ROTHWELL MUSIC CENTRE
Programmes to suit beginners, intermediates or seasoned players
Our Tutors
David Rowe
Guitar
I started playing guitar in 1996, initially learning classical, then bass, electric and acoustic. In 2005 I went to the London Guitar Show; my dad made me promise not to come back with another guitar, so I bought a banjo and a ukulele instead.
I began teaching full time in 2012 and joined Rothwell Music Centre in January 2016. My main aim with ensembles at Rothwell has been to write arrangements that allow each guitarist to challenge themselves as much as possible, while still sounding enjoyable and interesting when the different parts are put altogether.
When I’m not working, I enjoy jive dancing, bouldering, watching films and dining out.
Kathy Kearsley
Fun music 3-7 year olds
Believe it or not, I have been working for Rothwell Music Centre since 1978!
Whilst playing percussion with the Rothwell Temperance Brass Band, I was given the opportunity to teach the percussion class. I held this job for about 15 years before bringing Fun Music to the Music Centre. This has lasted for 24 years and is still going strong with sessions in schools and nurseries in the area too! Fun Music is the perfect platform for children to start their musical journey and then continue by learning to play one of the many instruments the Centre offers. It brings me so much happiness to watch this occur. I have so much fun on a Saturday morning and feel I am in the perfect job!
Robert Hattersley
Drums and percussion
Drumming started for me when I attended a Military band concert during my first term of secondary school. I knew I had an interest in music and following the concert when we were offered the chance to learn an instrument, I immediately jumped at the chance to have a go at drums – let’s just say the passion was born and I never looked back…
My love for music and drumming has led me; over the years to play across a wide variety of music genres including a young musicians society, dance bands, shows, brass bands, rock & roll, and pop. In addition to teaching drums at Rothwell Music Centre for over 20 years, I've also been involved with, and led the music centre ensemble.
Teaching is both a passion and hobby for me and it began a number of years ago when Alan Mattinson (then Head of RMC) was looking for a percussion teacher and asked if I would be interested. I accepted the post and have Alan to thank for the wonderful opportunity it has given me – to share with pupils just how fantastic music and drumming in particular really is. It’s great to watch pupils develop, grow and achieve personal success.
I believe that music centres really are an excellent place to learn instruments, with of course, the added ‘life skills’ that performing in concerts and interacting with others inevitably brings
Heppy Copley
Flute
I started playing the flute when I was six years old, so it’s safe to say I’ve been playing for a while now! I grew up in the lake district and then move to Leeds to study flute performance and second study piano at Leeds College of Music, graduating in 2012. Since then, I’ve been teaching flute and piano full time. I started my role as flute teacher at Rothwell Music Centre in 2022.
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I teach students of all ages and abilities through a wide range of styles and genres. I always aim for my lessons to be relaxed, engaging and enjoyable.
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When I’m not teaching, I love to travel, read and knit.
Strings
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Thomas Shone
Ruth Strydom
Piano and keyboard
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Ruth teaches piano and music theory privately, at Rothwell Music Centre and Rodillian Academy. She is also busy as a choral accompanist and regularly plays the piano for the St Raphael Singers, Let’s Sing 26, vocal and instrumental soloists and for several years was the accompanist for Carlton Primary School Choir. Ruth also conducts choirs, and is Musical Director of the Wrenthorpe Village Singers Community Choir and a small ladies' ensemble; the Parkside Singers. Ruth is the musician and worship leader at Rothwell Methodist Church and also sings alto in the eminent Wakefield based Yorkshire Philharmonic Choir
Brass
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Thomas Shone
Lucas Kelly
Piano
Lucas is a jazz pianist based in Huddersfield, graduating from Royal Birmingham Conservatoire with a first in BMus(Hons) Jazz and being awarded the BMus Jazz Course Prize for his work at conservatoire. While studying at conservatoire, Lucas was receiving tuition from prominent figures in the UK jazz scene, such as John Turville, Ross Stanley and Liam Noble, and was also part of several conservatoire ensembles such as their jazz orchestra, Duke Ellington Orchestra and Afro-Cuban jazz orchestra. Having accumulated plentiful experience accompanying instrumentalists and vocalists in addition to a variety of small and large ensembles across jazz, classical, pop and more. He is currently the accompanist for Leeds Male Voice Choir (under the direction of Tim Knight) Mirfield Choral Society (directed by Roland Mander) and he started accompanying the Children's West Choir for Barnsley Youth Choir in April 2022. He is also an active piano/keyboard teacher as part of Musica Kirklees and Leeds Artforms Music Service; at Jam Factory Music in Holmfirth; and his own private students.
Pete Williams
Saxophone
Pete joins the Centre to lead the Saxophone Classes. As a highly accomplished musician, producer and recording artist Pete plays a number of instruments but it is woodwind that is his passion. In his formative years Pete attended Leeds College of music. Pete now has his own record label ATA Records and has been involved with a number of up and coming artists as well as his own music projects.