Can’t recommend Dean highly enough, both as a player and educator. He has an incredible way of explaining complex concepts in such a clear and simplistic manner, and really encourages you to question, develop and reflect upon your playing in ways you have never considered before. Not to mention a lovely, straight-talking and honest person. If you’re looking for inspiring lessons full of light-bulb moments and creative ideas for practice, then Dean’s your man!

Alex Clarke, Finalist, BBC Young Jazz Musician of the Year 2020

Dean is an excellent teacher for the student who wants to improve rapidly. As a beginner, Dean set me realistic goals and always gave 100%. He opened my ears to a whole new world of music, and inspired me to become a professional musician and teacher. If you are lucky enough to live locally to Dean, you will not find a better teacher.

Beccy Rork PGCert CLCM, LGSMD

Best teacher, five stars! With Dean I turned round from static no progression not knowing whether I’d continue to pursue music to vast improvements in my playing, musical knowledge and generally enjoying playing more. Now I’m starting a music degree at the Liverpool Institute of Performing Arts. Dean’s teaching is second to none I can’t recommend highly enough.

Matthew D.

If you want to achieve your full potential as a saxophone player then you can’t do better than have Dean as your teacher. With Dean you learn techniques that won’t be found in any tutor book. He is very passionate about his music, and this is reflected in his teaching. ………Dean’s teaching inspires enthusiasm.

Chris W.

Dean taught me from being a complete beginner at age 12 to Grade VIII distinction (saxophone) and Grade VI distinction (clarinet) at age 16, and I was playing professional gigs and recording at 18. I am now studying Jazz Saxophone at a leading London conservatoire. He always pushed me to be the best that I can be, and is still there for me as a mentor and friend.

 Chelsea Carmichael

I’m extremely lucky to live local to Dean, so manage to get some regular face to face lessons with him.

As a returning player, after over a decade absence, the progress I’ve made since working with Dean has been fantastic, particularly with my tone & timing.
He’s not like the stuffy teacher I remember having at school. Humorous, fun, and able to explain areas I’m struggling with in simple terms. Whilst he’s clearly passionate about Jazz, he doesn’t force this during his lessons… although it is growing on me.

David H.

After a great one-off lesson with Dean when I was in the area, he suggested follow-up lessons on Skype (as I live 200 miles away!). I was sceptical at first, but it worked really well. I’m a post-graduate saxophonist, but have always struggled to come to terms with jazz improvisation, but Dean made it all so clear. Highly recommended!

Katie, Herts.

Started Jazz lessons with Dean over 2 years ago as I was struggling to get the whole jazz concept and a few teachers had tried to teach me but failed. I am now starting to progress and the lessons are interesting and make sense of different approaches to improvisation and chord progressions.
I am now confident of becoming a solid jazz improviser in the future.

Great value for money and lessons never boring or feeling like a chore.

Stephen R.

Dean was my first teacher, and a great inspiration.

 Sam Crockatt, Parliamentary Jazz Award Winner

Our daughter’s progress had really slowed, and felt it was time for a new teacher but couldn’t find one in our area. The Skype lessons work very well for us. Our daughter is making faster progress than ever now, and working towards Grades VI-VIII. She gets on very well with Dean- he works her very hard but she always comes out smiling!

Wiktor and Jadwiga Klamut, Cumbria