Welcome to the Student Spotlight, occasionally I shall be updating this space to recognise the hard work of some of my students.

Below is an interview with Robert Donald, a very promising young sax player. He is a very good reader, is always enthusiastic about trying different music and always up for a challenge. He enters many local festivals and events and plays in the wind band in Newbold on Saturday mornings. The strongest aspect of his playing lies in the very pure sound he creates. Through determination and much practice Robert has quickly progressed and he should be very proud at what he has managed to achieve in such a short amount of time.

Name: Robert Donald
Age: 11
Instrument(s): Alto Saxophone

What grade/ability are you?

“I am now Grade 4″

Interests away from music?

“I like Rugby, Video games and Warhammer 40k”

Why did you take up the saxophone?

“I love the sound of the sax. I heard it played at a music festival. From that point on it was a choice between a Sax or a drum kit! I chose the sax because I felt you were more in control and now I sure am!”

How do lessons help you get better?

“I cover a lot more with Dan than I do at home. It’s very enjoyable and Dan makes the lessons fun and interesting.”

What do you enjoy the most about learning the saxophone?

“I enjoy the different types of music that we play in the lessons. I especially like playing Jazz, Blues and light rock. I also enjoy playing in the music festivals”

What do you find the hardest about learning the saxophone?

“Reeds! I find it quite hard to find a reed I like. I find one in a million and then when it gets mouldy I have to have the reed destroyed or I’ll keep using it.”

Have you set yourself any targets?

“I really want to be able to play the Einaudi piece I heard on the radio recently. I’d really like to become a Grade 8 player and go on to do GCSE music.”