Choose a teacher below, click on a picture and learn all about them!
João Figueiredo
DRUMS/FOUNDER
Oliver Tsakonas
BASS GUITAR
Jessica Clark
SINGING
Ben Cockburn
PIANO
Simon Pritchard
GUITAR
Oliver Tsakonas
BASS GUITAR
Ben Cockburn
PIANO
Oliver Tsakonas (PGCE, MA) is a highly experienced professional bass guitarist and guitarist and teacher, based in Leeds, West Yorkshire.
Oliver started learning bass guitar at the tender age of 13 and simultaneously started learning guitar shortly after. He had previously learned piano and saxophone and quickly advanced through his dedication, support and consistent tuition through his career.
He is recognised for being a highly versatile bass player, having performed in many different styles and toured throughout the UK and Europe with different bands. in 2011 Oliver performed at Leeds festival with grunge band Arizona Bay, He has gone one to perform for Iberostar hotels in Majorca in 2013-14, Tallink Romantika cruise line in Sweden and Estonia in 2015 and DFDS in 2016. Additionally, Oliver regularly performs with a multitude of bands including; The Jive Doctors, Vibetown, Undercovered and Kudos. Most recently, he performed in the pit band for the highly successful musical, Rent at the Carriageworks, Leeds.
Oliver has taught music for many years and qualified with a BA Popular Music in 2012, PGCE in Secondary Music from in 2016 as well as an MA Music production in 2017. He currently teaches both privately and as a full class in both primary and secondary schools throughout Leeds. Through his teaching and music experience, he has developed a highly effective and holistic approach to teaching; he tailors his lessons to match the student's particular goals. His students currently have a 100% pass rate at grade exams, achieving either a distinction or merit.
Any age, any ability, Oliver believes it is never too early or too late to learn an instrument and achieve what they desire.
Ben Cockburn is a Classical pianist, accompanist and teacher based in the United Kingdom. He graduated in Classical Music from Leeds College of Music in 2016 with a BA Honours. Ben is also member of Clarinet and Piano duo Reed & Ivory, The Kokopelli Trio and has been a member of Leeds College of Music’s Camerata Orchestra, New Music Collective, Part-song choir, symphonic wind orchestra and Chamber Orchestra.
Ben grew up in Carlisle, England. He didn’t start studying the Piano until the age of 16 where he was taken under the direction of Piano teacher Nick Rimmer. He achieved a grade 8 merit in Piano within 2 years with the London College of Music examination board and won 3 awards for attaining the highest grades in his county. He often credits his Grandmother as being the biggest influence in his choice to pursue music, and the time he spent listening to her play when he was younger.
While at Leeds College of music Ben studied under the direction of internationally renowned pianist Jakob Fichert, while also working there as an events steward and Student ambassador. He has participated in several concerts and events around Yorkshire including at the Leeds City Art Gallery, Holy trinity church, Wakefield Cathedral and White Cloth Gallery. Ben achieved the bronze award in 2014 at the East Coast Musician of the year and was invited back as the principal Piano student in a masterclass with Richard Utley. Ben has also taken part in masterclasses hosted by renowned baritone Roderick Williams and international Pianist Wolfgang Manz, performed with the Leeds College of Music symphonic wind orchestra and accompanied viral flute sensation Azeem Ward as part of his UK tour.
His duo Reed & Ivory won 2nd prize in the Leeds College of Music’s track of the year award in 2015 and have premiered pieces written by composers here in Britain and in the United States, most notably at an event spotlighting female composers. Ben has also performed internationally, on tour with a Camerata Orchestra in Germany.
Since graduating Ben has been teaching regularly, working as a freelance accompanist and taking part in various community projects at Primary schools across Leeds, with one such project culminating in a performance at the West Yorkshire playhouse. Ben is working hard to continue and build upon the success he has already established for himself, as an incredibly versatile and talented pianist. His current and future projects include a production of Jekyll and Hyde where he will be playing Piano, as well as a cross collaborative project with Artist and Musician Ruth Spencer Jolly representing the story of Music through Brexit, for 28 Pianos.
Jessica Clark
SINGING
Simon Pritchard
GUITAR
Simon Pritchard (PGCE, BA Hons) is an experienced and versatile guitarist based in Yorkshire. Starting his musical journey aged thirteen, Simon is well versed in many styles and genres of music and has a wealth of knowledge and experience to share. From managing and performing with his function band, ‘The Funktioneers’, to working as a session musician with world renown producers such as Alan Smyth (Artic Monkeys, Pulp), and Dave Sanderson, (Reverend and the Makers, 65daysofstatic), Simon’s passion, knowledge of the industry and hardworking ethic has earned him an enviable reputation from his peers.
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Simon is qualified with a BA hons degree in Performance and Professional Practice and has honed his teaching skills graduating with a PGCE in post-16 music. His experience in teaching has allowed him to develop a warm, friendly approach that allows the student’s interests to take centre stage giving the opportunity for students to find and develop their own unique voice on the instrument.
WATCH SIMON'S VIDEOS!
Jess Clark is completing her music performance/production degree at Leeds Beckett University. She is currently busy honing her performance skills in an energetic acoustic covers duo that perform around the area. Within this, she also runs an open mic night that brings together course mates and new musicians locally. She loves to engage with new people and gain new inspiration from them.
Having grown up singing in choirs from 12 years old, she has encountered many genres of music. Fronting a pop rock band was her first experience onstage and ever since, she has received extensive tutoring in music theatre, rock and pop.
Performing briefly in a 40s singing group ‘The Garnett Sisters’ has helped her develop new close harmonizing skills and a brand new unique style of singing.
Her background in musical theatre has been the foundation of her skills and she hopes to teach people how to get the most out of their voices and maintain their unique qualities. Jess believes that the voice is an instrument that should be healthily maintained and through proper practice, can be brought to its fullest potential.
Having achieved musical theatre Grade 8 with a merit, she has gained both the technical ability and the experience to inspire new people to sing.
At the age of 20 she is constantly learning new techniques and has always helped those around her in achieving their musical goals. Regular session work in the studio and constant new musical projects makes her one of the most adaptable and passionate young singers.