Masterclasses offer musicians an invaluable exposure to visiting consultants who can ‘stir the pot’ and offer that ‘value added’ and alternative approach to the weekly diet of tuition.

Paul Mayes’ Brass Masterclass at Blue Coat on Thursday 20th April offered our pupils an extra dimension of opportunity, and the participating pupils clearly relished the chance to perform and develop their varied and impressive skills.
Paul is no stranger to the school, having conducted a previous Masterclass and performed in numerous Festival of Nine Lessons and Carol services. Despite normally working at the highest professional level in the UK and Internationally, Paul is brilliantly adept at tailoring his delivery to the needs of those he is working with and this Masterclass was no exception.

During the afternoon, Paul worked his magic with selected Blue Coat Brass pupils: Alex, Ben, Freddie, Ralph, Henry, Guy, Ben, Nik, Ewan, Tom, Alex and Angus, who performed various works, ranging from an Arban study to Goeyen’s Fantaisie Dramatique and Hummel’s Trumpet Concerto, for him.

The results were immediate and impressive – showing the ability of a great coach to pinpoint the faults and offer solutions and techniques for the performers to take away and apply to their daily work. There was humour, too, which is an essential ingredient of teaching and performing, promoting a relaxed atmosphere. Paul embraced his audience in the process of his teaching. His advice will prove invaluable to many and we were all, staff, pupils and parents alike, inspired by his relaxed yet invigorating style.

Mrs Watmough-Starkie, Assistant Director of Music