John Mathews

Since 2016, I’ve been privileged to share my passion and enthusiasm for music, teaching hundreds of students across a very wide range of age and ability (4 – 70+) and in a number of settings.

Prior to undertaking PGCE studies, freelance peripatetic music tutor, offering guitar, beginner piano and beginner ukulele lessons to primary schools in Devon and Somerset. Each week I guided 70+ students through the excitement of discovering music, building and/or developing upon the rudimentary foundations of musical practice, inspiring and preparing them for a long, fulfilling relationship with music.

My lessons are highly personalised to fit the abilities and temperament of each student (or group of students) and I’m happy to log and communicate their progress as is deemed appropriate. In encouraging musical problem-solving, I draw upon developing knowledge of music, as well as other areas of the curriculum such as mathematics and language.

During my previous engagement as ‘Session Manager’ at five private music schools for The Rock Project in Devon, I was entrusted with guiding, inspiring and safeguarding over 120 students per week, managing a team of five tutors, preparing sessions and leading groups of 20-30 young musicians in musical activities such as guided rehearsals, as well as providing instrumental tuition to smaller groups.

From 2016 – 2019 I enjoyed fulfilling the same functions for The Rock Project in Surrey, leading sessions for adults in addition to those for children. During both tenures, I supported and presented regular public performances, preparing and encouraging the students through coached rehearsals, enthusiastically developing musicianship and stagecraft.

A scarcity of resources delayed the start of my own musical journey proper, but in so doing, created the opportunity to spark a love-story that continues to this day. With little chance of buying my first instrument, I built a bass guitar for a GCSE Technology project and taught myself to play it from a book. Although my ‘homemade’ bass has long since been retired (full disclosure: it was a terrible instrument), the passion it fuelled will remain with me for life.

Seizing upon a single, fleeting opportunity ultimately led me to a BMus and out into the world on an enthralling adventure to far-flung countries, revered stages and studios, sharing countless thrilling musical experiences with many wonderful musicians, connecting with a combined audience of several lifetimes of humans. My bass gave me a creative voice, opportunities to contribute to numerous recordings and original compositions and a vehicle through which to forge lifelong friendships. I am deeply committed to opening the door to ‘the opportunity of a lifetime’ for others.

Christmas at Princesshay!

Devon Music Education Hub are delighted to offer young musicians from schools across Devon, Plymouth and Torbay the opportunity to perform at Princesshay shopping precinct in Exeter this Christmas. This is a wonderful opportunity to showcase the musical talent of our young people and share some festive joy with Christmas shoppers.

We will provide the following equipment:

  • Small stage (4m x 4m) – please consider the size of the stage when applying
  • Keyboard, stand, amplifier and stool
  • Microphones and small PA
  • A device to play backing tracks from via a USB or phone/tablet

You will need to bring any other equipment that you need with you! Strictly no drumming allowed at this particular event.

All types of musical performances are welcome but, due to the impact on local residents, drumming and other louder activities may not be appropriate.

Tony Jones

Ex military musician with exemplary record. 2 years kneeler hall training and instruction. BA hons mus completed in under 2 years.

I have taught for Cornwall Music Service Trust and brass bands for several brass bands. I have experience of performing at a very high level. I am friendly, approachable and always make my lessons fun, entertaining and innovative.

Sarah Jones

An experienced and keen musician with a passion for the arts who works well under pressure and is a committed team player. Possesses strong leadership, management and communication skills being adept at prioritising demands and meeting deadlines. Inventive and adaptable to change, ensuring learners of all ages are motivated to reach their full potential, whilst gaining an understanding of musical disciplines through enjoyable, active participation. 100% exam pass rate for 37 years. Accomplished male voice musical director of 22 years.

CAREER HISTORY

1987 – 1997 Gwent Music Service: Peripatetic Brass/KS3 & 4 Music Teacher

1997 – 2001 Private Music Teacher

2001 – 2014 Gwent Music Service: Peripatetic Brass/Steel Pan/Piano/Theory Teacher

2002 – 2010 Rougemont School Newport: Infant School Music Co-ordinator

2011 – 2015 Bridgend Music Service: Peripatetic Brass/Samba Teacher

2015 – 2016 Somerset Music: WCET Teacher

2016 – 2022 Merthyr Tydfil Music Service: Head of Music Service & Brass/Curriculum Music Teacher

2020 – 2023 Christ College Brecon: VMT French Horn

2020 – 2024 Royal Welsh College of Music and Drama: Junior Conservatoire Assistant/Cover Tutor

2021 – 2024 Musical Director: Pontnewydd Male Choir

2022 – 2023 Bridgend Music Service: Peripatetic Brass Teacher

2022 – present Gwent Music Service: Brass/WCET/Curriculum Music Teacher

2023 – present Musical Director: City of Newport Male Choir

2023 – present Torfaen Music: WCET Teacher

2023 – present Charanga Associate Trainer

2023 – present Educa on Supply Pool: Music Teacher

2024 – present Somerset Music: WCET Teacher

EDUCATION

Bath College of H.E. Sept 1983 – July 1986 B.A. (Hons) Music (II/i) (Bath University)

Cardiff University Sept 1986 – July 1987 P.G.C.E. Secondary Music

PROFESSIONAL MEMBERSHIPS

NASUWT 1987 ISM 1989 (FISM)

Musicians’ Union 2024

EWC 2015

SKILLS & TRAINING

French Horn

Piano

Conductor/Musical Director

Trinity Arts Award Adviser

Safeguarding Level 3

Licensed Chaperone

HOBBIES & INTERESTS

Live music and theatre

Gardening, sewing, languages

Devon Music Education Conference 2025

Join us for the Devon Music Education Conference 2025 at Buckfast Abbey Conference Centre. Expect stimulating discussion and interactive workshops aimed at early years, primary, secondary and instrumental music teachers.

Keynote speakers

Workshop sessions

Conference programme

Training objectives

  • Engage in stimulating discussions around the latest developments in music education
  • Attend practical workshops with ideas and activities you can implement
  • Connect with Hub colleagues and organisations who can support music and creativity in your school

What to expect…

  • Stimulating discussions around the latest developments in music education
  • Practical workshops with ideas and activities to take away and implement
  • Opportunities to connect and share with colleagues from across the region

Exhibitors to include Music Teachers Association, ABRSM, Charanga, Schools Printed Music Licence, Cameron Mills Group, Inspire-Works and Rock Steady Music School.

BOOK NOW! £95 including lunch and refreshments

Ofsted Update on Music in Schools

Join Ofsted’s Christopher Stevens, HMI National Lead for Music as he returns to speak with Music Mark, this time reflecting on Ofsted’s Subject Report in Music and ‘teaching the curriculum’. During this session Christopher will give a presentation, followed by time for your questions to be answered.

Online Teach Meet: New Music Subject Leads

This FREE informal Online Teach Meet is aimed at providing an overview of the Hub offer for colleagues that have recently taken on Music Subject Lead responsibility for a school. Come along to meet the Hub team and find out more about funding, training, resources, performance opportunities and much, much more.

Kieron Garrett

I have a 2:1 BMus degree with a commendation for performance from Kingston University. I also achieved an A at a-level music & I have grade 8 in both the piano and the tuba.

I have been a professional jazz pianist for many years, performing at some of the most famous jazz clubs & festivals in the world, including Ronnie Scott’s and London jazz festival etc.

I have also released several albums, EPs & singles which have been signed to various independent record labels.

My teaching has been a big part of my career and I have taught at some of the top schools in the country, with over 20 years of experience.

My students can benefit from having a classically trained teacher, who also specialises in jazz, composition and production.

Devon County Youth Brass Band & The Flowers Band Open Day

As of September 2024, Devon County Youth Brass Band is under new leadership. Chris Spreadbury and Matt Hawkins are delighted to be taking over the baton from Pete Jones, after 20 years of incredible service.

Devon has a rich heritage in brass banding, and we firmly believe we should have a thriving county band to match. Devon County Youth Brass Band’s  first gathering day of the year is going to be an absolute cracker, and one that no young brass player in Devon will want to miss! 

​We are kicking off the year with a bang, and have organised a workshop provided by players from the South West’s premier brass band, The Flowers Band. The attending brass students will receive expert tuition from some of the area’s best brass musicians, culminating in a performance for family and friends at the end of the day. The workshop will start at 10am, and finish at 4pm, with a performance for parents/carers/family/friends at 3:30pm. The venue is King Edward VI Community College, TQ9 5JX. 

Current members of DCYBB can also attend the Open Day for free. Following the workshop, we will contact all attendees with information on how to sign up to the band for the academic year 2024-25. 

We hope you will join us for this exciting new chapter for DCYBB! 

Justin Fellows

DRUM TEACHER AND DRUM WORKSHOP FACILITATOR

Over 20 years professional experience as a teacher and facilitator in a wide range of settings including: primary and secondary education, community groups, corporate teambuilding, SEND schools, arts in health, private events and festivals.

In one to one lessons my aim is to engender a sense of fun around learning and playing the drums. I am always keen to teach technique and reading but only if appropriate to the student and only to the level of their comprehension.

I always encourage students to think about what music they want to learn and then work with them on their own choices, as well as having a vast repertoire of popular songs to draw on. When leading drumming workshops I encourage students to have fun whilst introducing basic concepts around technique and rhythm.

I also encourage students to create their own rhythms and use vocalisation and games to help create a relaxed learning environment in order to achieve the highest potential of the group.

All my teaching is informed by a long career performing with a multitude of bands as well as studying with various master drummers, including a professional development course at ACM, Guildford. I have also engaged in self-motivated learning from a variety of resources and have a passionate interest in a wide range of musical styles.

C.V.

Upon graduating with distinction from the Academy of Contemporary Music in 2001, I began my career as a peripatetic drum-kit tutor at 3 schools in the Medway area.

After moving to London in 2003, I began working as a workshop facilitator delivering African drumming sessions in Primary and Secondary schools around the country. Up until 2010 this was my main professional occupation and I worked freelance and for a number of providers including: Education Group, Wise Moves Dance, Kaya Drums and Drum Jam.

Upon moving to Bristol I worked with BANEs music service as a workshop facilitator and drum-kit tutor from March 2011 until July 2021. During this period, I also taught as a freelancer at Norton Hill School. Between January 2018 and July 2022 I taught one to one and delivered workshops for Rhythm Instinct at schools in Wiltshire.

Since moving to Devon in 2021, I have continued to facilitate drumming workshops at On The Hill CIC as well as teaching drum-kit to a few students locally plus a series of evening classes in Totnes. Since February 2024 I have been delivering one to one drum kit lessons for Devon Drum School at primary schools in Okehampton and Teignmouth.