Peripatetic Music Teachers

Meet Kevin Walker

Guitar & Double Bass Tutor

Kevin Walker grew up in Sheffield and attended Totley County School. His musical journey began with the recorder, followed shortly after by the trumpet, and he quickly embraced opportunities to perform in a wide range of school concerts.

During his secondary school years, Kevin developed a passion for the bass guitar and double bass, following in his father’s footsteps. He also formed a band with his brother, Chris, who is now also part of the Westbourne community.

Kevin went on to study music at Leeds College of Music, where he achieved a Graduate Diploma in Light Music with First Class honours. During his studies, he had the opportunity to perform across a variety of genres, including jazz and classical, as part of numerous ensembles.

Jazz remains Kevin’s favourite style of music, both traditional jazz, where he plays the sousaphone, and contemporary jazz, where he performs on guitar and double bass. Jazz music was a constant presence in his home growing up and continues to inspire his playing today.

Alongside his teaching and performing work, Kevin has toured internationally on cruise ships, performing music around the world. Highlights of his travels include navigating the Amazon River and spending four months in Alaska, where he regularly stepped ashore to “jam” with local musicians and share musical experiences across cultures.

Kevin brings a wealth of professional performance experience, passion, and enthusiasm to his teaching, inspiring pupils to develop their own musical confidence and creativity.

Contact: kwalker@westbourneschool.co.uk

Meet Nathaniel Blakesley

Cello Tutor

Nathaniel Blakesley is a dedicated cello teacher at Westbourne, bringing a rich and varied musical background to his work with students.

He began learning the piano at the age of five before taking up the cello at eight, an instrument that quickly became his primary focus and passion. Nathaniel went on to study at the Royal Welsh College of Music and Drama, where he gained a BMus in Performance, before completing an MA in Composition at the University of Sheffield.

For the past four years, Nathaniel has been teaching across South Yorkshire and has also conducted a number of ensembles, including Rotherham Music Senior Strings. As a performer, he plays cello with the Hallam Sinfonia and also performs mandolin in a folk group.

A versatile and enthusiastic musician, Nathaniel enjoys exploring a wide range of instruments and is also proficient in piano, violin, double bass, accordion, and more. His musical interests span folk, soundtracks and alternative rock, all of which influence his creative approach to teaching and performance.

Nathaniel brings energy, experience and a genuine love of music-making to his role at Westbourne, inspiring pupils to develop confidence and creativity through their cello studies.

Contact:nblakesley@westbourneschool.co.uk

Meet Catherine Burchell

Violin Tutor

Catherine Burchell teaches violin at Westbourne (and occasionally viola), bringing warmth, experience and a lifelong love of music to her teaching.

She began playing piano at the age of seven and took up the violin at eleven, developing a strong passion for both instruments. Catherine also teaches piano outside of school and enjoys sharing her broad musical experience with learners of all ages.

Catherine holds a dual honours degree from the University of Sheffield in Biblical Studies and Music, as well as an ABRSM Teaching Diploma in instrumental music teaching.

Alongside her work at Westbourne, she plays piano and organ at her local church, where she also leads an informal choir. She also plays recorder and has enjoyed learning new instruments as an adult, helping her to better understand the student experience and the challenges of learning something new.

Catherine has a particular interest in teaching students of all abilities and backgrounds, with a strong focus on supporting neurodiversity. She is passionate about ensuring every learner feels confident, included and able to progress at their own pace, while continuously learning from her students in return.

Following an injury in her twenties, Catherine became especially interested in musician wellbeing and healthy playing habits, which she actively shares with her students. While she no longer plays in orchestras, she continues to enjoy chamber music, regularly performing duos, trios and quartets with friends.

Her musical interests are wide-ranging, with a particular love of folk music from around the world—especially Eastern Europe and the Middle East. She is fascinated by the unique rhythms and modes found in these traditions.

Outside of music, Catherine is passionate about sustainability, creativity and community. She enjoys repairing and repurposing items, walking whenever possible, and taking inspiration from everyday life in her teaching and music-making.

Contact: cburchell@westbourneschool.co.uk

Meet Chris Walker

Guitar Tutor

Chris Walker is a guitar teacher at Westbourne, teaching acoustic, electric and classical-style guitar. He enjoys helping students develop their skills both as solo players and as part of an ensemble.

Chris studied music at the City of Leeds College of Music, where he gained a Graduate Diploma in Music and was awarded a prize for guitar performance. He is a strong believer that learning is a lifelong journey and enjoys sharing his experience and knowledge with his students.

With many years of teaching experience, Chris works with children from the age of five upwards, supporting complete beginners through to more advanced players. His lessons are friendly, calm and encouraging, with a focus on progressing at a pace that suits each individual learner. He has also led guitar groups and workshops, supported students preparing for music exams, and worked as a music examiner, giving him valuable insight into exam preparation and confidence-building.

Alongside teaching, Chris is an active performing musician. He regularly plays with a range of ensembles, particularly jazz groups, and has performed at concerts and festivals across the UK. He has also contributed to several recording projects, gaining further professional studio experience.

Chris enjoys a wide variety of musical styles including jazz, blues, pop, rock and classical, and tailors his teaching to reflect the music his students are most passionate about. He has also written music and articles for guitar magazines, with some of his compositions published for other musicians to learn and perform.

A highlight of his career includes performing at Glastonbury Festival—an experience that continues to inspire his love of live performance every time he picks up a guitar.

Contact: cwalker@westbourneschool.co.uk

Meet Brian Winter

Brass & Woodwind Tutor

Brian Winter has been a brass and woodwind teacher since 1993, working with pupils from the age of seven through to adults, including several headteachers. He began playing the trumpet at the age of five and has continued his musical journey for over 50 years.

Brian is an accomplished and active performer, currently serving as Principal Trumpet of both the Nottingham Philharmonic and Nottingham Symphonic Wind Orchestra. He is also Lead Trumpet of Harlequin Brass and Principal Cornet with the South Yorkshire Police Band, who are current National Champions.

Alongside his teaching and performance commitments, Brian is passionate about staying active and enjoys running. He has completed over 100 Parkruns, as well as several 10km races and a couple of half marathons.

Brian brings a wealth of experience, energy and enthusiasm to his teaching, inspiring pupils to develop confidence, discipline and a lifelong enjoyment of music.

Contact: bwinter@westbourneschool.co.uk

Meet

Meet Andrew Randall

Voice Tutor

Andrew Randall teaches voice at Westbourne, helping students explore the power, technique and expression of singing—whether they are complete beginners or developing performers.

He holds both a BA (Hons) and an MMus in Vocal Performance, reflecting his specialist training and deep understanding of how the voice works and how to develop it safely and effectively.

Andrew brings over 13 years of professional performance experience, having appeared across the UK with national opera companies, toured with professional choirs, and sung with cathedral choirs in Birmingham, Worcester and Sheffield. He has also performed with Opera North, contributing to acclaimed professional opera productions.

Alongside his performing career, Andrew has over 11 years of teaching experience, and has worked extensively as a choir leader and conductor across the Midlands. He has directed a wide range of ensembles, including choirs, barbershop groups and opera choruses, bringing energy and musical insight to every rehearsal.

Opera is Andrew’s greatest passion—both performing and listening—and this enthusiasm is reflected in his teaching style.

A surprising fact about Andrew is that he previously represented Great Britain in archery and was in contention for the 2012 Olympic team.

Andrew’s lessons are engaging, supportive and full of real-world experience. He inspires students to develop confidence, technique and enjoyment in singing, while making the learning process exciting, creative and rewarding.

Andrew Randall teaches voice at Westbourne, helping students explore the power, technique and expression of singing—whether they are complete beginners or developing performers.

He holds both a BA (Hons) and an MMus in Vocal Performance, reflecting his specialist training and deep understanding of how the voice works and how to develop it safely and effectively.

Andrew brings over 13 years of professional performance experience, having appeared across the UK with national opera companies, toured with professional choirs, and sung with cathedral choirs in Birmingham, Worcester and Sheffield. He has also performed with Opera North, contributing to acclaimed professional opera productions.

Alongside his performing career, Andrew has over 11 years of teaching experience, and has worked extensively as a choir leader and conductor across the Midlands. He has directed a wide range of ensembles, including choirs, barbershop groups and opera choruses, bringing energy and musical insight to every rehearsal.

Opera is Andrew’s greatest passion—both performing and listening—and this enthusiasm is reflected in his teaching style.

A surprising fact about Andrew is that he previously represented Great Britain in archery and was in contention for the 2012 Olympic team.

Andrew’s lessons are engaging, supportive and full of real-world experience. He inspires students to develop confidence, technique and enjoyment in singing, while making the learning process exciting, creative and rewarding.

Contact: arandall@westbourneschool.co.uk

Meet Jay Hargreaves

Drums Tutor

Jay Hargreaves teaches drums at Westbourne, bringing energy, creativity and a passion for rhythm to every lesson.

He holds a Grade 8 Rock & Pop Drum qualification and is currently studying a BA (Hons) in Music Performance, continuing to develop his skills as both a musician and educator.

Jay teaches privately for Black Lantern in Sheffield and East Midlands Drum Tuition, working with a wide range of learners. His lessons are relaxed, friendly and designed to support creativity while helping students build confidence and develop strong technical skills behind the drum kit.

As a performer, Jay has toured extensively with bands including Taking Back Tomorrow, Liz Mann and Nontaines S.C. He has appeared at major events such as Glastonbury Festival, Maida Vale Studios and the UK Drum Show, and has supported artists including The K’s, We Are Scientists and Kairo’s.

His musical tastes vary depending on the mood (and the weather), but he especially enjoys soul and baroque pop.

A unique highlight of Jay’s musical journey is being a member of the world’s largest techno marching band, alongside a brief stint performing in theatre musicals.

Jay brings enthusiasm, experience and a real sense of fun to his teaching, inspiring students to explore rhythm, creativity and confidence through drumming.

Contact: jhargreaves@westbourneschool.co.uk

Meet Brandon Petty

Piano Tutor

Brandon Petty teaches piano at Westbourne School, sharing his passion for music and inspiring pupils to discover the joy of playing.

He began learning the piano at the age of six and achieved a Grade 8 Distinction by the age of sixteen. After initially studying a degree in Management Systems at university, he soon realised his true calling lay in music. He returned to education to study A Level Music and Theatre Studies, alongside further piano performance qualifications.

Brandon began teaching piano during his college years while also performing as a keyboard player in a band. Alongside performing and teaching, he enjoys composing music and has co-written two songs featured in the Sheffield film When Saturday Comes, starring Sean Bean.

His musical career has included some memorable highlights, including touring with the Radio 1 Roadshow and performing in Blackpool ahead of the Bee Gees switching on the Illuminations—where Barry Gibb himself enjoyed their song. He has also performed to thousands of people while supporting Status Quo at a stadium concert.

Brandon currently teaches piano at Westbourne School and at King Ecgbert School, where he also leads GCSE composition classes.

Outside of music, he enjoys squash, tennis, yoga, playing the piano and spending time on family caravan holidays.

Brandon brings enthusiasm, experience and a genuine love of music-making to his teaching, encouraging students to explore creativity, confidence and performance through piano.

Contact: bpetty@westbourneschool.co.uk