About Me
Michael has a Diploma of the NSW State Conservatorium of Music, a Bachelor of Music from the Sydney Conservatorium of Music where he studied recorder with Owen Watkins, and a Master of Arts in Music from the University of Birmingham. He moved to London in 1991 where he studied recorder with Anneke Boeke at the Guildhall School of Music and Drama as well as privately in Amsterdam.
From 1998-2001 Michael held the position of recorder teacher at Newcastle Conservatorium of Music in Australia. He has performed in the UK with Birmingham Baroque, and with various ensembles in the USA and Australia. Michael has taken part as a tutor in the international music festival Recorder 2000 in Australia, and has recorded and broadcast with various radio programmes in Australia and the United States.
WIth Polyphonica, Michael has performed in the UK. the Netherlands, Germany and France, and he has performed independently as a soloist in the UK. France and Australia.
Michael teaches recorder to individuals and small ensembles at his home in East Sussex. He also gives an annual series of workshops in Seaford for players of all levels. Also with Polyphonica, he has gained extensive experience coaching small and large ensembles on residential courses including the Chelteham Recorder Festival and Knuston Hall Recorder Weekend and various independent Polyphonica workshops. Michael has recently been engaged as a recorder tutor for the annual Higham Hall Renaissance Music course.
Skills
Individual Lessons
My experience covers students from teenagers to retirees with experience levels from beginners to degree students. My teaching methods are taylored to the needs and learning styles of the individual with an emphasis on "teaching the student to teach themselves".
Articulation
I have a special interest in articulation technique and it's relationship to language and how this helps the student develop their own unique "voice" when playing the recorder. I work with students to develop their own strategies for developing subtle, flexible and varied articulation.
Interpretation
A variety of historical sources and various analysis techniques can be explored depending on the needs of the student. This can be from a "music appreciation" point of view, or a more detailed approach depending on the aims of the student.
Breathing and tone production
Integral to learning any woodwind instrument is the development of well-controlled breathing technique. I expore this in a fun and interactive way with students to help them find their own strategies for developing good breath control.
Examination Preparation
Major syllabuses covered including Associate Board, Trinity, and AMEB.