Recorder & Saxophone

Picture of recorder players. Photo by Mark Thompson
Recorder
Led by Ross Winters, our lively and supportive Recorder Department provides tuition in all aspects of technique, style and repertoire. With a view to making the most of each individual’s potential, all periods of recorder music are afforded equal importance. The course is designed to develop your skills in both solo and ensemble playing and you will also have the opportunity to study related early wind instruments. A range of stimulating and varied performance classes and workshops on related topics is open to students in all years and there are two masterclasses a year given by distinguished visiting professionals.

Recorder students at the Conservatoire are respected and integrated into the fabric of student life. In addition to activities within the Department, specialist ensembles are organised for a variety of projects, and the department is closely involved with the Conservatoire’s Early Music Programme. You’ll have the unique advantage of being able to perform with several diverse groups, including the college’s Baroque orchestra (Capelle) and The Conservatoire Folk Ensemble. You’ll also receive regular specialist consort coaching. In addition to a grounding in teaching techniques, you’ll have the opportunity to observe teaching at organisations such as Coventry Performing Arts, led by former student Naomi Winterburn.

Saxophone
Picture of saxophone player's hands. Photo by Mark Thompson
Birmingham Conservatoire is now at the forefront of saxophone education. Not only does the National Saxophone Choir of Great Britain rehearse at the Conservatoire, but we recently hosted the 8th British Saxophone Congress with our own Andy Tweed and Chris Gumbley as Artistic Directors. Artists as diverse as Gilad Atzmon and Arno Bornkamp shared the stage with the National Saxophone Choir at the gala concert. Alongside the numerous performing opportunities for motivated students, the Conservatoire’s specialist Jazz Department helps to add vibrancy to saxophone studies.

The saxophone syllabus is broad-based and ideally suited to those performers wishing to pursue a freelance career. With this in mind, great emphasis is put on versatility and adaptability in performance. A firm technical grounding early on paves the way for the study of major French classical and contemporary works, as well as cross-over and jazz, with the chance to specialise in the latter stages of your study. Coaching is available for saxophone quartets and the Conservatoire’s Symphonic Wind Orchestra and Jazz Big Band provide opportunities to perform in large ensembles.