Tuition - Woodwind

We have four woodwind teachers working at the NMC teaching flute, clarinet, saxophone (alto & tenor) and recorder.

Claire Mattison BA (Hons) DipABRSM (Clarinet & Saxophone)

Claire began playing the clarinet when she was ten years old in Manchester, and later the saxophone and piano, and was a regular member of a variety of local orchestras and big bands until she left for university. She graduated in 2002 with a BA (Hons) in music from Newcastle University, specialising in performance, and recently gained a DipABRSM, again in performance. During her studies Claire played first clarinet in the Symphony Orchestra and performed with the New Music Group and various other ensembles. Together with her work at the NMC, Claire teaches at local schools and privately, and is employed as Project Manager for The Avison Ensemble, organising many local events.

Helen Wright B.Mus (Hons) (Flute, Clarinet & Saxophone)

Helen completed graded examinations on clarinet, saxophone, flute and piano whilst at school and went on to study music at the University of Wales Bangor and she graduated in 2002. Whilst she was there she majored in Performance (clarinet), Instrumental Teaching and Conducting. During this time, Helen performed in the University Symphony Orchestra, led the University Wind Band, and played in various ensembles, big bands and musical productions. Helen is an experienced performer and has over 10 years’ experience performing as a soloist, in local bands, ensembles and orchestras, and has successfully competed in local music festivals.

Siân Watkins BMus (Hons) (Clarinet, Saxophone and Piano)

Siân recently graduated from Newcastle University with an honours degree in music.  During her time at University she specialised in piano, clarinet and tenor saxophone, including a year’s jazz studies in Montreal, Canada.  Siân was not only a dedicated member of the Newcastle University Jazz Orchestra, but also spent one year co-leading the band.  She still holds close links with the orchestra and also plays in two other local big bands, ‘The Dirty Rascals’ and ‘The Swing Fever Big Band’.  She is now a full time instrumental teacher and teaches all three instruments at the NMC, and at the Northern School of Music, Hartlepool.

Rachel Fuller BA (Hons), DipABRSM (Flute)

Rachel has been studying flute since the age of 11 and later began piano. She recently completed a BA (Hons) in music at the University of Newcastle, receiving first class honours in performance (flute). During her time at university Rachel was principle flautist with the University Symphony Orchestra including a performance of Britten’s War Requiem at The Sage Gateshead. In addition she also played with the University’s New Music Group. Having completed the DipABRSM performance diploma with the Associated Board of the Royal Schools of Music in July 2005, Rachel is currently working towards the LRSM qualification as well as studying for a MMus degree specialising in flute performance at the University of Newcastle.