I recognise and enjoy. Mr Draper is very good teacher as he makes my lessons both challenging and a lot of fun.
Marina (Yr11)
HELEN GREENFIELD
CLARINET, SAXOPHONE, PIANO, THEORY
Qualifications: BMus (Hons), LRAM, DPP (RAM), Dip CESMD
Helen Greenfield started learning the clarinet and piano through the Kent Music School where she was awarded the KMS Scholarship. She then won a scholarship to study as an undergraduate at the Royal Birmingham Conservatoire, graduating with a BMus (Hons) degree. As a postgraduate student at the Royal Academy of Music in London, Helen specialised in the performance practice and playing of historical clarinets as well as continuing her studies on modern clarinet, saxophone and piano. Her orchestral and chamber music playing has taken her to many different parts of the world including the Far East, U.S.A and Argentina. Helen now divides her time between performing and teaching, giving solo recitals at music venues and numerous charitable fundraising events. Helen joined Roedean’s Music department in 1999.
Track: From The Music of the Night – Andrew Lloyd Webber from Phantom of the Opera
Continuing my saxophone lessons with Mrs Greenfield during lockdown gave me a sense of musical engagement and boosted my mental well-being. My musical knowledge has improved over the last few months.
Lydia (Yr8)
Saxophone Track: From A Waltz for Nani – Joachim Johow
Track: First Movement of Sonata No. 2 – Xavier Lefevre
Clarinet Track: From Stranger on the shore – Acker Bilk
Mrs Greenfield makes my lessons fun and rewarding. My co-ordination has improved, and I have a better understanding of the different styles and techniques you can use on the clarinet.
Jamie (Yr9)
FRANCES HALL
PIANO, THEORY
Qualifications: B. Ed., ALCM, LLCM, (TD) CTABRSM
Frances Hall read Music, English and Education at Aberystwyth University, followed by teacher training at Sussex University, and, at the same time, studied privately with Raphael Terroni (Head of Keyboard Studies) at the London College of Music for her Piano performers’ and teachers’ diplomas. She had several years’ experience teaching classroom music at a state school in Brighton and teaching piano pupils privately, before joining Roedean in 1984 and Brighton College in 1988 as a full time piano teacher. Her teaching style has always been inductive, and she encourages all pupils to take ownership of their own learning, whilst assisting them to develop their own styles and a secure and comfortable technique. She hopes that she can pass to all her pupils her love of the piano and its repertoire, and the joy of self expression which it offers.
I have been taught piano by Ms Hall for two years. She has an encouraging and valuable teaching approach, which not only teaches you the theory of piano, but also the best techniques, specifically for the pedal, to ensure you have a high-quality performance of your piece. Ms Hall is very approachable and has increased my passion for piano, by allowing me to choose the pieces I would like to play. Ms Hall has very enjoyable music lessons by letting you play at your own pace and then guiding you on the best way to improve. She gives you constructive feedback that is easy to achieve outside of the lessons, but that still pushes you to refine your piano playing.
Hannah (Yr13)
ROS HANSON-LAURENT
VIOLA, VIOLIN
Qualifications: BMus (Hons.) with performance from the RNCM
Ros Hanson-Laurent starting playing the violin aged 8. When she was thirteen she discovered her father’s old viola, fell in love with the sound and this quickly became her principal instrument. Ros went on to study at the Royal Northern College of Music with Susie Mezaros and Alan George. After working as both a performer and a teacher in Bermuda for The Menuhin Foundation for five years, Ros returned to the UK in 2005. She is much in demand as both a soloist and a chamber musician in the South East. Ros is an experienced teacher and has directed youth orchestras including the Salford Youth orchestra, The Menuhin Foundation Youth Orchestra, coached for the National Youth Chamber Orchestra and has previously been the principal upper string teacher at Benenden School. She currently teaches at Brighton College and Brighton Girls, as well as Roedean.
During lockdown, I have really enjoyed having viola lessons because, for me, it is good to take my mind off things going on around me, like the outside world and also it’s a really good way to relieve stress.
Mia (Yr9)
Track: My Funny Valentine –Frank Sinatra
Track: Title – Artist
I really enjoy my viola lessons so much. Although there are COVID restrictions and we need to be socially distanced, the lessons are great! There is a large variety of music for us to choose.
Shannon (Yr9)
MATT HOBSON DRUMS, PERCUSSION
Qualifications:
BTEC Professional Development
Certificate in Modern Music
Matt Hobson has been a professional drummer and percussionist for 25 years. A former military serviceman of the prestigious Her Majesty’s Royal Marines Band Service, he toured the world playing music and was also a medic to the Royal Marines Commandos and the Royal Navy. Now a touring freelancer for musical theatre and many other artists and ensembles, he is a keen jazz and big band drummer and also a jazz/big band singer. His recent work includes the ‘Q The Music’ Bond tribute orchestra and the Little Miss Sunshine European tour.
Having percussion lessons helps me to improve my rudimental skills, such as double stroke rolls and paradiddles, as well as playing the drum kit which I have not tried before. The rudimentary practices and snare drum pieces are challenging but they really help to improve my sightreading and consolidate my basic drumming techniques.
Jojo (Yr13)
Track: Solo Ending –
Studio 9 Orchestra
I enjoy the lessons because I have a lot opportunity to practise and Mr Hobson is very patient, as I’m a beginner, so we are doing some basic music so far.
Camilla (Yr11)
KAREN KENNARD
BRASS
Qualifications: BA (Hons) LGSM CTABRSM
Karen Kennard comes from a family of brass players, through her upbringing in the Salvation Army. Brass banding is therefore her first love but she also enjoys orchestral work and performing with a big band for wedding receptions and corporate events.
Karen has been teaching in schools across Sussex since 1998 and currently teaches at Prebendal Cathedral School and Worth Abbey in addition to her commitments at Roedean. She enjoys conducting as well as playing and is the Bandmaster of Worthing Salvation Army Band. Karen also runs a successful youth band in Worthing which tours Europe regularly.
In her spare time, Karen likes to partake in the occasional charity adrenaline fundraiser, having parachuted from 12,000ft, abseiled Peacehaven Cliffs and even wing walked with the ‘Utterly Butterly Team’!
Track: From The Acrobat –Greenwood
Track: From Sonatina for Trumpet – Diabelli
I enjoy challenging myself by learning a new instrument and playing through famous film tunes and other fun pieces like The Acrobat.
Jojo (Yr13)
NICOLE LECLERCQ
FLUTE
Qualifications:
BMus (Hons) GSMD
Nicole Leclercq gained an entrance scholarship to complete her BMus degree in flute at the Guildhall School of Music and Drama in London, and since then has enjoyed a varied career as a freelance flute player and teacher in Sussex and beyond.
She regularly gives solo recitals and plays in a variety of chamber groups, orchestras, and for musical theatre productions. She is a member of Sussex Flutes (flute quintet) where she can often be found playing the Piccolo. She has two young children and lives in Brighton.
I was so grateful that, in an otherwise turbulent time, I was still able to continue my flute lessons with Mrs Leclercq. Weekly video calls to receive constructive feedback on my performance were just as valuable as any normal lesson would have been and were motivation to keep practising over the lockdown (which I had plenty of time for due to being stuck indoors for weeks on end!). Without the online lessons with Mrs Leclercq, I feel as though I may not have improved due to a lack of communication with my teacher, but, thankfully, I am now still on track to take my Grade 8 examination this year!
Amy (Yr13)
Track: From Sunday Morning – Clarke
Track: Prelude from Suite No. 2 BWV 1008 – JS Bach
Performed by Gianna (Yr11)
I enjoy my flute lessons because they allow me a creative release during a tough school day. I have improved in my practice, aiming for my Grade 2 at the end of the year.
Freya (Yr8)
JANE LISTER
HARP, PIANO, THEORY
Qualifications: MA (Cantab) LRAM PGCE
Premier Prix Brussels Conservatoire (Harp), Diplôme Spécial (Brussels)
Jane Lister is one of only three harpists to be awarded the Premier Prix on Harp. She was the harpist with Glyndebourne Opera for fifteen years and has worked extensively with the Royal Opera and the Royal Ballet, as well as the London Symphony Orchestra, the BBC National Orchestra of Wales and the BBC Concert Orchestra, the Royal Scottish National Orchestra, the Bournemouth Symphony Orchestra and the Gothenberg Opera in Sweden as a freelance player. She has played with conductors from Gerghiev, Bernstein, Solti and Haitink to celebrities such as Ravi Shankar and George Harrison and Eric Clapton. Her solo work has seen her perform with many of the leading cathedral choirs in this country, on television and film soundtracks.
Jane adjudicates regularly in music competitions and festivals and has examined at all the major colleges. In addition to her students at Roedean, she teaches in London and coaches on youth orchestra courses. In all her teaching, Jane attempts to foster the love of music through mastery of technical skill on the harp.
Track: From Nataliana –Deborah Henson-Conant
From the first day I played the harp, I knew it was going to be my favourite instrument. I love he unique sound of the harp and the beautiful music I can play on it. It is indeed hard work, yet rewarding. I enjoy playing the harp at Roedean so much!
Christy (Yr11)
EMILY MACDONALD
PIANO
Qualifications:
BMus (Hons)
MA Music Therapy
Originally from Edinburgh, Emily Macdonald studied piano at Napier University and then at the Guildhall. As an experienced piano teacher, she has successfully coached students for ABRSM and Trinity examinations, music scholarships, conservatoire auditions and competitions with outstanding results. Her teaching style develops technique, ear training and music theory, whilst embracing and inspiring the individual music goals of her pupils using varied repertoire. She has been teaching at Roedean since 2018 and also teaches at Brighton Girls and privately.
Alongside teaching, Emily is also a music therapist working with individuals and groups. She is a multi-instrumentalist and singer who has performed as a soloist, accompanist and in various ensembles and groups encompassing a range of genres including classical, rock, folk and swing. She is the Founder and Director of Brighton Swing Choir and a member of the local Springboard Festival piano committee.
I have learned piano with Ms Macdonald for one and a half years and she has helped me a lot. We are working on the Trinity Grade 7 piano pieces and some useful theory at the moment. As I am doing Music GCSE it helps me to achieve a better grade, especially with listening. Ms Macdonald is always patient and I have learned some new skills with her. I am very happy to have lessons with her.
Track: Georgia on my Mind –
Hoagy Carmichael
I really enjoy learning piano at school as my teacher is so enthusiastic and passionate about piano that it makes each lesson innovative and fun. During my lessons I have been able to accomplish a vast improvement in my sight-reading as well as an improvement in the understanding of the theory of music, which has really helped me to become a better pianist.
Milly (Yr13)
Vivian (Yr11)
LUCY MAIR SINGING
Qualifications: BA (Hons), MMus
Lucy Mair studied Music and Italian at Royal Holloway, University of London, attended the Conservatorio di Benedetto Marcello, Venice, and graduated with an MMus in Performance and Composition from Newcastle University. She performs regularly in recitals, festivals. oratorio and opera performances.
Lucy has taught singing since 2009 to singers of all abilities and ages. A lot of her students take singing grade examinations in Classical, Musical Theatre and Rock and Pop, but students do not have to take examinations if that is not suited to them.
She believes that a free and natural voice is the most beautiful way of singing. As well as working on repertoire, musicality, sightsinging and aural skills, one of her main aims when teaching is to help her students achieve this voice, whatever genre they sing.
Lessons will be fun, but challenging, and tailored to the individual needs of students.
Track: From Song to the Moon
I love my singing lessons with Ms Mair, not only has my singing improved, but my breathing, posture, animation, and many other features with which Ms Mair is helping me. We get so much done in lessons and I’m very much looking forward to doing my Grade 4, and I’m confident it will be fine with the assistence of Ms Mair.
Gracie (Yr10)
–Dvořák
MARIA MARCHANT
PIANO
Qualifications:
BMus (1st Class Hons)
MMus (RCM), FTCL LTCL ATCL
Perf. Cert TCL – Piano
Credit (right): Steven Peskett Photography
Award winning British pianist Maria Marchant performs frequently as recitalist, concerto soloist and chamber musician for numerous festivals, music societies and at leading venues in the UK and abroad. She has performed at Wigmore Hall and Southbank and is a former BBC Music Magazine Rising Star.
Maria frequently collaborates with composers and has had numerous works written for her to première; she has also released two CDs for SOMM Recordings to critical acclaim. Maria won numerous piano competitions at Trinity Laban in addition to the Conducting Prize before gaining the MMus in Advanced Piano Performance at the Royal College of Music.
Maria is Choir Leader at All Souls Church, Langham Place, a qualified ABRSM Examiner and has taught piano for 20 years.
She has set up and is currently hosting the ‘7 Notes in 7 Days at 7pm’ project which takes place weekly with Maria premièring new solo piano compositions to an online global audience – the project has featured in the BBC Radio 3 ‘In Tune’ programme, Gramophone Music blog, Classic FM stream guide, as well as international press.
Track: Scherzo from Concerto
Symphonique in D minor No. 4 Op. 102 – Litolff
Track: From Slippin’ Around – Martha Mier
I really like learning to play the piano at Roedean because it’s really fun and I get to learn classical music, jazz and blues. I also really like have the opportunity to complete Grades.
Beata (Yr9)
GALINA MENDES RECORDER, THEORY
Qualifications: GHSM LTCL PGCE
Galina Mendes thought she was going to be a violinist, but her recorder playing took over and became more important to her. She had three different teachers – the first was English and very scary, the second Dutch and completely mad, and the third German and kind and patient. All of them shaped her to become the teacher she is today; she aims to be encouraging and give praise when it is deserved.
She loves teaching the recorder, piano, also theory and aurals and enjoys helping the GCSE Music students.
Her handmade Dutch Treble recorder is her favourite instrument to play. At one point, she owned 37 very good recorders (Henry VIII had 150 so she has some way to go to beat that!).
Many of her pupils have gone on to be professional musicians, one of them being a Music teacher here at Roedean.
Mrs Mendes is a really patient teacher, she can explain points clearly and she is never boring as it feels like we are chatting as she has interesting stories about music. During lockdown she really helped me a lot.
Vivian (Yr11)
Track: From Concerto –Sammartini
The recorder is not just an instrument played by little children! I really enjoy my recorder lessons with Mrs Mendes. It is my time to get away from academic studies and focus on something else, playing pieces in different styles. Mrs Mendes always gives me challenges but my lessons are lots of fun!
Track: Sonata No. 4 –Telemann
Marina (Yr12)
KATE MUMFORD
CELLO
Qualifications: BMus, AGSM, Dip. ABRSM
Kate Mumford is a freelance cellist from Lewes. She studied with Amanda Truelove and then Louise Hopkins and Stefan Popov at Guildhall School of Music and Drama, where she enjoyed chamber music tuition from the Takacs Quartet and masterclasses with Raphael Wallfisch.
Kate regularly performs in various orchestras and ensembles including the Jenkinson Quartet and is a session musician and performer for bands such as Stereophonics and Passenger. She has played on many feature films and documentaries including Channel 4’s ‘Syria: Children on the Frontline.’
Kate’s love of chamber music began at Pro-Corda International Chamber Music School and she now teaches at Eastbourne College, as well as Roedean.
Track: Helicopters –Andrew Phillips
YOKO ONO
PIANO
Qualifications: Professional Certificate RAM
The Japanese pianist Yoko Ono enjoys an international career, performing in China, France, Ireland, Israel, Italy, Japan, Switzerland, UK and the USA. She has given concerts in major concert halls, including Wigmore Hall, Purcell Room, the Barbican, Tokyo Bunkakaikan and the National Concert Hall in Ireland. She has performed in the Brighton Festival, Dartington International Festival, Arundel Festival and Musica Sienna amongst others.
Concerto appearances have included Rachmaninov Piano
Concerto no.2 with the Tokyo Philharmonic Orchestra. She has made a recording for the composer John Hawkin’s critically acclaimed CD ‘Simplicius’ of chamber music released by Claudio Records.
Yoko received her musical training in Japan and at the Royal Academy of Music where she won several scholarships and prizes including the Leverhulme Postgraduate Studentship. She studied with Christopher Elton, Maria Curcio and Benjamin Kaplan in London. Yoko teaches at Roedean and the Royal College of Music Junior Department.
Track: From Sonata in C major, K 545 – Mozart
Miss Ono knows exactly what I need to work on and explains each concept creatively which, not only helps to develop my technique and makes my practice more effective, but also inspires my love for music and piano.
I’ve been learning a piece by Mozart and Miss Ono has been very supportive and patiently guided me all the way through, as always!
Track: From Prelude in D major, Op.23 no.4 – Rachmaninov
Hettie (Yr8), Winner of Doris Waymark Award for the most promising pianist, Springboard 2019
JON RATTENBURY
GUITAR, BASS, UKELELE
Qualifications: BA (Hons), MA, ATCL
Jon Rattenbury has wide experience as a performer, both as soloist and in ensembles, and has a career in music education. As well as teaching at Roedean, Jon is an Associate Lecturer at the University of Chichester, and has worked as a music examiner for RSL, IBO, and as a music syllabus consultant for ABRSM.
Usually performing concerts in duets with another guitarist, and also with a cellist, Jon also plays in musical theatre bands, and has gigged with rock and jazz bands, entertained passengers on a cruise ship, and even played guitar while on stilts!
Jon completed his MA in Music at Goldsmiths, University of London, and has interests in both historical and contemporary musicology. In 2014, the Lute Society published Jon’s critical edition of 17th century baroque guitar songs from the library of Samuel Pepys at Magdalene College, Cambridge.
Track: From Sons de Carrilhoes
João Pernambuco
I am currently learning Joy to the World for my first grade piece in classical guitar, and looking at other pieces as well. I have only recently started classical guitar after playing chords for so long, and I am really enjoying Mr Rattenbury’s lessons. I like the lessons specifically because we always start by learning a new scale or arpeggio, and then go into the lesson.
Gracie (Yr10)
–
BIRGIT ROHOWSKY
SINGING, PIANO
Qualifications:
BMus, MMus
Cert Adv St, FISM
The Canadian-born soprano and pianist Birgit Rohowsky began her musical studies on the piano, completing a MMus degree at the University of London before studying singing, and working as both a classical singer and pianist. She has appeared in numerous music festivals such as the Brecon and Arundel Festivals, the Cantiere d’Arte di Montepulciano, Platform Two and the Guetersloh Festival, as well as at venues such as the Barbican Hall, St John’s Smith Square and the Cadogan Hall, working with artists and composers such as Jonathan Dove, Andrzej Panufnik, Hans Werner Henze, Christopher Gould, Lore Lixenberg, Brian Matthews and Martin Beaver. In 2011, she created the role of Aunt Norris in the world premiere of Jonathan Dove’s Mansfield Park. She has also appeared on Classic FM, BBC Radio 3, RAI, WDR and PBS.
STUART RUSSELL
Qualifications: BMus, LRAM
BASSOON
Stuart enjoys a busy and varied career as a bassoonist and contra-bassoonist touring the world with many of the UK’s orchestras and ensembles including amongst others Royal Philharmonic Orchestra, London Philharmonic, Philharmonia, Royal Northern Sinfonia, London Mozart Players, Britten Sinfonia and Welsh National Opera. Since 2007 Stuart has played for Opera Holland Park with City of London Sinfonia and from 2015 for Glyndebourne Tour in the Autumn.
Highlights have included a tour to Mauritius with Kent Centre for Young Instrumentalists, performances of Richard Strauss Rosenkavalier at Glyndebourne Festival Opera and the BBC Proms, and performances of Rogers and Hammerstein’s The King and I at the London Palladium.
As a member of the award winning Aurora Ensemble Stuart has performed throughout the UK and has released several recordings including the music for piano and winds by Mozart and Mendelssohn and the music of composer and pianist/ organist Roderick Elms. In addition to his performance career, Stuart is the bassoon teacher at Roedean and Bancroft’s School and professor of bassoon reed making at the Guildhall School of Music and Drama and Royal College of Music. He has coached the bassoon sections of the National Children’s Orchestra and London Schools Symphony Orchestra and held performance and reed classes for British Double Reed Society and Big Double Reed day. Stuart also works as a part time bassoon specialist at Howarth of London woodwind shop in Marylebone.
Stuart began his studies at the Kent Centre for Young Instrumentalists and the Kent County Youth Orchestra. He graduated from the Royal Academy of Music in 2003 under Gareth Newman and David Chatterton with First Class honours and the Nicolas Blake Chamber music prize. Further studies at the Guildhall School of Music and Drama lead to successfully auditioning for Southbank Sinfonia with whom he and was given the opportunity to perform John Williams bassoon concerto “The Five Sacred Trees” at St John’s Church in Waterloo. Since 2013 Stuart has played on a custom built bassoon by the Canadian maker Ben Bell and selects bassoon cane by Georg Rieger and Ke-Xun Ge.
EVA RUSTIGE SINGING
Qualifications: BA (Hons), LTC.L
Eva Rustige is a versatile lyric Soprano. She sings a range of styles from Classical to Rock/Pop. Her compositions and recordings have been released on various labels and have also been used for film, TV and video games. She has worked with opera companies, bands, electronic artists, classical ensembles and as a singer/songwriter. As well as writing, performing and working as a session singer, Eva teaches singing at BIMM, Lewes Old Grammar and Roedean. Eva has an excellent track record of helping students prepare for graded examinations with ABRSM, Trinity and RockSchool, and a number of her former students have gone on to further study or to work in the live and studio environments.
As someone who’s loved singing since I could form words, my singing lessons are a great chance for me to improve my technique whilst practising what I love. I’m given the opportunity to experiment with a range of musical genres, instead of just staying in my comfort zone, and am currently experimenting with Jazz. During each lesson, I feel able to grow and develop my skills in a comfortable atmosphere, with a teacher who will always push me to do my best and am excited for each new lesson.
Gabby (Yr11)
Track: Angel –Sarah McLachlan
Track: From Snow Queen –Eva Katharina (Eva Rustige)
Track: From Casta Diva –Vincenzo Bellini, from Norma
I really enjoy the lessons because they have helped me to improve and gain more control over my voice. I have learned how to make change the tone of my voice for different songs I am singing and to give it a different effect. I am currently trying to use vocal fry which has been fun to try out different techniques and learn about the different things I can do with my voice.
Genie (Yr13)
ANTHONY WILSON
ORGAN, PIANO, THEORY
Qualifications:
BA (Hons), MA (Music Ed.)
FLCM ATCL ARCO PGCE
A committed and encouraging organ and piano teacher across the age range, Anthony Wilson adopts a balanced approach with a combination of technique, skill development and repertoire. After training as a secondary music teacher, he has taught classroom music in schools for around 20 years, including 5 years as Head of Music. When not at school, he teaches the organ for the RCO Academy, enjoys accompanying and directing church choirs, and gives the occasional organ recital.
Track: From Sonata – Haydn
Performed by Lareina (Yr11)
I really enjoy my piano lessons and I’ve improved my scales. I’ve learnt how to identify a key in a piece and in a scale.
Organ Track: From Te Deum –Langlais
Ellen (Yr8)
Piano Track: From Snow, Moon and Flower – Sculthorpe
I enjoy my lessons with Mr Wilson, because they helps with my GCSE piano performance.
Janice (Yr11)
