Beth Hopkins

I am a passionate and enthusiastic musician, who thrives in learning new skills and meeting new people. This extends to my love of teaching piano, saxophone and music theory, as I am able to share in the new experiences a beginner or experienced player discovers during their lessons.

After achieving a First from Southampton University in Music (BA) in 2016, I went onto teaching students privately from age 4-60 and whole-class and group lessons in schools for Southampton Music Services. I am very confident in teaching any ability on saxophone and up to grade 6 piano, and ensure that my lessons are fun, engaging and informative. Each lesson is tailored to each individual student, and I include music theory along the way.

I have been gigging regularly for around 9 years, playing in ensembles covering many genres such as Jazz fusion, electronic funk fusion, Afrobeat, Indie, Jazz Big Band, Classical Wind Orchestra, pit bands for musicals and many other ensembles influenced by indie, pop, hip-hop, rock and others.

I am also an avid composer and songwriter, and love involving creative activities in lessons. Due to this, my playing is eclectic and it allows me to be able to teach a wide range of styles.

Alongside jazz, I started my musical career playing classical piano and saxophone. Since I have played in a Wind Orchestra at University in which we played styles from classical to musicals: I have also played in the pit for various musicals.

I am an avid composer and songwriter too, having written songs for myself to sing and play at a piano, or to perform with my bands. I am more than happy to teach composition or music theory.

I also have a clear DBS (CRB) certificate.

I am passionate about music therapy, having studied modules on this at University and volunteered in a care home to run music sessions with individuals with Alzheimer’s and/or dementia. In 2018, I created a therapeutic music programme for primary school children to help develop key areas through music, such as developing non-verbal communication, improving team-working skills and expressing emotion.

Whether you are a beginner yourself, or your child has expressed an interest in music, I am confident that I can provide you with the confidence and skill needed to build your musical journey, and perhaps one day, career. If you are a more advanced player looking for a new teacher, I can help you find new alleys to explore and build upon your existing knowledge.

I would love to hear from you, even if it is just to say hello.

Music Qualifications & Achievements:

• First Class Honours BA Music
• Grade 8 Saxophone (Distinction)
• Grade 7 Singing
• Grade 6 Piano
• Grade 5 Theory
• Grade 1 Clarinet
• Recorded over 10 albums and EP’s in various ensembles
• Performed as a saxophonist in venues all across the UK and Europe in various bands and orchestras, including performing my own compositions with my ensemble