John Hutchinson

I have been teaching trumpet and brass players for many years after graduating from the Royal College of Music, working with students from complete beginners through to advanced players preparing for music college, university, auditions and professional careers. Alongside teaching, my career has included performing with leading UK orchestras and commercial artists including Jamiroquai and Amy Winehouse, and I have taught and presented at institutions and events internationally.

My approach to teaching is centred on helping each player develop a natural, efficient and individual way of playing. Rather than imposing a rigid method, I look at how each student uses their air, body and mind, identifying unnecessary tension or effort and finding simpler ways to achieve the musical result they want.

Language is an important part of my teaching. Instructions such as “blow harder”, “push” or “squeeze” can encourage physical tension and make difficult passages feel even more difficult. Instead, I encourage players to think in terms of allowing: allowing the air to flow or speed up, allowing the body to remain responsive, and keeping musical intention at the centre of the process. Good technique should ultimately give us greater freedom to communicate.

Lessons are friendly, focused and collaborative. Depending on the student, we might work on fundamental technique, repertoire, orchestral excerpts, improvisation, performance preparation, confidence or simply rediscovering enjoyment in playing. I am also the author of Graded Exercises for Brass, Selected Exercises for Trumpet and Articulated Air, and material from these can be incorporated where appropriate.

Lessons can be regular or occasional, and I am equally happy working with students who want ongoing tuition or experienced players who simply want a fresh perspective on a particular aspect of their playing.

Above all, my aim is to help students become confident, thoughtful and independent musicians who understand not just what works, but why it works.