About Me
My Background
I’m a professional musician specialising in classical and jazz. I’m an experienced performer, having been guest soloist with Sheffield University Symphony Orchestra and principal flute and alto saxophone in multiple classical, jazz and show music ensembles. I am currently Principal 2nd Flute with Crosby Symphony Orchestra.
In 2019, I completed a Bachelor of Music degree at The University of Sheffield, where I specialised in performance. I have several years of teaching experience, working both one-to-one and with small groups and ensembles. I am currently the Visiting Woodwind Teacher at Merchant Taylors Schools in Crosby.
Over the years, I have studied under multiple orchestral musicians, including Sarah Bennett (The Hallé), Joshua Batty (Sydney Symphony Orchestra) and Helen Wilson (Royal Liverpool Philharmonic). I also studied under saxophonist Ellie Meredith, AKA ‘Ellie Sax’. I owe so much of my development as a musician and performer to my previous teachers and hope to share the knowledge, passion and techniques I have acquired to inspire my own students in the same way.
My Qualifications
- University of Sheffield - Bachelor of Music (Hons)
- ABRSM - Flute - Grade 8 (Distinction)
- Saxophone - Grade 8 Standard
My Mission
— How I can help you
Whether you are an absolute beginner or whether you already have some experience, I can help you reach your musical goals. My teaching style is personable, creative and dedicated. I tailor each lesson to the aspirations of the student, whether that be working towards exams, performance or playing for pleasure. I have always found that players advance more quickly through practical demonstration than theoretical explanation alone. I try to follow this path in my teaching whenever possible – music is about the sound, after all, so I believe this is really important.
I also encourage my students to listen to recordings of other musicians playing the music they are learning. Not only does this develop their listening skills, but it gives them something to aim towards and hopefully inspires their practice, too!
What Inspires me?
I'm fortunate to have been taught by some of the best musicians in the UK and have always taken huge inspiration from them. I'm keen to share the knowledge, passion and techniques I have acquired with aspiring musicians of all ages and abilities.
— Alexandra Walton
Flute
— Inspirations —
I love a variety of composers and different musical styles, but I especially enjoy playing French music from composers such as Mouquet and Poulenc. If I’m looking for something extremely fun, yet challenging, works by contemporary composers like Dave Heath and Mike Mower are some of my favourites.
Personal highlights from pieces I’ve performed include:
- François Borne – Carmen Fantasy
- Samuel Barber – Canzone
- Dave Heath – Out of the Cool
- Astor Piazzolla – Histoire du Tango
- Malcolm Arnold – Flute Concerto No. 1
Saxophone
— Inspirations —
I heard a lot of Paul Desmond, Chet Baker, Miles Davis and John Coltrane as a child, as my Grandad always listened to jazz music. I think that probably prompted me to ask for saxophone lessons. I still love and play the jazz standards I listened to when I was younger, but now I massively enjoy many of the sub genres, like funk and fusion, too.
As a classical flautist, I have also ventured into the classical saxophone world which has been so refreshing, as it allows me to explore a different side to my sound.
Personal favourite sax music I’ve played includes:
- Erroll Garner – Misty
- Charlie Parker – Donna Lee
- Pedro Iturralde – Pequeña Czarda
- Roderick Elms – Cygncopations
Ready To Learn?
Discover Your Talents
If you have any questions about lessons, pricing or styles I teach,
get in touch so I can help you straight away.
ABOUT
I’m a professional flautist and saxophonist specialising in classical and jazz. My teaching style is personable and creative and I tailor each lesson to the student, whether that be working towards exams, performance or playing for pleasure.