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Andy Firth - Education 'Rarely do you find a musician of Andy Firth’s calibre who can so enthusiastically and ably share his vast knowledge. I would like all music educators to have the opportunity to be inspired and enlightened by Andy Firth.' Mike Tyler Senior Education Officer, Instrumental Music Education Queensland, Australia.

Andy Firth is equally at home in classical music and teaching as he is in jazz.

Reasons to have Andy Firth visit you:

1. Andy is recognised as being one of the finest clarinet and saxophone artists & educators on the scene today.
2. Andy is an award winning arranger and composer and has composed over 300 works.
3. Andy has directed big band ensembles and concert bands in secondary schools, (private & government).
4. Andy has over 20 years of teaching experience both in classrooms and as a private woodwind tutor.
5. Andy holds a degree in performance and diploma of education.
6. Andy has the ability to teach at all levels of experience and skill.

As Australian endorsee for Keilwerth, Buffet & Rico reeds Andy has hosted over 50 master classes in jazz and woodwind performance at all levels in schools and universities both in Australia and overseas. Andy’s “Play clarinet & saxophone with Andy Firth” book series for Boosey & Hawkes are sold worldwide and are testament to his ability to reach beginner, intermediate and advanced level students. Andy has always believed that teaching music to others is one of the most important accomplishments of a great musician. His own teaching is based on this philosophy, and he focuses his skills and enthusiasm on enabling his students to not only master their instruments, but more importantly to develop their own appreciation and joy of music.

From the “critics”:

'I love Andy’s books because their fun to play, gives a bit of a challenge and has a good sound and rhythms'

Jordan 13 yrs

'Andy’s pieces are cool, funky music that you just play when you feel like doing something really cool!'

Alex. 13 yrs

'Andy’s music is just great to play when you want to play your sax and not get bored. You can just relax and take it easy!'

David. 17 yrs

'Andy visited our school and he was really cool. He made us feel relaxed and we played much better.'

James. 16 yrs

'Andy’s music is great because it’s easy, sounds great and is fun to play!'

Tom. 13 yrs

'Andy’s a great teacher when he visits here and he sounds really great and cool. It’s fun to play again.'

Tristan. 12 yrs

From the Teachers:

'Andy Firth is not only an outstanding musician in his field, but an excellent teacher, arranger, composer and motivator. Andy is totally devoted to his craft and his students.'

Stephen Kenyon. Head of woodwind-Sydney Grammar School.

'Andy Firth is undoubtedly one of Australia’s finest young jazz performers. He excels as a clinician, educator, composer, arranger and performer. His willingness to work with students of all ages enables him either get back to basics or further enhance and develop their skills. It is with great pleasure that I highly recommend Andy as a positive reinforcer of the importance of music education.'

Kevin Young
Head of music South Dubbo High, senior music teacher-Newcastle Grammar.

'Dear Andy, I had a clarinet soiree for some of my students I teach at a school just last night, the majority who have been working through your books. They love the books (and the parents therefore too). They are very well written - great styles and they sit wonderfully 'under the fingers' and the playalong CD is definitely one of the best I have heard in a long history (too long) of education.'

Diana Tolmie B.Mus.(QCM), Grad.Dip.Instr.Perf.(QCM), MBA(QUT).

From the Parents:

'Dear Andy, Thank you so much for helping Laura and giving her such great advice and taking time to share your expertise. We all love your music & I will never forget hearing you play for the first time at the Girls Grammar school after a workshop that you held. It still astounds me that anyone can play like that! Laura had a wonderful day with you and was so inspired, she has never looked back since, she is always keen to practice and to try harder so I am sure that she will take your advice to heart. Many thanks again and we look forward to the next time we get the opportunity to hear you play.'

Mel Thomas. (QLD. Australia)

'Dear Andy, I am Nat's mother, Jennifer, and I just had to write and thank-you for the emails and pieces of music that you have sent my son. He is such an ardent fan of yours and I wish you could have seen his thrilled expression when your email arrived tonight. He immediately printed out all of the music and , had it not been his bedtime, he would have immediately written you back himself (I am sure you will hear from him tomorrow) and then he would have taken out his clarinet, for the third time today, to start learning to play them. We never even knew he had looked up your website and written to you until he excitedly showed us that you had written back to him.You have been his hero ever since he started the clarinet last year. He started off with recorders- soprano, alto, tenor and bass- when he was eight - and then progressed very quickly. He even took piano along side for a year but his heart is only in the wind instruments. Even though his teacher has tried to get him to play some of the classics occasionally, he prefers to play your music. He has mastered the compositions in Book one and is half-way through Book two. I particularly like "City Heat" - I love the changes in tempo and the deep rich notes .I think he was probably hoping there was a Book three on the horizon and that was why he originally looked up your website. I wouldn't be surprised if, in the not too distant future, he wants a saxophone as well. Then he'll be able to play all your music! Anyway, I just wanted to thank you for not only being a wonderful musician and composer but also a terrific teacher and role model. Every young boy has an idol - sports, movie, music etc- and you are Nat's. Thanks for taking time out of your busy schedule for him. It really meant a lot to him.'

Warmest regards,

Jennifer Kirsh. (Quebec, Canada)

The Andy Firth Master Class Series

'Andy Firth is a joy to hear. He is a virtuoso that goes beyond virtuosity. The joy and enthusiasm in his playing and teaching reminds us all of why art exists, and why as musicians, we wanted to play music in the first place.'

Victor Morosco, (USA) Saxophone, Clarinet, Educator & Composer.

Give your students a musical experience they’ll never forget!

Music is more than a job for me; it’s my passion and calling in life. I spend every minute of every day thinking about, listening to, teaching or writing music. I need to though because I have to constantly find new ways to reach and energise my audiences and students and this is something that I love doing; energising people so that they feel that they’ve been hooked up to a huge battery during my concerts and presentations. Let’s face it; teaching can be one of the most exhausting, frustrating and stressful careers that anyone could embark upon, so we all need a bit of recharging from time to time. I also believe that it is crucial for parents to understand the challenges of not just learning music but also running a music department or ensemble in the community. By talking with and showing your students & parents how I was able to start from my humble beginnings to become a respected performer and educator, they get excited about possibilities that they never dreamed were open to them. Then we all benefit from their enthusiasm and hard work-it’s a “win-win” situation! Cheers! Andy.

So what's on offer?

Who is Andy Firth?

This is not a question often asked these days as it would be difficult to find a jazz musician, fan or ensemble that has not heard of, if not actually worked with this amazing musician!

An exceptional talent, Andy is equally at ease playing Mozart as swinging like a veteran jazz musician. At the drop of a hat Andy is able to switch to almost any musical style or setting.

Andy has performed with such jazz and blues legends as B.B. King, Wynton Marsalis, Lee Konitz, Steve Haughton, Tommy Banks, Steve Harlos, Kenny Ball Jazz Band, Galapagos Duck, Bud Shank and James Moody, Maestro Tommy Tycho, Anthony Warlow, Tommy Emmanuel, Bob Barnard, Don Burrows, The North Texas One O’Clock Lab Band, James & John Morrison, Jackie Love, Rob Guest, Julie Anthony to name but a few. Andy has also performed with symphony orchestras and chamber ensembles as both a member and soloist.

For more information about 'The Andy Firth Master Class Series' please contact:

Liz Firth

andyfirthmusic@optusnet.com.au

Testimonials:

'I've had the privilege of attending 6 of your Andy Firth master classes and workshops, and they have all been inspirational! The first one was through the McGregor school of music. I had just completed my first year of high school and couldn't believe my luck when you started working with us! You made a huge impression on me, and ever since (three and a half years later), I make sure I never miss a workshop or performance you give in SE Queensland! I have learned something new in each one of your workshops. You explains things in ways that just make sense.. and you’re always so encouraging and find kind and motivating words to say to each of the participants. Even the constructing criticisms are delivered with such a positive spin! I was anxiously waiting for your books to come out, and they are a source of great music and provide great entertainment for the crowds and the player. For the past two years I have chosen your work as my solo items for the sunshine coast eisteddfod (1994) and the Qld Eisteddfod (1995), and in both cases they were well received and won me a silver and gold medal, respectively. Thank you Andy.'

Ben Knibb.

Dear Andy

I get a great buzz from hearing you play & hopefully with your help and advice one day I will be able to play like that too! I think it’s great how you’re willing to share your knowledge and experience with young musicians like me. Thanks to you I am now more motivated to practise and get better at clarinet and saxophone. Thank you so much for all your help and I hope you come to our school again soon.

Laura Thomas

Hi Andy,

Just a quick note- I still have the SMS text Ben sent me after his first lesson with you at McGregor, saying "Mum, the man is a PRO!". Remembering he was still a kid and a novice saxophonist, you made a huge impression within the first hour!!!
Cheers

Abigail Knibb

'Dear Andy, Thank you so much for helping Laura and giving her such great advice and taking time to share your expertise. We all love your music & I will never forget hearing you play for the first time at the Girls Grammar school after a workshop that you held. It still astounds me that anyone can play like that! Laura had a wonderful day with you and was so inspired, she has never looked back since, she is always keen to practice and to try harder so I am sure that she will take your advice to heart. Many thanks again and we look forward to the next time we get the opportunity to hear you play.'

Mel Thomas. Parent (QLD. Australia)

'Andy Firth is undoubtedly one of Australia’s finest young jazz performers. He excels as a clinician, educator, composer, arranger and performer. His willingness to work with students of all ages enables him either get back to basics or further enhance and develop their skills. It is with great pleasure that I highly recommend Andy as a positive reinforcer of the importance of music education.'

Kevin Young
Head of music South Dubbo High / Senior music teacher-Newcastle Grammar

' Rarely do you find a musician of Andy Firth’s calibre who can so enthusiastically and ably share his vast knowledge. I would like all music educators to have the opportunity to be inspired and enlightened by Andy Firth.'

Mike Tyler
(Australia) Senior Education Officer-Instrumental Music. Education Queensland.

A big thank you to the Hunter School Of Performing Arts for allowing us to use their performance area to take these photographs.

Andy Firth Chooses to play

• Buffet Clarinets.
• Keilwerth Saxophones.
• Rico Evolution & Jazz Select reeds.
• Trevor J James flutes.
• The “Andy Firth Jazz Model” mouthpiece by Lomax Classic.

Copyright© 2005. Accessible Music Productions. Andy Firth.

Download the 'The Andy Firth Master Class Series' in pdf here .

Download this page as .pdf here.