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Woodwind, Composition and Music Tech Tuition

Welcome to EMP!

I offer lessons on the Clarinet, Saxophone, Piano, Composition and Music Technology- specifically using Native Instruments products where I assist in choosing equipment and assist with setup.

Live lessons (especially important for those wanting to work with an acoustic instrument) are available at your home in areas surrounding Newstead, Nottingham, UK.

Tuition is available both for young musicians and adults keen to explore different approaches and genres.

Using a modular system which can include online lessons and regular tutor input, the courses help creativity and inspiration to blossom.


Here on the website, you can watch introductory videos, listen to samples of compositions, get in touch with any questions, and arrange instrumental lessons.


With 25 years of teaching experience in schools and directing music centres, I offer innovative instrumental lessons that encourage a deep understanding of music, genre and of course the technical mastery of the instrument.


I know that both young and adult composers want to be able to play music in different styles and craft their own.

I have found the ideal way to compliment instrumental lessons with technology and composition, whilst finding a way into music with no prior knowledge.

Lessons encourage students to compose, perform and use technology creatively to enhance their musicianship.

The experience can be purely for personal enjoyment or to assist with school or external exam preparation, where I have the pleasure of accompanying on the Piano.

We can of course follow a traditional classical format, where I generally start with my own publications and exciting backing tracks. Using these makes a musician sound great from day one, and this supporting material is at the cutting edge of teaching methods.

More about lessons

Learn Clarinet, Piano or Sax with focus on YOUR style of music!!

Create with Garageband or Logic Pro on iPad or Mac.

Go Pro with Maschine & Komplete by NI to creatively compose tracks that pack a punch!

The emphasis is all on composing the music that you want and how to use the tools with an effective, fun workflow to get there.

For the price of a budget acoustic instrument, you could experience the power of 'Maschine' by Native Instruments and have a professional home studio.


Who can learn?

You can of course!

I have students age 10+ using their own professional studio, ready to compose to a standard acceptable for ads, films, media etc.

All of this setup can be realised for under £200 if you have a decent laptop already.

Clarinet is best started at age 9+ and I can offer recorder lessons for ages 7+. These have been highly successful in schools to get a secure musical grounding before moving to the orchestral instruments.

Live lessons are currently available at home - I travel to local areas to deliver lessons and at schools that have subscribed in Nottinghamshire and Derbyshire, UK.

For equipment you require click HERE


New enrolment for online courses will be available from April 2024 - please use the contact form and I will email you as soon as the first course module is released!

Course materials are viewed in a video player here and we will take you through the steps of using the software, composing effectively and completing assignments with tutor feedback.

There are a whole range of multimedia activities, quizzes, musical games and engaging activities with certification at the end of each module.

So you can be sure the course is for you, a sample lesson will be provided.

You may then subscribe to a 6 lesson module - with no timescale to complete and no commitment to enrol again.

Prices range from £45-60 depending on live tutor involvement required as the course progresses.

Acoustic instrumental lessons are priced at £15 for half an hour.


Have a listen to excerpts of compositions from my students. This will give a flavour of the kind of music we can create here.


Excerpts from school intro

EMP in schools is great for pupils starting their own ensembles!

Private and online lessons are also inspirational and motivational.

So many start to make music but very few have the focus or drive to keep going without a structured course or lessons.


New videos are being added to the EMP YouTube channel frequently- please subscribe!

About Dave Woods

With a musical career spanning 28 years, Dave has been Principal Clarinettist in the Glasgow Chamber Orchestra, Saxophonist in countless ensembles and has helped over 2000 pupils through external exams. His electronic music will shortly be available on Apple Music etc. and has been DJ'd around the country. His passion for teaching is boundless whether working with his year 2's teaching recorder or adults studying for their diplomas.