2007-2009

Sharon first teaching post commenced in September 2006 where she worked as a member of the woodwind teaching staff at the Priory School, Edgbaston, a learning difficulties specialist school for students from age 11-18. This role involved teaching students the oboe, clarinet and saxophone in both individual and group lessons within the school.

In January 2007, Sharon became a woodwind tutor (Oboe/Saxophone Specialist) for Dudley Performing Arts. Within this role, Sharon teaches all woodwind instruments in individual, group and Whole Class settings. In 2009, Sharon became heavily involved with the Dudley Performing Arts Wider Opportunities and Early Years Schemes. The schemes are primarily based in primary school and Early Years education where groups of approximately 30 children of similar ages are given the chance to learn a musical instrument for up to a year. Once the schemes come to an end, each child involved is offered the chance to continue studying in smaller groups or on an individual basis. These schemes not only aim to give the children involved the chance to learn an instrument, but they also enrich the particular schools music department. This holds benefits for each and every child that attends that particular school

In April 2008, Sharon became the oboe, saxophone and clarinet tutor for Holy Trinity School, a private catholic school in Kidderminster. Since joining the team, Sharon has been teaching students aged from 7-16 and has enjoyed great success in all areas.

Sharon has a growing number of private woodwind, reed-making and theory students, who she teaches both at her homes in Birmingham and Bedfordshire, in the students own homes and at Birmingham Conservatoire. As part of her private teaching, Sharon has had the opportunity to work with adults and children with severe learning difficulties and mental illnesses, and consequently is very aware of the need to tailor lessons to individual needs.

Sharon was also involved in a teaching workshop for the BASBWE (British Association of Symphonic Bands and Wind Ensembles) Midlands Regional Conference in November 2006.

Sharon also worked as a volunteer tutor in a local junior wind band for four years. The band was aimed at young musicians from grade 1 to 5 with the intention of improving ensemble skills and general musicality. During her time as a tutor in the band, Sharon worked with different adults and children, some with a great enthusiasm for their instruments and others of whom had little interest in music. Sharon regularly conducted the band and rehearsed in large and small groups, frequently reporting progress back to parents and guardians.

As part of her studies at Birmingham Conservatoire, Sharon attended numerous teaching lectures as well as completing a years work experience with Dudley Music Service, in which she was able to accompany a double reed tutor on their daily teaching routine. As part of her assessment, Sharon completed a detailed teaching file which she still uses today.

Sharon also completed work experience as an instrumental repairing assistant with Graham de Vere White at John Myatts Woodwind and Brass and frequently uses this experience in her lessons as she is able to make quick repairs to student instruments so that as little lesson time is wasted as possible.

Sharon is fully CRB checked.

Teaching Rates

New students of all ages and standards are always welcome. Sharon usually follows the Associated Board of Royal Schools of Music syllabus but has also put many students through the new Trinity Guildhall syllabus.

(Based upon teaching in the Birmingham area. Sharon is also willing to travel to other areas - POA)

30 minutes lesson: £15

60 minute lesson: £25

Instrumental lessons cover music theory as well as woodwind technique on all instruments.

Beginners are recommended to contact Sharon before purchasing an instrument.

Please e- mail: sreading@sharonreading.co.uk

or telephone: 07811 552362 for more information.