Meet The Teacher - Miss Alicia

Right from a young age I have always loved music. The first time I heard the flute, I immediately fell in love and started playing as soon as I could aged 9. Over the years, I worked my way through the grades and went on to study music performance at the University of Leeds followed by music performance and teaching at the RWCMD. I graduated with a MMus in music performance and teaching from the RWCMD in 2018 and began teaching at Forte in March 2019. During my time at RWCMD I started exploring the clarinet and saxophone and had lessons in both these instruments as well as flute. At Forte I now thoroughly enjoy teaching a wide range of students the flute, clarinet and saxophone. I found my passion for teaching whilst at the RWCMD and wrote my final dissertation on different methods of teaching. Luckily, I had the experience of teaching woodwind in both primary and secondary schools to use as case studies. I love teaching because I want to pass on to others, that love of music and the enjoyment I had learning the flute as a child. Seeing my students grow and develop in their playing every week brings me so much joy!
 
Who’s your favourite composer?
Shostakovich and Mahler – I can’t pick between them. Their pieces are both so much fun to play in orchestra.
 
Who’s been the biggest musical influence in your life so far?
This has to be my flute teacher at the RWCMD, Sarah Newbold. She inspired me not only to better my own flute playing, but to teach others with enthusiasm, care and dedication.
 
What’s your favourite piece of music?
Anything from a Disney film!! Oh and I love the How to Train your Dragon soundtrack too!
 
What style of music do you relax to?
Musicals or film soundtracks – anything I can have a good sing-a-long with!
 
Who’s your favourite performer?
In the world of flute Katherine Bryan because her performances are so enchanting, enjoyable and exciting to watch. In the pop world I like Billie Eilish, Lizzo, Ariana Grande, Shawn Mendes… and more!