Mr Jonathan Jones is our piano, saxophone, oboe and clarinet tutor. Jon was born and raised in Cornelly, South Wales. He started learning Piano at the age of 11, before later attending the junior department of the Royal Welsh College of Music in Cardiff. At 16, Jon successfully auditioned for the National Youth Orchestra of Wales, touring to Italy and across Wales.
In 2007, Jon was offered a place to study at the Royal Northern College of Music in Manchester, under a full scholarship for four years. During his time at the Northern, he took part with masterclasses with notable names, including Sergio Azolini and Stefano Canuti. Whilst in his second year, he played a brand new concerto ‘Deep Field’ with the RNCM new orchestra, as well as touring Italy in his 3rd year with the RNCM Symphony Orchestra. Also in his 3rd year, he also successfully auditioned for the Professional Experience Scheme to work with the BBC Philharmonic for the whole year as a professional musician. During this time, Jon performed on Radio 3, as well as giving live concerts throughout the orchestral season. In his final year at the RNCM, Jon studied in Mantua, Italy, with Stefano Canuti.
After leaving RNCM with a Bachelor of Music (BMUS Hons) in 2011, Jon has furthered his freelance playing career, playing concertos and recitals throughout the north-west of England, as well playing with orchestras such as the BBC Philharmonic and the Royal Liverpool Philharmonic Orchestra. He regularly performs and works as a professional musician, preforming concerts and recordings throughout the UK.
As a teacher, Jon has taught both abroad and in the UK. He has taught at Leeds College of Music, as well as giving masterclasses for students focusing on performance. He lived and worked in Bangkok, Thailand, teaching and playing in 2014. In the past, his students have gone on to play with the National Children’s Orchestra, the National Youth Orchestra, The Halle Youth Orchestra or to further study music at University or at a specialist music conservatoire. Many of his students work through the ABRSM Grade exams, with the majority of his students achieving Distinctions and Merits, right from Grade 1 up to Grade 8.
Edgar Divver