GSofM Tutor Profile · Saxophone · Piano

Hazel Sharp — Saxophone & Piano Tutor

Hazel Sharp teaches saxophone and piano at The Glasgow School of Music, supporting students with tone, technique, reading, creativity and confidence through a thoughtful, body-aware approach to one-to-one tuition.

SaxophonePianoTone & breathingCreative musicianshipPerformance confidenceARSM distinction

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About Hazel

Classical training, creative curiosity and inclusive music-making.

Hazel’s work connects secure instrumental foundations with musical identity, expression and a sustainable relationship with performance.

Hazel is a genre-explorative multi-instrumentalist studying classical saxophone at the Royal Conservatoire of Scotland. She is also a pianist and whistle player, and holds an ARSM Diploma in Piano Performance with distinction.

Her performing work includes solo and chamber music across classical, contemporary and folk-influenced settings. Hazel is a member of Stillpoint, an all-female ensemble performing original arrangements that centre music by women and other marginalised composers.

Hazel has also contributed to youth voice in music as a former Youth Board member of the Royal Scottish National Orchestra and Scottish Chamber Orchestra, and as a former ABRSM UK Youth Adviser. At GSofM, that broad perspective supports teaching that values technique, communication, creativity and student confidence.

Role: Saxophone and piano tutor at GSofM
Current study: Classical saxophone at the Royal Conservatoire of Scotland
Piano qualification: ARSM Diploma in Piano Performance with distinction
Performance: Solo, chamber and multi-instrument work; member of Stillpoint
Teaching focus: Tone, technique, reading, creativity and confidence
Student routes: Children, teenagers and adults, subject to tutor matching

Teaching approach

Confident technique without losing curiosity or individuality.

Hazel’s confidence-sensitive, body-aware approach helps students notice how breathing, posture, movement, listening and musical intention shape the sound.

Physical ease and sound

Lessons support healthy instrumental habits and help students develop control without unnecessary tension.

Posture and body awareness
Breathing and sound production
Coordination and technical security

Reading and musicianship

Notation, rhythm, listening and musical structure are connected to repertoire so students understand what they are playing.

Reading and rhythmic fluency
Phrasing and interpretation
Independent practice skills

Creativity and confidence

Students are encouraged to develop a personal musical voice while building the security needed to play and perform confidently.

Creative musical choices
Performance preparation
Supportive, sustainable progress

Instrument routes

Different foundations for saxophone and piano students.

Each route is adapted to the student’s age, experience, goals and physical relationship with the instrument.

Saxophone foundations

Beginners can work on instrument setup, breathing, embouchure, reed response, first notes, fingering, articulation and tone.

Saxophone development

Developing students can explore phrasing, stylistic awareness, improvisation, repertoire, reading and performance confidence.

Piano tuition

Piano lessons can support hand coordination, reading, rhythm, technique, tone, interpretation and wider musical understanding. For the wider faculty, progression and lesson structure, see our Piano Lessons Glasgow route.

Tutor matching: a request for Hazel can be noted, but placement depends on the student’s age, level, aims, lesson length and current weekly availability.

Connected learning

Useful routes for Hazel’s students.

Instrumental lessons can connect naturally with theory, creative work and wider musicianship.

Primary routeSaxophone Lessons

Tone, breathing, embouchure, reading, rhythm, style and musical confidence.

Instrument routePiano Lessons

Technique, coordination, reading, interpretation and expressive musicianship.

Musicianship routeMusic Theory

Notation, rhythm, harmony, reading and a clearer understanding of musical structure.

Creative routeComposition

Original ideas, arranging, musical structure and individual creative development.

New to saxophone? Read What to Expect in Your First Saxophone or Flute Lesson for practical guidance on breathing, instrument setup, embouchure, first sounds and what beginners can expect at the first appointment.

Lessons with Hazel Sharp.

The trial process helps GSofM confirm the most suitable tutor, instrument and weekly lesson arrangement.

Does Hazel teach complete beginners?

Yes. Complete beginners can request saxophone or piano lessons with Hazel. Early lessons can establish instrument setup, posture, technique, reading, rhythm and confident practice habits. Placement remains subject to suitability and availability.

Does Hazel teach both saxophone and piano?

Yes. Hazel teaches saxophone and piano. The lesson content is shaped around the chosen instrument, the student’s current level, confidence and musical goals.

Can children, teenagers and adults request lessons with Hazel?

Yes. Children, teenagers and adults can request lessons through GSofM. Tutor matching considers age, experience, goals, lesson length and weekly availability.

What do beginner saxophone students learn first?

Beginner saxophone lessons may cover safe instrument assembly, breathing, embouchure, reed response, posture, fingering, first notes, articulation, rhythm and the foundations of a controlled tone.

Can Hazel help with confidence or performance anxiety?

Hazel’s confidence-sensitive, body-aware approach can help students develop greater physical ease, preparation skills and trust in their playing. It is music tuition rather than clinical therapy, and individual needs should be explained during the trial request.

Can lessons include exams, improvisation or creative work?

Yes, where appropriate. Lessons may support graded repertoire, technical work, reading, performance preparation, improvisation and creative musicianship according to the student’s level and aims.

Does a beginner need their own saxophone or piano?

Students need regular access to a suitable instrument for practice. Before buying or hiring a saxophone, ask GSofM for guidance because instrument type and size should suit the student. Piano students need access to a suitable piano or touch-sensitive digital instrument.

How do I start lessons with Hazel?

Request a trial lesson and include the student’s age, instrument, current experience, goals, confidence considerations and general availability. GSofM will review the details before confirming the most suitable available tutor route.