Jon Hawkesford

Hi I’m Jon! I believe learning should be fun and relevant to your personal goals. Whether you are starting/developing a hobby, preparing for exams or have your heart set on a career in the music industry, I offer engaging tuition in Piano/keyboards, Electric/Acoustic Guitar, Music Production and Music Theory. All lessons are tailored to suit your needs in person or online. With 25 years’ experience working as an industry professional and educator I am passionate about the benefit/power of music education and I support people of all ages to perform, create and produce music to a high standard.

Professional Profile

I am a highly experienced music educator and industry professional with 25 years of expertise spanning performance, production, and education. Passionate about inspiring the next generation of musicians, I have dedicated the past 16 years to teaching in Further Education, delivering a wide range of courses from Level 1 to Level 5 in both music performance and music production.

I have a BA Honours Degree in Creative Music Technology from Bath Spa University and a Diploma in Teaching in the Lifelong Learning Sector (DTLLS) accredited by the University of Worcester. My academic foundation is complemented by advanced practical skills and 25 years working as a professional in the Music Industry as a producer and musician.

As a lecturer and course leader at South and City College Birmingham, I have taught an extensive range of subjects, including sequencing, composition, ensemble performance, songwriting, music theory, studio recording, live sound techniques, and audio engineering principles. I have also delivered specialist modules in sound and music for film to Foundation Degree students and adult courses in Logic Pro X and music production. I use innovative teaching methods that incorporate cutting-edge technology and real-world assignment briefs, ensuring students gain industry-relevant skills.

Beyond the classroom, I have a rich portfolio of professional experience. As owner of Cognito Music Ltd and JH Music, I have provided instrumental tuition for guitar, piano, bass, music production and theory for over 20 years, achieving a 100% success rate for students entering graded exams. As a recording engineer and producer i have collaborations with artists such as Mark Dwayne, Dubnine, and Yasko, as well as contributions to projects for Steel Pulse and CBeebies. My published compositions and remixes span multiple genres, showcasing creativity and technical expertise.

Industry involvement extends to session work and live performances including synth programming and playing for “Miss MoneyPenny’s Proms” at the Symphony Hall and currently performing as a founding member of the Angie Keys Band. As label manager for Dubtransmissions Ltd/DT Records, I oversee A&R, distribution, and social media promotion. I believe my ability to bridge education and professional practice equips students with a comprehensive understanding of the music business.

Committed to continuous professional development, I actively engage in teacher training, internal verification, and curriculum design and I am a member of PRS for Music, the Musicians’ Union, and PPL.

Outside of music, I am an avid cyclist and paddle boarder who enjoys family time, film and good food. I am also the founder of Jasper’s Rainbow, a charitable organization that has raised over £45,000 for causes including Edwards Trust and SANDS through sporting and musical events.

I combine passion, professionalism and creativity to deliver exceptional music education and inspire students to achieve their full potential in the dynamic world of music.