Clients

Here are some testimonials from a few of my previous clients.

I initially began learning the trombone in primary school, and I carried this passion into my secondary school years. Initially, the prospect of continuing waned due to a less-than-positive experience with a previous teacher. However, once Andy started teaching me, it ignited a spark within me to continue the instrument! What stood out most about Andy was his unique approach to teaching. Despite his primary audience being children, he consistently treated us with the respect and consideration afforded to adults. Even when I returned for additional lessons as an adult myself, there was never a hint of condescension; Andy welcomed and engaged with me as if I were an old friend. One of my most memorable moments was when Andy introduced me to the art of improvisation. He taught me to view music as an art form, not just notes on a page. This introduction not only enriched my trombone skills but also resonated throughout my broader musical career. One aspect that truly sets Andy apart is his unwavering support. Years after my school lessons, I needed assistance for an audition. Without hesitation, Andy went above and beyond, providing numerous extra lessons to ensure I was prepared and confident. I wholeheartedly recommend Andy to any aspiring or existing musicians. His warm yet expert approach creates an environment where you can comfortably relax while gaining the utmost from every lesson. Learning from Andy was a fantastic experience, and I’m grateful for the impact he’s had on my musical journey.

 

-Aidan (Pupil)

Andy is a fabulous teacher. As a musician myself, I'm really picky about getting the right teacher for my kids (age 9, trumpet & 11, saxophone). Andy has an innate ability to get great results whilst still keeping lessons fun and engaging. My kids aren't just learning how to play their instruments - they are getting an all-round holistic musical education, learning theory, harmony, how to use their ears (too often missed!) all without really realizing it, as it just forms a natural part of the lesson. They have come on in leaps and bounds since starting with Andy - I would highly recommend him to anyone wanting an inspiring, knowledgeable & professional teacher

- Meg

(Parent)

Andy is a considerate and compassionate teacher. He works tirelessly to ensure every lesson is bespoke to the individual. I highly recommend his services.

- Jai

(Pupil)

I have known Andrew Loveridge for five years. We became acquainted when I joined the wind band that he was a conductor of.
It was a huge leap for me to return to playing trumpet as I had a 30-year absence. As such, I was very nervous to start playing again. Andrew showed kindness, patience and gave me encouragement to play again.
Through his expert tuition I am now playing in two bands with confidence.
I consider him to be a very good friend, a first-class musician, and it’s been a privilege to play alongside him.

- Mandy

(Pupil)

There are no adequate superlatives to describe being under the baton of Andy Loveridge. Andy has an extraordinary ability to cohesively unite musicians of mixed abilities, from different cultures and backgrounds to perform as one musically connected entity. His emotive conducting and musicianship brings out every nuance of a piece - and passionately takes you with him on the journey. No-one is left behind or held back. What a ride! On a one-to-one basis, Andy has all the qualities of an exemplary educator including, patience, enthusiasm, empathy and a desire for his students to actively engage, enjoy, achieve and succeed. His knowledge and inordinate interpersonal skills allow him to easily interact with students of all ages and imparting such self-belief and confidence that one just wants to continue practicing at home after one of his sessions, so infectious is his inspiration. (Wot I really wanted to say was "This man's a feckin' genius! Simples)

- Sharon

(Pupil and ensemble musician)

Andy was my first musical instrument teacher and inspired me from the start. Now in my fourth year studying jazz at Birmingham Conservatoire I always fondly look back on those first lessons, I certainly wouldn’t be where I am now without him. Someday I hope I can inspire my future pupils as much as he inspired me.

- Matt

(Pupil)

Andy is an amazing teacher and not only has improved my technique and skill, but also my confidence and enjoyment of music. He’s helped me from learning the basics and through into graded ABRSM exams. Outside of exam pieces, Andy has helped me to enjoy exploring modern, classical and jazz styles. However, I believe most importantly his positive-outlook has helped nurture my love for playing and grow my confidence in life outside music.

- David

(Pupil)

Andy taught me privately when I switched to trombone from classical piano so that I could play in bands, something that I had always wanted to do since I was a child. I was an adult complete beginner who could not even get a note out of the instrument at first. I found Andy to be very personable. He put me at ease and from the start he inspired me to achieve my goal. Over the course of a few years, I learnt how to play the instrument, improvise, and play with other musicians. I already held a Grade 5 Theory qualification from my piano days, and Andy encouraged me to work towards and pass my Grade 6 Trombone examination. He introduced me to big bands so that I could sit in and put my learning into practice, and also to playing in pit orchestras and improvising in local pubs with other musicians. These practical experiences whilst learning were invaluable.

Andy is committed to helping his pupils achieve exactly what they wish for, and he does this in a unique way. He has the knack of quickly identifying what will work best for the individual in terms of learning and understanding, and he structures his teaching methods in a way that works for that individual. That is a rare and very special gift. I now play trombone in several big bands, a symphony orchestra, small ensembles and a brass band, both local to me and further afield and have a wide and varied circle of friends as a result. Andy changed my life and for that I am very grateful.

 

– Rosie (Pupil)

Andy taught my son whilst he was at secondary school. At a point where my son was considering stopping playing, Andy started teaching him and reignited his enthusiasm, enjoyment, and fun for the instrument. As a parent, I cannot recommend him highly enough. He was always approachable and friendly, courteous, and professional, and kept me thoroughly informed of my son's progress, areas for him to work on, and how best to support him. In my experience, you could clearly see Andy knew his pupils in depth, had a great rapport with them, and built a friendship totally appropriate to the situation. I am very pleased to say that 12 years after lessons with Andy have stopped, both my son and I are still friends with him. Over that time, he has been there as a friend, but also for musical help, advice, and support when needed, too. If you are looking for a fantastic teacher for your child, look no further. I can assure you that Andy will not disappoint you or your child and take their learning to the next level for certain.

- Bernice

(Fellow teacher and parent of pupil)

Andy was such an amazingly warm, welcoming, confident, and calming person to have as my first musical director in the cruise ship industry. He had high expectations but didn’t nitpick them out of us. He allowed the band to rise to the occasion, and pursue excellence in a calm, collected and comfortable manner. I felt supported, understood, and really blessed to have had time on board with Andy! Highly recommend him as a teacher or musical director!

- Eric

(Musician)

Andrew is ever the consummate professional. He is well organized, talented and fun to work with. He has an array of woodwind instruments to offer as well as being a highly capable, confident, and humorous front man. I have experienced Andy’s leadership in both smaller ensembles and big band contexts, and he always manages to encourage the best from the band members under his direction. For all of your MD and woodwind needs, hire Andy - you won’t be disappointed!

- James

(Musician)

Andrew and I worked together for 9 years: he inspired hundreds of children! Every time he did a music demo or a concert, every child would want to learn his instruments. I wish he lived closer to teach my own little ones, he is the best!

- Ellie

(Fellow teacher)

As a pupil in the Lakehouse Concert Band, Andy gave me my first solo, a few bars played on Soprano Sax at the Cheltenham Town Hall, what a boost to my confidence, when I needed it most.
Under his tuition the band discovered how to listen to others, that counting was key and playing with expression and emotion enhances in every performance. I apply the same techniques some 15+ years later with all music endeavours.
Your dedication to the woodwind band was exceptional, we weren’t just playing “out of the book”, we were playing music you composed music for our level. What an achievement taking adults who last played an instrument at school to performers. How you managed to support every section of the band was a marvel, an all-round top tutor who gently encourages everyone to play to their best ability.

- Julie

(Ensemble musician)

I had Andy as the MD of my woodwind and brass band (Westerly Winds). which he was the MD for many years and we were very sad to see him go on to pursue his music further thought understand fully his reasons for wanting to be a full time musician something which he puts his heart and soul into.
Andy as a musician he is very knowledgeable and has a wide range of instruments and he has personal knowledge about as he plays multiple instruments. This is really helpful when leading a band with multiple instruments as he can relate to the issues experienced and knows how to address these.
Andy is a kind and friendly person who I was always pleased to play for and do my best. Andy knows how to bring out the best in people and I would be very happy to play and perform with him in the future. As a musician myself I appreciate the skills of other musicians and the time and effort required to bring out the best in people. through his passion for music he has inspired me to do more with my music and also now through music is also a friend.
Highly recommended!

- Rebecca

(Ensemble musician)

Andy is a multi-instrumentalist and performer and has an infinite wealth of knowledge and experience to pass on, which he readily does to beginners and experienced players alike. You will always come away from a lesson with Andy having mastered something new. Teaching is a craft, and he is the master. Highly recommended.

- Rhian

(Pupil and ensemble musician)

I have known Andy in his role as MD for Westerly Winds and then as flute teacher for 5½ years.
As MD of Westerly Winds I found Andy to be hard working, reliable, innovative and inspirational. I always felt supported as he was particularly good at making you feel secure with tricky entries.

I started Skype flute lessons with Andy in lockdown and then moved to in person lessons. As a flute teacher he is always well prepared, and he understands what his pupils need to do to move on. Andy shows attention to detail in lessons and is keen to see his pupils achieve their potential. He always ensures that he finishes the lesson with encouragement highlighting an aspect where his pupil has done well.

- Ruth

(Pupil and ensemble musician)