Music is, quite honestly, my life and I can think of no better career than helping others to learn and understand how music can enhance their lives too. I have spent time writing and arranging music as well as teaching over the past 20 years and am constantly seen (well, heard!) making a noise with something!

As a qualified musician with almost 35 years playing experience and 20 years teaching experience, I am able to offer lessons individually tailored to your own needs to ensure that you get the most out of every single lesson. I believe that people learn best when they are relaxed and at ease. This is why I will come to your home to teach at a time that is convenient for you, allowing you to learn at your own pace in familiar surroundings.

I currently teach in Alconbury, Buckden, Cambourne, St Ives, Huntingdon, Brampton, Warboys and Wistow, and am happy to cover these and surrounding towns/villages. Sadly I've had to decrease my teaching radius so will no longer be taking on new pupils in St Neots/Kimbolton area. Please do not hesitate to contact me if you would like to request a preliminary visit.I offer this first meeting (30 mins) free of charge; this gives us both an opportunity to meet and discuss your goals in a very relaxed and informal manner. I will usually ask to hear you play a short piece of your choice to assess your current standard (or, for complete beginners, show and talk to you about the instrument you wish to learn). Please do not worry about this, it is NOT an exam in any way shape or form and there really is no need to be nervous - I'm not here to judge what you've already learned, I'm here to help you progress further! We will then discuss what you wish to achieve; this will determine how your lessons should be structured and which book(s) etc you will need to purchase for use in your first few lessons.

My lessons are always friendly and relaxed and you'll find me to be very patient and encouraging - after all, seeing my pupils succeed is the reason I teach. This might be exam success; I enter many students for Associated Board of the Royal Schools of Music (ABRSM) exams and, to date, have achieved a phenomonally high pass rate with over 70% of all passes being at merit or distinction level.

Alternatively, you may just want to play for pleasure; I have pupils with no interest in exams but who, instead, play for themselves, their families or maybe in small groups or bands.

I am Criminal Records Bureau (CRB) checked and have worked with children and young people for many years. I love the enthusiasm and confidence of children, and the sheer determination to succeed shown by teenagers. Parents, you are encouraged to take an active role in your child's learning and I will always keep you informed as to their progress. You are more than welcome to sit in on lessons at any point, please just let me know if you would like to do this.

As well as teaching young people I also like to encourage adults to take up playing an instrument later in life and, with this in mind, I offer a discounted rate to over 60's. Have you ever thought ‘I wish I’d learned to play an instrument when I was younger’? Maybe now is your time! Please contact me for more details.

Piano
Clarinet
Saxophone (Sop/Alto/Tenor)
Trumpet/Cornet
Flute (to Grade 6 level)
Music Theory (to Grade 5 level)

• MY DIARY IS CURRENTLY FULL BUT I AM HAPPY TO TAKE ENQUIRIES AND WAITLIST POTENTIAL PUPILS. Please be aware that I no longer cover the St Neots area - if you are looking for a teacher in that area I'd suggest you contact Millers Music in Cambridge (01223 354452) as they hold list of local teachers and may be able to help. My apologies for any inconvenience.

When spaces become available, you have the option of 30, 45 or 60 minute lessons.

Fees available on request.

Pre-arranged lesson cancellations: NO CHARGE (although I ask for as much notice as possible, especially if cancelling more than one week's worth of lessons - a minimum of two weeks wherever possible please)

Lessons cancelled with 48+ hours notice: NO CHARGE - every effort will be made to reschedule your lesson(s).

Lessons cancelled with 24-48 hours notice: A CHARGE OF £10.00 per half-hour lesson, or £20.00 per hour lesson will be made

Lessons cancelled with less than 24 hours notice: A FULL LESSON FEE WILL BE CHARGED

My diary is so busy these days that rescheduling lessons is becoming harder and harder, especially at short notice. This is why I will now only be able to reschedule lessons with 48+ hours notice. Charges will apply to any lesson cancelled with less than 48 hours notice, except in exceptional/emergency circumstances. Thank you for your understanding.

IF YOU WISH TO CANCEL YOUR/YOUR CHILD'S LESSONS COMPLETELY PLEASE BE AWARE THAT I REQUIRE A MINIMUM OF 4 WEEKS NOTICE. WHETHER OR NOT YOU ACTUALLY TAKE THE FINAL FEW LESSONS IS ENTIRELY YOUR CHOICE, BUT PAYMENT WILL BE DUE FOR THE FULL NOTICE PERIOD.

THANK YOU FOR YOUR UNDERSTANDING

Here at #TeamDBMT we run an annual charity concert to raise funds for Hunts Community Cancer Network (HCCN) - last year we raised well over £1000 and we’re already booked to do it all again on Sunday 03 November this year. Watch this space for further details!

“Debs is the most fantastic music teacher, we have three children who had been taught piano, ukulele, guitar and clarinet over the years. Save to save we’ve had a few teachers in our time! Debs is without doubt the very best. The children all want to go to her lessons and she really cares and knows each child. She is especially gifted with our autistic daughter, she ‘gets’ her. She makes music fun 😊 We cannot ask for any more than that ❤️”
Becca, St Ives

“I am in my 70’s and took up the saxophone very late in life. Debs has been the most patient and inspiring teacher anyone could wish for. I am grateful to her every day.”
Helen, Papworth

“Debs is an absolute legend. We have known her for over 10 years and her enthusiasm, passion and dedication has been an inspiration. Debs has taught my 3 children to play piano and they have always looked forward to their lessons. Whether it’s Grade 6 practise, duet help for GCSE music or Grade 5 music theory Debs can do it all. Without doubt, she’s the best there is and we are privileged to have worked with such a talented professional. “
Sue, Buckden

“Our daughter was a complete beginner when she had her first piano lesson with Debs. By week two she rushed to the door to welcome her and by week three they were firm friends.
Debs has taught, encouraged and supported our 10 year old through mastering the basics to her first public concert and now about to take her Piano Prep Test and whilst practice may not always be our daughters favourite pastime, she always looks forward to her lessons at the conclusion of which there is always a broad smile on her face - who says learning cannot be fun!!”
Rob, Wistow

“We cannot recommend Debs more highly! She regularly goes above and beyond, clearly loves her job and enjoys seeing the improvement the children make. She inspires the children with her amazing musical talent and makes lessons so much fun. My children really look forward to their lessons. Thank you Debs for being the best teacher!”
Emma, Needingworth

“Well what can I say about Deb, she is an amazing teacher who goes above and beyond for her students. She has made learning a breeze for my daughter who has partial hearing loss and wears aids. She will always make sure she can be heard. She is not just a teacher , she is a friend.”
Rosie, St Ives

“I was recommended Debs by a fellow sax player. I wanted a teacher who could show me how to improvise. The thoughts of improvisation seemed so daunting to me. But lessons with Debs are sooo much fun and that is half the battle. She is very encouraging and she is showing me that it's possible to do! My confidence is growing loads.
I'm in two bands and I sometimes get a piece of music that I struggle with , Debs will help me out with them too.
I would without a doubt highly recommend Debs . She's a gem of a teacher !!”
Lisa, Warboys

“Debs has taken my daughter Gemma from Grade 1 to Grade 8 piano. She is a very talented teacher, whose inspiration and support have helped Gemma to grow and blossom as a musician- she is now studying music at Durham university.”
Anna, Cambourne

“Debs has been my clarinet teacher since 2011 and I have always found her to be very competent, friendly and above all patient. Her musical abilities are extremely good and ‘cannot do’ are not words in her vocabulary, as her helpful teaching manner will always overcome any problems.
Debs comes with my highest recommendation.”
Roger, Catworth

"Debs is beyond patient, and manages to get the best out of each of my children (no matter how bad a day they've had at school). Her teaching is second to none and we wouldn't want anybody else teaching our two. They have continued to learn and improve even through lockdown due to Debs' willingness to embrace online learning (which we know can't be easy!) and both have recently achieved ABRSM passes at merit level.'
Helen, Brampton

"Debs has been my daughter's clarinet teacher from grades 5-8. She is encouraging, patient, enthusiastic and incredibly talented. She has brought my daughter's skills on, through the ups and downs, and yet still they come out from the lesson both laughing! I highly recommend her!"
Lorraine, Sawtry

"Debs is a great teacher who quickly becomes a friend. She is always encouraging and has given me the confidence to join a band, not to worry about difficult phrases which are over in 2 seconds, and to find techniques to overcome difficulties. As a very 'senior' pupil I appreciate her energy, enthusiasm and professionalism and have no hesitation in recommending her. She treats each pupil as an individual, is sensitive to particular needs and ambitions and is always generous with her time. She is a real inspiration and I feel extremely fortunate to have found her!"
Janet, Comberton

"My daughter Sabina has come on leaps and bounds since Debs started to teach her and really looks forward to her lesson. Debs gives such confidence and self-belief when she teaches, and adds the elemend of fun to each lesson. Life would be so dull without her weekly visits"
Sue, Wistow

As well as teaching I am also able to offer my services as a pianist for your party/function/wedding reception etc. As a pianist, my most memorable engagements have included a prestigious booking in Italy, playing at a NATO Christmas Function for British Forces serving in Milan - a gig I certainly won't forget in a hurry and I can only hope is repeated!

I specialise in music from the stage and screen, offering a wide repertoire of well-known music from shows and films as well as some lesser-known pieces from the silver screen and some popular classical pieces thrown in for good measure!

My current piano is sadly not moveable so I can only play at venues with a piano in situ I'm afraid. But if you are having a party or wedding reception at a venue with a piano/keyboard, why not consider hiring me as your pianist for the event? I am already booked to play at various functions throughout 2023/2024 - if you're looking for a pianist at your function please do contact me for further details.

I'm delighted to announce that in partnership with Impressions Print & Label in Somersham, I'm now able to offer DBMT branded polo shirts, vest tops, rugby shirts, hoodies and beanie hats (plus more!) to my pupils :)

Photographs/prices/further details for all available items will be added to the website shortly. Please contact me for further details.

Associated Board of the Royal School of Music (ABRSM)

Wood, Wind & Reed (Cambridge)

Miller Music, Cambridge