Recorder Lessons
JAMES HOLDEN BMus, London
Ethos ~ My lessons focus on establishing a brilliant sound, secure technique and exploring interesting and varied repertoire, whilst supporting the evolution of the student’s unique musical identity.
Why learn the recorder?
The choice to play the recorder is to play a unique, lesser played, often misunderstood instrument that offers us beauty of sound, a curious journey through history with fantastic music and a wealth of expressive possibilities.
As players of this wooden wind instrument, our breath fills its bore and we feel it expand beneath our fingertips that cover the open holes. Its pure and direct sound is the most similar of any instrument to the human voice. There is an intimacy between player and instrument. The lack of resistance and open design of the recorder make it deceptively simple, yet it can be challenging to produce and sustain a good tone. With dedication there is much to be gained. Recorder repertoire is fascinating and diverse, stretching from the medieval period to contemporary music. As a rhetorical tool to explore this amazing music, there is nothing better.
The recorder dates back to the middle ages and gained popularity from the15th to early 18th centuries, widely used in consort and chamber music and owned by noblemen as a sign of prowess. Henry VIII owned 76 and was famously a devotee. Today, we may recall the trauma of overblown classroom screeching as a thankfully distant memory. The inexpensive, widely produced plastic models and portable size have made it a popular instrument for school education. This practice gained popularity in Japan, influenced by Early Music revival of the 20th century in Europe, later returning to the west and our classrooms. However, this modern tradition can be off-putting to children before they have a chance to appreciate the ‘real’ instrument’s delicacy, beauty and nuance.
Early Music today is ever more popular and since the recorder’s revival as a professional instrument by Frans Brüggen in the 1960s, its place in music has evolved. The recorder is taught in conservatoires and performances are heard in concert halls internationally, by numerous wonderful players. Recorder makers across the globe produce copies of original instruments from museum collections, providing us with historically informed, beautiful instruments from which to perform. A lot of contemporary and ‘avant-garde’ music has also been written, from the mid 20th century to today, where composers continue to write exciting works that push the limits and create new possibilities for expression.
Why not give the humble recorder a try?
About James
James Holden is an enigmatic, expressive performer, specialising in Recorders and Baroque flute. As a young musician his interest was sparked by Dan Laurin, Piers Adams and Pamela Thorby, who he studied with as well as Rachel Brown. These lessons reinforced his passion for early music, later studying at the Royal Academy of Music with Peter Holtslag and Daniel Brüggen. In crossover collaborations that explore the relationship between various musical genres as well as in early music, James is interested in pushing the boundaries of his instruments. His interests encompass early, world, jazz, folk, punk, electronic music, improvisation and Baroque dance. His compositions are influenced by these areas as well as film and theatre.
James has performed with Laurence Cummings, Peter Holtslag, Lisa Beznosiuk, Peter Schreier, The New London consort, Margaret Faultless, Atarah Ben-Tovim MBE and Mary Collins (baroque dance). He has performed in Ely Cathedral, West Road concert hall and Kings College Chapel, Cambridge, the London Handel Festival, Hatchlands festival and in many churches in London, the UK and France. Aside from working as a soloist, chamber and orchestral musician, James enthusiastically teaches students in London and beyond.
Lessons
Ethos ~ My lessons focus on establishing a brilliant sound, secure technique and exploring interesting and varied repertoire, whilst supporting the evolution of the student’s unique musical identity.
I have over 15 years experience teaching recorder and a degree from the Royal Academy of Music, London. I teach privately and in schools (mostly to individuals, and small groups) to a variety of students at all levels - beginners to professionals. I thoroughly enjoy teaching the recorder, my primary instrument. This enthusiasm is infectious! My students achieve consistently high marks in their Recorder and Music Theory examinations. I have taught masterclasses at courses run by legendary flautist Atarah Ben-Tovim MBE in the south of France on baroque style and ornamentation to flautists and recorder players.
I also teach Music Theory which is crucial for students taking graded exams, and also useful for GCSE and A level music.
I work with the ABRSM exam syllabus should you wish to take exams, however equally good progress can be made without them so I always leave this decision to the student. At the end of the day, the lessons must be enjoyable for students to want to practise and progress.
I now teach lessons online on zoom as of March 2020, which is working well. I am happy to start new students in this way. I offer a free trial lesson so please feel free to make the most of this!
Please do get in touch if you have any questions, I will happily answer them.
Prices
First Trial lesson - Free
60 minutes - £50
45 minutes - £40
30 minutes - £30
Testimonials
“James is great! His lessons are fun and engaging and as a player he really knows his stuff. Couldn't recommend him highly enough.” Catherine, student
“James has taught recorder and music theory to my daughter for 4 years. He has the most fantastic way of teaching that makes her want to work really hard for him. She adores her lessons with James and also gets consistently high grades in her exams. I’m not sure she would have continued for so long with another teacher. I highly recommend James. He’s a professional passionate Teacher. Since lockdown, remote lessons work just as well with him.” Emma, student’s parent
“James is a brilliant teacher. He's kind, patient, extremely knowledgeable and pushes you to improve. I attempted to teach myself the tenor recorder and was lucky to find him as I needed some professional help to improve further. As an adult learner, I had some ideas as to what I wanted to achieve and he is helping me realise those goals, and also new ones. I'm now playing the alto, soprano and tenor all moderately well after what seems quite a short period of learning to get to this level. James has helped me understand both music and the instrument(s). I always learn something new from each lesson and feel encouraged to learn more. I would highly recommend him as a recorder teacher.” Helen, student
“I highly recommend James as a tutor, he is a an amazing musician and fantastic teacher who is passionate about bringing his vast musical expertise and knowledge to all of his students.” Emma, Pianist
“James is a such a talented musician with such a beautiful sound. He has a wonderful, calming energy and is a thoughtful teacher, explaining things very clearly. James makes me feel relaxed and comfortable which is so important to fully enjoy learning!” Charlie, student
Contact
Please get in touch for lesson enquiries, concert availability and general questions
jamesraholden@gmail.com
