What I Offer
1 / Online Lessons (Via Zoom)
Aimed toward students seeking to join my private studio on clarinet or saxophone, from wherever you are in the world!
2 / Consultation Lessons (In Person)
For students seeking to join my teaching studio at my premises here in Manchester.
3 / Audition Coaching (Any Instrument)
Everyone hates auditions. Like playing your instrument, auditioning is a learned skill. I've gained invaluable tips and tricks from some of the world's top orchestral musicians and soloists about developing this skill, and for the serious student am offering one on one performance coaching for recitals, auditions and more.
FAQs
-What subjects do you teach?
I teach clarinet and auxiliary members of the clarinet family (Eb and Bass) and beginner to intermediate saxophone.
-What are your students like?
My students are a mix of all ages! Beginner, intermediate and more advanced students, and I am proud of them for their success in ABRSM exam grade distinctions, successful band auditions and admission to the junior department of the Royal Conservatoire of Scotland.
-What can I expect if I sign up?
I consider absolute musicality the most important part of whatever we're playing; be it core repertoire, pop songs, orchestral excerpts or film music, we will work together to find your unique musical voice. My students generally agree that I use some unconventional methods to achieve this aim!
-I'd like to take a lesson, but I'm a bit shy playing in front of people...
I have trained in performance psychology and as such incorporate aspects of it into my lessons: Whether you want to feel more confident as a player and battle on stage nerves, or you want to improve your accuracy and focus in any high pressure environment, these principles come to the fore in our lessons.
-What are your qualifications?
I am DBS certified, with a Masters of Music in Clarinet performance from the Royal Conservatoire of Scotland, a Bachelors of Music Education from Trinity College Dublin in Ireland and have undertaken advanced studies with international soloist Emil Jonason.
Sara (Clarinet)
“I have taken online and in person clarinet lessons with Cathal for almost a year now and I fully recommend him. He is a great teacher and a superb musician. I had stopped playing the clarinet for some years and he has adapted the level of the lessons so I could catch up with fundamental technique concepts, and helped me correct old bad habits. He always offers thoughtful advice, and likes to try different ways to improve the sound. He has a deep understanding of the clarinet and music, and clearly cares about communicating his professional knowledge and getting the best of each student. Cathal is very encouraging, patient, and punctual. In summary, if you are looking for a friendly, enthusiastic clarinet teacher, I would recommend approaching him at once."
Alvaro (Saxophone)
"Brilliant lessons, super comprehensive, flexible and patient.
His lessons are not only very productive, but also very entertaining.
Would 100% recommend him."