Beyond the Stave

Intermediate

Rachel Jeffers

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Rachel studied flute at the Royal Academy of Music with William Bennett and Sebastian Bell, winning the J J Brough Flute Prize and the Lawrence Beauregard Competition. She has freelanced with major orchestras including the Philharmonia and Royal Philharmonic, and since relocating to Newcastle, has played with the Royal Northern Sinfonia and Northern Orchestra as principal flute. Rachel is a member of the Westerly Trio, an active soloist, and a dedicated teacher, serving as Head of Woodwind Studies at Newcastle University and teaching at Northumbria and Durham, while also working as an ABRSM examiner since 2003.

Kerenza Peacock

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Kerenza, a Royal Academy of Music graduate now based in Cornwall, has recorded several albums as a soloist with the Royal Philharmonic and London Symphony Orchestra, with her music frequently played on classical radio worldwide. She led the Pavão String Quartet on extensive tours across Europe and the Middle East and has toured as a fiddle player with the alt-bluegrass band The Coal Porters. Kerenza’s film and TV credits include Encanto and Avatar, and she has recorded with artists like Harry Styles and Adele, serving as concertmaster on Adele’s world tour and Vegas residency. She also led a global project uniting 94 violinists in support of Ukrainian musicians during the conflict.

Wai-Yin Lee

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Wai-Yin Lee, originally from Hong Kong, began her piano studies at the Hong Kong Academy for Performing Arts before receiving a full scholarship to study at the Royal College of Music in London. She completed her master’s at the Guildhall School of Music and Drama, where she also held a two-year repetiteur fellowship and worked with the National Opera Studio. Now based in the UK, Wai-Yin has built a versatile career as a soloist, chamber musician, and opera repetiteur, currently working at the Royal College of Music and frequently collaborating with the Royal Academy of Music and Opera Holland Park’s outreach programmes.

Lee Morris

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Lee is a highly versatile and experienced drummer whose career spans West End musicals, international tours, studio work, television, and education. His credits include top shows like We Will Rock You, Wicked, The Book of Mormon, and School of Rock, alongside performances with major artists such as Gabrielle and Paul Rodgers. He has toured globally with show bands and currently performs with The Rock Orchestra, while also contributing to the 2024 ABRSM drum kit syllabus. A dedicated educator, Lee holds a PTLLS qualification and endorses Yamaha, Roland, Vater, and other leading music brands.

Massimo Di Trolio

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Massimo is a versatile clarinetist with extensive experience in orchestral, chamber, solo, and commercial music, including a long-standing role in The Phantom of the Opera in the West End. He has performed with major UK orchestras like the Royal Philharmonic and BBC Symphony, and toured internationally with renowned artists. Educated at Trinity Laban and the Royal College of Music, he holds prestigious awards and has a strong commitment to teaching at various schools and conservatoires. Massimo is also an accomplished recording artist for film, TV, and video games and is a D’Addario Woodwind Artist.

Rachel Harwood White

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I am an oboist and oboe teacher with over 20 years of performing and teaching experience. I hold a BMus, LRAM (Teaching), and PGDip in performance from the Royal Academy of Music, and studied in Stuttgart on a DAAD scholarship with Ingo Goritzki. Since graduating in 2003, I have performed with leading orchestras including the BBC Symphony, Philharmonia, Royal Opera House, and Royal Philharmonic, as well as in West End shows like Les Misérables, and recorded soundtracks for Paddington 3 and Snow White. I teach oboe across all levels in top independent schools and junior departments, inspiring students to enjoy music through engaging and varied lessons.

Frida Dahlgren

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Frida is a versatile vocalist, performer, and vocal coach with a rich background in musical theatre, pop, and live entertainment. Trained initially in Sweden and later at BIMM London, she has toured extensively across the UK and Europe, featuring in theatre shows, tribute acts, and as a backing vocalist at major festivals. She has performed at iconic venues such as the O2 Shepherd’s Bush Empire and Edinburgh Playhouse, and recorded at legendary studios including Abbey Road. As a vocal coach and arranger, Frida provides tailored sessions that build technique, confidence, and authentic musical expression for her students.

Ben Havinden

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Born in London into a family of musicians, Ben studied at the Purcell School and the Royal College of Music, learning from Neil Tarlton, principal bass of the Philharmonia Orchestra. After graduating, he attended an intensive studio course in Canada with renowned bass virtuoso Gary Karr. Ben spent six years with the Welsh National Opera Orchestra and has since performed with ensembles such as the London Philharmonic, Royal Philharmonic, Scottish Chamber Orchestra, and Bergen Philharmonic. As an educator, he has guest taught at the Royal Welsh College of Music and Drama and recently gave a masterclass at Oklahoma City University in the US.

Jonathan Barrett

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Jonathan Barrett is a conductor, composer, and educator based in Dubai since 2012. He teaches at Emirates International School and leads the UAE National Youth Orchestra, nurturing young musicians. Jonathan has composed notable works performed at Dubai Opera and has conducted orchestras in both the UAE and the US. With degrees in trombone and composition from Baylor University, he is dedicated to fostering musical growth in the region.

Shu-Wei Tseng

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Shu-wei Tseng is a distinguished Taiwanese-British pianist and cellist renowned for her virtuosity and artistry. She has performed internationally across four continents, including high-profile events like the 75th D-Day commemoration and sold-out shows with New York City Ballet’s principal dancer. With over 30 years of performing experience and 25 years teaching in multiple languages, Shu-wei has held positions at leading music institutions in the UK and USA. Her academic credentials include a DMA from CU Boulder and multiple degrees from the Royal Academy of Music, alongside UK teaching qualifications and a role as a global ambassador for CU Boulder.

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