Alumni feedback and success stories

'Just thought I would let you know that I'm so very happy to say I got the Jazz Bass place at The Royal Academy of Music!!! I'm so surprised and ridiculously overwhelmed! I couldn't thank you and everyone at Mehr Clef enough, I can most definitely say that the course inspired me and my playing so much, and that I really don't think I would of got a place anywhere if I hadn't done the course. I also really appreciated you taking the time to write me a reference, so thank you again.' 

 

'First a Big Thank You to you for running such a brilliant summer course - by far the best jazz course I've been on and I do mean what I say! 

It is a quite an organisational feat that you pull off organising such a comprehensive programme for all instruments with a range of excellent tutors and the evening concerts and jams. 

There have been some wonderful heartfelt messages exchanged between us singers, and for me it was a privilege to spend the week with people who love and believe in this jazz music. 

Lee was absolutely superb that week. God she made us work hard and her energy was something to behold, but we were all totally captivated and focused the whole time.'

 

What The Students Say

'Just a quick note to say many thanks for this year's memorable & musically stimulating Mehr Clef Jazz Course - I can now see why you have so many returning students - you've clearly got it right! 

 

As a newcomer, it was a lovely experience, especially as everyone seemed so very welcoming and friendly. The level of support both musically and emotionally (!) was a distinctive feature of the week I feel. I have to say I learnt such a lot about jazz within the context of small group work with all the tutors having a shared vision.' 

'Great Week! By far the best Jazz course!' Thank you for a wonderful 7 days.'

 

'Just a line to say many thanks for a hugely fantastic week. Wow! I learned so much. I feel that I have much more confidence to introduce myself to new musician now  after the experience that Mehr Clef gave me.'

 

‘A lot of personal attention and the willingness to listen and respond to the needs and wants of the students. A fantastic experience. I loved it.’

 

'I joined the Summer Course as a drummer and left as a musician.'

 

'I learned more in this week than in months of lessons.'

 

 

Alumni Success Stories

Mehr Clef students who gained entry to Music School, Academies and Conservatoires for degree courses

Joe Armon-Jones
Piano and Keyboard
Composer and Producer
2023 Mercury Prize Winner with Ezra Collective  
www.joearmonjones.com
www.ezracollective.com

Joe started his jazz journey with Mehr Clef at the age of 14 and attended numerous courses until he moved on to study for an undergraduate degree at Trinity Laban.

Tom Smith
Saxophone
Composer and arranger 
2016 Finalist BBC Young Jazz Musician
www.facebook.com/TomSmithSax/
 

Tom first came to Mehr Clef aged 13, attended numerous courses and gained an undergraduate place for jazz at the Royal Academy.  

Undergraduate
Tom Ward, Drums -  Royal Welsh College of Music, Cardiff

Amy Hollingsworth, Vocals - Guildhall School of Music, London
Issy Owen, Vocals - Guildhall School of Music, London

Tom Smith, Sax - Royal Academy, London
Daisie George, Bass - Royal Academy, London
Rosie Bullen, Vocals - Guildhall School of Music, London
Jack Mizzi, Vocals - Guildhall School of Music, London
Chris Ford, Trombone - Royal College of Music, London
Tom Dring, Bass - Royal Academy, London
Frankie Dodwell, Vocals - Royal Birmingham Conservatoire

Ellie Bignall, Vocals - Trinity Laban, London

Joe Armon-Jones, Piano - Trinity Laban, London
Ralph Wylde, Vibes - Royal Academy, London
Jack Dring, Trumpet - Royal Birmingham Conservatoire
Lilly Unwin, Vocals - Trinity Laban, London
Jack Perry-Cockings, Sax - Royal Welsh College of Music, Cardiff
Paul Burden, Bass - Middlesex University London
Oliver Barker, Sax  - Leeds Conservatoire
Barney Lowe, Trumpet - Guildhall School of Music, London
Adam Saunders, Piano - Trinity Laban, London
Joseph Smith, Trombone - Royal Birmingham Conservatoire
Gabrielle Ducomble, Vocals - Guildhall School of Music, London
Louis McRae, Sax - Royal Birmingham Conservatoire
Carmela Corbett, Acting & Musical Theatre - Juilliard, New York

 

Postgraduate
Edward Wren, Piano - Royal Academy, London
Tom Wright, Drums - Trinity Laban, London

Ami Oprenova, Vocals - Guildhall School of Music, London
Harry Baker, Piano - Royal Academy, London
Matt Sulzmann, Sax - Royal Academy, London
Joanna Wallfish, Vocals - Guildhall School of Music, London
Cristina Rubio, Vocals - Guildhall School of Music, London
Maxyne Ryan, Vocals - Guildhall School of Music, London Rosanna Brandi, Vocals - Guildhall School of Music, London
Sabine Hadjiyeva, Vocals - Guildhall School of Music, London
Nikki Franklin, Vocals - Guildhall School of Music, London
Helen Burnett, Vocals - Guildhall School of Music, London
Richard Rozze, Guitar - Guildhall School of Music, London

 

Diploma
Eliza Shaddad, Vocals - Guildhall School of Music, London


 

 

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