Helen Hooker

I take a practical approach to teaching the recorder through ensemble playing in my courses at West Dean. Students of varying levels come together to play as an ensemble and I offer advice on technical issues and musicality through the music we play together.

Students have the opportunity to play as a large ensemble and in a smaller chamber music setting. They will receive help to develop their recorder technique and advice on ensemble skills and musical interpretation.

I encourage students to try new music and to improve the technical level of their playing. I do this not done through pure technical work but by introducing new techniques and advice through the music played.

The playing of other professional recorder players plus the experience of helping others to improve their playing and musicianship.

Students can visit my website for current information on my forthcoming performances.

I studied at Trinity College of Music, London for four years, graduating with the Graduate Diploma (first class), Licentiate Teachers Diploma (LTCL) and the Postgraduate Certificate in Performing with distinction.

I have taught the recorder full time since 1993 privately and in local schools to pupils aged from 8 to 80. I teach on many courses for adult players and am Chairperson of the Recorder Summer School. I also travel throughout the British Isles conducting recorder orchestras and ensembles and am a Musical Advisor and visiting conductor to the Society of Recorder Players. In 2007 formed the Thames Valley Recorder Orchestra, of which I am Musical Director.

I have recorded several CDs of recorder music which are freely available. A Noble Entertainment: Music from Queen Anne’s London by The Parnassian Ensemble (AV2094) is available from all good record stores and from the Avie website.