Male saxophone player on stage

Welcome to

Saxophone Lessons Bournemouth

I'm Claire Tilby, and my ultimate goal is to help you unlock your full potential as a saxophonist while enjoying the journey. Playing music should be fun and fulfilling, and I’m passionate about sharing my knowledge and experience to help you succeed.


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Claire Tilby - Professional Saxophone Teacher

Saxophone Lessons Bournemouth Teacher - Claire Tilby
My Mission

Lessons Tailored To You

** During the Summer Holidays Claire will be teaching at Absolute Music every Saturday between 10am-5pm. Claire obviously will be a lot more flexible in regards to booking during this period and will not be using block bookings. You do however need to book in advance and pay before lesson.  Book your session now! ** Claire is a singer and a multi-instrumentalist who is passionate about music education and sharing her love of music with others. She is an alumni from the prestigious Brit Performing Arts School in Croydon and also teaches there.

Prices

£25.00 per 1/2 hour, £45.00 per hour

Saxophone Teacher

Claire Tilby

Location

Bournemouth BH11 8NE, UK
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Get in touch to find out more.

Find out more about my saxophone lessons, as well as book your first saxophone lesson.

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(Average score: 5/5)
Home & Instrument Page Enquiry
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Student Advice

Master Your Saxophone Skills

One of the keys to developing your saxophone skills is building a strong foundation. We’ll work together on essential techniques like proper breathing, finger placement, and tone production. I’ll also teach you how to read music and develop your ear for improvisation. By focusing on these core skills, you’ll feel confident tackling any piece of music that inspires you.

I believe that every student is unique, which is why I adapt my teaching approach to match your learning style and musical preferences. Whether you love jazz, classical, blues, or pop, we’ll explore a wide range of repertoire to keep your lessons engaging and rewarding. I’ll also share practical strategies for effective practice so you can continue to progress between our sessions.

Prices:


£25.00 per 1/2 hour
£45.00 per hour

Lessons are weekly, fortnightly or as suits you.

Advice for New Students

Professional Saxophone Lessons in Bournemouth

When you sign up for my saxophone lessons in Bournemouth, my main goal is to make learning fun, approachable, and tailored to your unique needs. Whether you're a complete beginner or someone with years of experience, I’ve designed my lessons to help students of all ages and skill levels grow their confidence and ability with the saxophone.

All Styles

During your lessons, we’ll explore everything from the fundamentals of reed instruments to advanced techniques like improvisation and music theory. If you're interested in styles such as jazz, classical, or even playing in bands, we’ll shape the lessons to match your musical interests and goals.

All Levels Taught

For beginners, I’ll help you get started with the basics of saxophone playing, like proper posture, breath control, and producing a clear tone. If you prefer to focus on other areas, like music theory or improvisation, we can seamlessly weave those into your sessions. I can also incorporate aspects of flute, clarinet, and guitar, so if you’re curious about expanding your musical skills, we can discuss adding those into your learning too.

In Person Lessons

Saxophone lessons are available in-person in Bournemouth, giving you flexibility to choose the format that works best for you. I pride myself on creating a relaxed, supportive environment where students feel comfortable asking questions and trying new things. My experience as a university-level musician and teacher allows me to adapt my methods to suit each student's individual learning style and goals.

Whether you’re aiming to join a band, develop your knowledge of saxophone for fun, or play music professionally, I’m here to guide you every step of the way. We can discuss everything from classical techniques to the joy of improvisation. If you’re ready to start learning or just have questions, feel free to reach out, and we’ll get you started on your musical journey!

Learn All Genres & Styles

When it comes to playing the saxophone, the possibilities are truly endless. Over the years, I've taught pupils across a variety of genres and styles, helping them develop their own unique sound. From the timeless sophistication of classical music to the rich, soulful melodies of jazz, saxophone lessons with me provide the chance to explore what resonates with you. Whether you’re interested in intricate improvisation or mastering traditional compositions, I tailor lessons to your interests so you can fully enjoy the process of learning.

Classical Techniques and Music Theory

With my background in music I bring a deep understanding of classical techniques to every lesson. Together, we’ll build strong fundamentals—such as tone production, finger positioning, and control—so you can confidently approach classical pieces. We’ll also study essential music theory, helping you understand the structure behind what you’re playing, which will give you greater control and creativity in your music-making. I can teach students who want to learn for fun or who want to go on to take a first class honours degree or learn at the Guildhall school of music.

Discover the Joy of Jazz

For those drawn to the lively world of jazz, I’ll guide you through the foundations of improvisation, rhythm, and phrasing, ensuring you feel free to express yourself. Jazz has such a broad scope, from the cool, smooth tunes of Miles Davis to upbeat swing bands—there’s something for everyone to enjoy. During our lessons, we’ll work on developing a flexible, responsive technique that will allow you to shine in a wide range of styles.

Contemporary and Popular Music

The saxophone also plays an exciting role in modern music, from pop to funk and beyond. If you’ve been inspired by iconic saxophone solos in popular songs, I’ll help you break them down, learn the techniques, and even adapt these ideas into your own playing. Online teaching gives us the flexibility to work through both well-known saxophone classics and fresh arrangements that excite you.

Learning Across Instruments

While I primarily teach saxophone, I’m also experienced as a flute teacher and clarinet instructor. This means if you’re curious about trying additional woodwind instruments or understanding how reeds impact your playing, I can incorporate this into your lessons. Many students enjoy the versatility of learning multiple instruments, and I’m happy to guide you, no matter your age or experience level.

Start Your Musical Journey

The saxophone is such a versatile instrument, allowing you to explore countless styles and genres, and I can’t wait to help you start playing music that you love. Whether you’re just picking up a reed for the first time or looking to refine your advanced technique, I’m here to support you at every stage of your musical growth. If you’re ready to set your goals and begin a rewarding learning experience, don’t hesitate to contact me today!

Learn to Apply Music Theory

When I first started learning the saxophone, I didn’t fully appreciate how essential music theory was to my growth as a musician. But over time, I realised that understanding the fundamentals of how music works unlocks so many possibilities. Music theory is like the roadmap that guides you through your saxophone journey—it helps you make sense of melodies, harmonies, and rhythms so you can connect more deeply with the music you play.

Enhance Your Improvisation

One of the most exciting aspects of playing saxophone is improvisation, especially in styles like funk and blues. Knowing your scales, chord progressions, and modes gives you the freedom to express yourself authentically in any musical setting. Music theory equips you with the tools to confidently explore and create, which is a truly empowering experience.

Deepen Your Musical Conversations

Playing the saxophone isn’t just about mastering the technical aspects of the instrument—it's also about communicating with other musicians. By understanding music theory, you can read sheet music with greater ease, follow complex arrangements, and collaborate more effectively in a group setting. It’s like learning a language that brings you closer to other musicians and the music itself.

The more you invest in understanding music theory, the more rewarding your saxophone experience will become. It opens doors to creativity, connection, and a deeper appreciation for the art of music. If this resonates with you, I’d love to help you explore these concepts further and bring your saxophone playing to life!

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Saxophone Lessons Bournemouth Teacher - Claire Tilby
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I can help you to

Learning to play the saxophone is an exciting and rewarding experience, and I’m here to guide you every step of the way. Whether you’re a complete beginner or looking to refine your existing skills, I tailor each lesson to suit your pace and goals. My aim is to create a supportive, encouraging environment where you can truly enjoy the process of mastering this beautiful instrument.

Frequently Asked Questions

No, 30 is not too old for saxophone lessons. Adults of any age can successfully learn to play the saxophone with regular practice and dedication.

The best age to start lessons is around 10 to 12 years old, when children have the lung capacity and hand size to manage the instrument.

Taking lessons once a week is common and effective for steady progress, but the frequency can be adjusted based on individual goals and availability. If you're looking to buy your own instrument then please do check out Absolute Music located at 3-5, Knighton Heath Industrial Estate, 855 Ringwood Rd, Bournemouth BH11 8NE.

Yes, adults can learn to play the saxophone. With regular practice and dedication, adults can make significant progress and enjoy playing the instrument.

It typically takes several months of regular practice to learn the basics of the saxophone, with proficiency often taking 1 to 2 years depending on practice consistency and prior musical experience.

Still have questions? Get in touch

Bournemouth BH11 8NE, UK
Full teaching address will be provided upon first lesson booking.

Location

Bournemouth BH11 8NE, UK
Teacher
Claire Tilby
Ready to start?

Find out more about my saxophone lessons and how to book your first session.

Contact Me

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