Peter McDonough

As a teacher

Peter is an experienced, enthusiastic and patient teacher of all brass instruments and music theory, available to teach all standards from complete beginners to grade 8 and beyond. In addition to his private tutoring both online and in-person across the North West and into North Wales, Peter currently teaches brass pupils in several primary, comprehensive and independent schools in the region, while also working as Academy Band Musical Director with the Lions Youth Brass organisation, C Band Musical Director with the St Helens Youth Brass Band organisation and Beginner Band Musical Director with Bluecoat Brass. He is also a tutor for Love Music Trust, the lead partner and fund holder for the music education hub in Cheshire East.

In the process, Peter regularly teaches students of all ages and abilities, from primary school age to adults looking to reconnect with music, play their first notes or enhance their skills. He also has experience of multiple SEND and hearing impaired pupils.

For students looking to progress through graded music exams, Peter has a 100% pass rate, with a high proportion of students achieving a ‘Merit’ or ‘Distinction’.

As a performer

As a performer, Peter is the Principal Euphonium of the KNDS Fairey Band, one of the world’s best brass bands. He has performed across the UK and Europe in the last several years, competing with its finest young brass players in the process and sharing the stage with several of its most renowned ensembles, including performing as Principal Euphonium of the European Youth Brass Band, RNCM Brass Band and the National Youth Brass Band and Wind Orchestra of Wales.

In September 2022, whilst playing with the KNDS Fairey Band, Peter was awarded the Geoffrey Whitham Memorial Trophy for ‘Best Euphonium‘ at the British Open Brass Band Championships held in Birmingham‘s Symphony Hall. In March 2019, Peter was one of four finalists in the BrassPass.tv Young Brass Award, with the event live-streamed worldwide and accompanied by the National Champion Band of Great Britain, Foden’s Band. Furthermore, in 2018, he was selected as the only UK semi-finalist in the EBBA European Soloist Competition in Utrecht, qualifying once more for the following 2023 event in Malmö.

Although primarily a euphonium player, Peter is also a very competent trombone player and, for students of the instrument, he regularly brings his trombone with him to lessons for demonstration purposes to provide more specialised support.

Qualifications, Education and Experience

• Master of Music (MMus) with Distinction, Euphonium Performance – Royal Northern College of Music, 2019

o Included electives on conducting and instrumental teaching, with sessions on safeguarding, curriculum design, and a variety of teaching techniques, culminating in a comprehensive final portfolio

• Bachelor of Music with Honours (BMus (Hons)), Euphonium Performance – Royal Northern College of Music, 2018

• ABRSM Diploma in Music Performance – Euphonium (Distinction), 2014

• ABRSM Grade 8 Music Theory, 2014

• Guest tutor – RNCM Young Middle Brass and Junior RNCM (various, 2019-2022)

• Musical Director – Eccles Youth Band (2017-2020)

• Placement Tutor – Foden’s Youth Band (2016-2017)

Peter also holds a valid Enhanced DBS Certificate, with subscription to the DBS Update Service, along with membership of the Independent Society of Musicians (ISM).

Your lessons

Peter quickly tailors sessions to best suit each student’s character, needs and interests, putting their enjoyment at the centre of every lesson with a lively and enthusiastic approach. Whether they would like to solely pursue graded exams or simply play for fun, he will always aim to achieve a wider, lasting musical understanding that benefits the student’s overall development. This often includes particular attention to the basics of playing, such as warmth of sound, breathing technique and musical phrasing.

Peter can offer lessons online, at your home, or a mixture of both – whichever best suits your location and availability.