INSTRUMENTAL LESSONS

Jake, who has been enthused by the piano since the age of 8, has just recently graduated from the University of Chichester with a Jazz Performance degree. Before this, he spent his teenage years studying and performing classical piano, as well as exploring other genres. Jake now teaches piano one-to-one across Hampshire and West Sussex, alongside performing with various bands. 

Jake’s ethos as a teacher is that any student should always be studying towards the music that inspires them. There is always something new out there that Jake has wanted to learn, and where sheet music was unattainable, he worked and produced his own original scores to study from. Producing scores for new music is a passion Jake has adored and practised since the age of 14 and it brings him immense joy to produce new music for his students.

Jake also has a wealth of experience studying and performing jazz, classical, pop, funk, rock and musical theatre. Over the course of his 4-year degree, Jake has performed in classical recitals, jazz clubs, theatre pits and music venues. He spent a lot time at university training as a musical director, working on shows such as Fiddler on the Roof, Pinocchio at the Chichester Festival Theatre (2022), and various original premiering musicals. He then ultimately focussed his attention on his jazz studies, performing a 1st class dissertation as well as leading a multitude of concerts.”

I began studying the Classical Guitar at the age of 8, this was brilliant for my development as it instilled a strong technique and forced me to become a good reader.

At the age of 14 my Dad bought me my first electric guitar, and I quickly got into Blues and Soul music. When I was 15, I joined the Havering Soul Project, and in my three years with the band I played venues such as the Queen Elizabeth Hall and the Barbican in London.

During this period I also won Havering Strings Musician of the Year, completed my Grade 8 Classical Guitar, and my Grade 5 Theory.

Before starting University, I took a gap year to work, practice and gig around London with my Rock/Indie band ‘The Penguins,’ playing venues such as Proud and Dublin Castle.

In 2011 I went to Chichester to study Music, when I initially attended there I was still mainly focused on my Classical studies but after a tutor introduced me to George Benson’s Cookbook album, I switched my focus onto the Jazz discipline. It was this change of focus that introduced me to Jaco Pastorious, which led me onto playing Bass; this change in styles and learning the bass, really helped me to become a well-rounded musician.  My new musical interests allowed me to mix with a whole new group of local musicians giving me the chance to join bands such as Beatroot, an 8 piece funk band in which I play guitar, and Captain Scarlett and the Mysterons, a Blues/Rock n’ Roll Trio, for which I play bass.

My recent venture has been playing with an Orchestra for a solo concert consisting of a full String section, 5 horns, Drums, Bass, 2 keyboards, 2 guitars and orchestral percussion, which I co-arranged.  I’m working with many function bands playing weddings and parties and writing my own guitar course!

I'm also gigging all over the country with two original bands Beatroot & The Sandwich playing festivals such as Isle of Wight, Victorious and Cheltenham Jazz Festivals.’

Chris has over 8 years of teaching experience in a variety of schools and music academies.

Chris's drumming career started back in 2013. Since then he has been involved with a variety of bands and orchestras covering a wide variety of musical genres, worked in musical theater productions and with producers and various artists in recording studios.

Alongside teaching drums Chris is currently drummer for Fast Trains an emerging band recently performing at festivals across the country including Isle of Wight Festival and headliners at Victorious Festival.

Chris also plays drums for a tribute band to The Kinks and most recently had started drumming for Elvis to Elton, a show celebrating everything Rock n Roll.

Paige discovered she had a passion for music and singing at age 12, when participating in a school musical. She began taking lessons and graded singing exams shortly after, finishing her grade 8 with upper distinction at the age of 16.  Studying at Chichester college where she completed a diploma in musical theatre, Paige then went on to complete a HNC Diploma, also in Musical Theatre. Alongside studying at Chichester college, she completed her ICMA teaching diploma in Contemporary vocals.

Paige enjoys to sing in local pubs and clubs and has been lucky enough to secure singing slots at Victorious festival since 2018.  Keen to share her passion for singing and performing with her students, Paige creates engaging and fun lessons.