David Fitzgerald

Musician & Music Teacher

David Fitzgerald

Hello, Welcome to my Website

These pages offer News and Information regarding my work as Music Teacher, Director of SaxWorld & JazzWorld (new & exciting ensembles for Norfolk) and Professional Musician. I do hope that you will find this site useful and helpful

For those looking for Music Tuition, including Online Tuition, I would invite you to explore the Tuition Pages and also Testimonials of Pupils & Parents of Pupils (below & on the Testimonials Page)

- David Fitzgerald,Norwich

David Fitzgerald

Saxophones & Flutes

 

`O Lord, open my lips, and my mouth shall show forth Your praise` (Psalm 51:15 NKJV)

Hello, Welcome to my Website

These pages offer News and Information regarding my work as Music Teacher, Director of SaxWorld & JazzWorld (exciiting new ensembles for Norfolk) and Professional Musician. I do hope that you will find this site useful and helpful.

For those looking for Music Tuition, including Online Music Tuition, I would invite you to explore the Tuition Pages and also Testimonials of Pupils & Parents of Pupils (below & on the Testimonials Page).

You will discover that my Tuition Practice is based upon many years of Professional work & experience within International Music Performance & Recording - particularly as a Principle Flautist & Saxophonist.

Regarding my tuition work there are pages of information regarding my Private Teaching Practice & work within Schools here in Norfolk (and previously in Suffolk, Essex & London).

I am a registered and full member of the ISM (Incorporated Society of Musicians) and the Musicians Union. I am fully registered with the DBS (Update Service) & through the Schools that I work for.

Having been tutored and inspired by such wonderful, skilled teachers (world class professionals) and many professional colleagues over the years I regard it a privilege and a joy to now pass on to a new generation the skills & experience that I have accumulated during a lifetime of study & application.

I offer tuition on Saxophone, Flute (from beginner to Diploma standard), Clarinet, Piano & Music Theory (from beginner to Grade 8 standard).

Many of my pupils have reached advanced levels of playing and some have moved on to professional careers in music, as performers, teachers and in music production.

Many former pupils have moved on to various professional vocations, but music remains a central part of their life - a means to express and continue making music with others, with various ensembles & bands.

A good number of my pupils have been awarded prizes at Music Competitions & Festivals, including the Norfolk County Music Festival, Norfolk Young Musician of the Year and the BBC Young Musician competition, where one of my pupils reached the Woodwind semi-finals in Cardiff. This former pupil is now a professional musician, based in London and building a very fine reputation within the West End Theatre & International Music World generally. He is not alone, as other former pupils are building international reputations also. I am so very proud of each one, keep in contact and occasionally am so very grateful to see and hear them perform from time to time.

In addition to these achievements my pupils have also been awarded places within various prestigious Music Academies & Conservatoires such as: Guildhall School of Music & Drama, Royal Academy of Music, Royal Birmingham Conservatoire, RNCM & Trinity Laban (for Classical as well as Jazz Programmes of Study) as well as Youth Programmes within the National Youth Jazz Collective and Aldeburgh Young Musicians.

For over 21 years I have been a part of the finest Music Teaching teams here in Norfolk - at Norwich School and previously at the excellent Norfolk Music Service (as an Associate Teacher).

ONLINE MUSIC TUITION has become such a beneficial progression, for me and for my Pupils.

Wherever you are located, I would invite you to get in touch with me and find out more about my Tuition and at the prospect of you becoming my Pupil.

SOMETHING OF MY OWN PROFESSIONAL BACKGROUND

My own journey in music started with piano lessons (at the age of seven with Evelyn Norman in my home town of Bishop`s Stortford) and then on (at the age of 15) to study for 3 years (Flute & Saxophone) at HM Royal Marines School of Music in Deal, Kent. From there I went to Malaysia & Singapore, where I was stationed for two years.

After playing many Concerts across the Far East & Pacific with this most prestigious Military Band I returned to the UK. After a few years I decided to leave the Royal Marines Band Service and went on to work and to explore new and diverse musical traditions, touring and recording in London, the UK & across Europe mainly.

Music for me is a passion, a God given gift. Over the years I have been privileged to work with so many fine musicians, composers & producers. In 1989, following visits to the Islands of Lindisfarne & Iona (where I discovered something of our British Celtic Christian Heritage), I formed (with my good friend & fellow collaborator Dave Bainbridge) the Celtic fusion band IONA. This was a highly creative period; years that I treasure to this day.

I invite you to explore this website to discover more of my story, my work and of my passion for music and creativity. For examples of my playing do please visit my You Tube & Spotify

The video/recording (below) is called Chi-Rho. This film was a record company promotional for the second project that I recorded with IONA (entitled `The Book Of Kells`. You will hear a rather soaring Saxophone solo (by me) at the end of this Video.

This was filmed at Snape Maltings in Suffolk, the home of English Composer Benjamin Britten and where the International Aldeburgh Festival is now held.

The `Book Of Kells` project is inspired by that great Irish National Treasure of the same name.

For more on the `Book Of Kells`: Trinity College Library).

Thanks for visiting, David

Spring 2024

 

Testimonials

What people say

A Great Find As A Music Teacher. As a mother of 2 pupils with David Fitzgerald we have been extremely pleased with the teaching they have received. David has inspired and encouraged in equal measure, finding ways to keep them engaged when they have found other pursuits more pressing. The ability to get them through Grade 5 music theory as well has been an added bonus in keeping them on track.


- Clare Elkins

A Wonderful Teacher. My daughter had music lessons with David Fitzgerald from the age of 11 to 18. Charlotte gained grade 8 in music and now attends a London college studying for a degree in actor/musicianship. David is a wonderful teacher always making lessons enjoyable. I would not have any hesitation in recommending him.


- Jaki Ware

Outstanding Teacher. David taught me alto saxophone for more than 8 years. He saw me though my grades but best of all introduced me to Jazz which became all we played. He creates a very relaxed atmosphere but also is willing to challenge and work you hard to progress your playing. Many of the saxophonists I have played with in various jazz bands with have been taught by him. A true legendary teacher!


- Philip Grant

An Outstanding Teacher. My son has had lessons with David for over five years and he is now at a Conservatoire. His tuition has been outstanding and his attention to detail is excellent. He has taken my son through to Grade 8 and a Diploma and given fantastic career advice. He has gone out of his way to introduce my son to different challenges including Young Norfolk Musician of the Year. A fantastic teacher who I cannot rate highly enough.


- Joy Anning

Patient & Encouraging. I can recommend David without reservation. He took me through from Grade 6 to Diploma level and really challenged me. The lessons were really enjoyable and he was always patient and encouraging. My sight reading really improved as did my tone. I am now at a Conservatoire and David continues to be a great support to my musical development.


- Michael Anning

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