About Us

We have now been established for over nine years, and we are a dynamic and exciting Music School in Bournemouth; looking to teach everybody from complete beginners to accomplished musicians in any instrument that you require - covering ALL ages and everything from Theory, Tab, Chord, Improvising, Reading and General enjoyment.

We also have a fantastic pass rate for students exams!!!

Exam Boards we use: - ABRSM, RSL (Rock School), Trinity, RGT

ALL OUR TEACHERS ARE FULLY DBS CHECKED!

Rachel Thomas-Leo - Director 

Rachel is a very enthusiastic musician and music teacher, she is always interested in meeting new people and thrives on working hard and working with others. Rachel has been playing since she was 9 years old and knew it was something she always wanted to do.

Rachel now teaches Flute, Saxophone, Clarinet, Piano and Violin, and has been for the last 15 years. She has been involved in running and playing of big bands and currently plays Alto Sax in the Regular Joes, which is a 40’s 50’s Jump Jive band (www.theregularjoes.com) and teaches at a school as Head of woodwind and ran a Community Big Band. Rachel even played at Buckingham Palace for the Queen!

She has attained an A in Music and Music Technology at Bournemouth College, has a Grade 8 in Saxophone and Flute and Grade 7 in Clarinet, Grade 5 Theory.

"My inspiration and drive was always to have my own music school so here I am. I want to pass on, and get people involved in music in whatever way possible. I feel it is an important thing to do and have, even if you just want to learn for fun or to take exams, get involved and most of all enjoy it."

We will be running ensemble work, workshops and big band courses in the near future.

Fully DBS checked.

Aaron - Singing / Vocal Teacher

Aaron trained as a Classical singer at the Royal Northern College of Music in Manchester in the School of Vocal and Opera Studies, after training in Acting at drama school in London, and now sings in a variety of styles including Jazz, Swing, Musical Theare, Classical, Country, Blues, Pop, Rock and Soul, and works as a professional singer singing in bands, as a solo artist, and in theatre shows and music concerts, as well as writing and recording his own music and covers, and collaborating with musicians and producers.

Over years of receiving vocal training from highly renowned vocal tutors, and through his own personal vocal practice, Aaron has learnt the skill and technique it takes to grow and develop the singing voice, in a healthy and sustainable way, to improve resonance, range, breath control and power, as well as delivery of meaning and connection, and be able to adapt vocally to different styles and genres of music. Aaron also has experience taking graded singing exams, achieving Grade 8 Distinction in the ABRSM board.

Aaron believes the most important part of singing is the enjoyment of it, and the connection to the music and songs you are singing, and that students should work on songs and styles they feel the most connection to, and enjoy singing"

Alex - Saxophone, Flute, Clarinet, Beginner Piano, Guitar, Bass, Banjo teacher

My name is Alex, I love music and will happily learn any instrument I can get my hands on. My passion is Jazz but I also love classical music, the training and sight reading for this is invaluable, it makes the UK musicians the most sought after players on the globe.

I play many instruments but tend to focus on saxophone (baritone, tenor, alto and soprano), double bass, clarinet and flute which makes me ideally placed to teach woodwind. I’m also proficient in piano, guitar and banjo (in fact, any plucked string instrument), and I love collecting instruments from around the world and repairing them.

I’ve worked with woodwind teachers and I’ve been fortunate enough to have been supported with music lessons throughout my youth. I instruct and support younger pupils at school to develop young talent and nurture the love of learning.

I have a diploma in performance for the alto saxophone and play to a high standard earning me a place in the National Youth Jazz Collective last summer. I also play in a number of jazz combos and classical ensembles.

My goal is to pass on my love of music to anyone who wishes and aspires to learn, no matter what level. I can support through gradings and will encourage this at the right time, but the important thing is to have fun and love playing your instrument, nurturing that love will last longer than a piece of paper!

Chris - Drum, Piano Teacher

My name's Chris, i'm 30 and have been playing drums since the age of 10. Went through Guildhall grades 1-8 through school and then attended The ICMP in london for 4 years, graduating with a 2nd class honours degree in Popular Music Performance. Comfortable playing and teaching in all styles with plenty of live experience with a wide variety of bands to draw upon, and i have a solid all round knowledge of the instrument and music theory. I'm a multi instrumentalist, Guitar, bass, keys, sax (a little) and recently Hangdrum/Handpans.

Me as a Teacher - Traditional music education i often found to focus too solely on the instrument, being taught in isolation almost, and as a result i like to take a more holistic approach to my teaching. Of course, the instrument is first and foremost however i do believe it's important to talk about the role of the dummer in a wider context, and to foster an enthusiasm for music as a whole as well as focusing on instrumental skill and technique. I am a big fan of the Rockschool material for this very reason, although i am by no means wedded to it if you have your own syllabus

Elitsa - Cello, Violin, Piano Teacher

My name is Elitsa.

I am Cello Player and live in Bournemouth. I have been studied in School of Art and National Academy of Music(Sofia -Bulgaria).

My Statement of comparability of UK qualification is SCQF Level 8. Quailiffication tittle Bachelor of Art in Violoncello

Passionate and experienced musician, I have been teaching over 50 students ranging in age from six to adults to develop their skills. Teaching the students to learn to read music and play cello and piano. Advanced cello and beginner, intermediate piano techniques and knowledge.

Lesson plan development, musical theory knowledge.

Strong musical ability and patience.

25 years of experience in concert and performance with different orchestras and bands.

Ismael - Violin Teacher

Born in Aracaju, Sergipe, Brazil. I started my violin studies when I was 12 years old. I moved to São Paulo and graduated in the Tatuí Music Conservatory in 2018. I participated in the conservatory's youth orchestra as a soloist and then in the São Paulo youth orchestra. I participated in a concert with the Berlin Symphony Orchestra in 2012 together with the São Paulo Youth Orchestra. Graduated in the Suzuki methodology as a violin teacher in 2014 as a Suzuki teacher. I was a teacher at the KIM music school in São Paulo for 10 years. I volunteered in social action in São Paulo to take music to hospitals. I helped the student reach the level to enter conservatories in São Paulo - Brazil, Los Angeles - USA and Porto - Portugal. I started making music lesson in videos for YouTube, making the channel reach 10k subscribes with videos about music. I started another project with songs for anime and pop culture in TikTok, totaling more than 1 million views on platforms with musical content. I’m Known as artistic name Ismael Sancon.

Jake - Singing/Vocal, Piano, Brass Teacher

I've been interested in music from a very young age and have done many things to pursue that interest. From the age of 9, I have played with national children's/ youth groups, now being part of NYBBGB. I have had many musical achievements such as 2 grade 8's, in Tuba and singing, playing many other instruments such as trombone, organ and piano and a diploma that I'm taking very soon. Although I'm still reasonably new to teaching, i have had a lot of experience, playing at many major contests, playing for local orchestras and I'm playing at the Albert Hall brass band finals this year, meaning my experience makes up for my younger age. I'm looking forward to further learning and helping to learn through teaching.

Jayden - Drum Teacher

I am an eager and enthusiastic drummer with a passion for rhythm and am very keen on teaching new starters. As a 17 year old, I offer a modern angle which may appeal to younger drummers. I am a huge fan of rock music, and I am heavily influenced by artists such as Arctic Monkeys, Radiohead, Nirvana and Green Day. I would love to help young drummers discover their potential on the kit, and find their passion in music.

Joseph - Piano Teacher

Keanu - Guitar, Bass, Ukulele, Music Production, Theory Teacher

Keanu is an accomplished award-nominated musician who has been teaching and performing for many years. Originally from Canada, Keanu has been able to perform around the globe and has even shared the stage with industry professionals such as Steve Vai. Keanu has a true passion for crafting creativity and creating an enjoyment of music within his students.

Matt - Bass, Guitar, Ukulele Teacher

My name is Matt, and I have been at the Bournemouth School of Music for two years teaching adults and children how to play ukulele, acoustic/electric guitar and electric bass.

I am currently in my late 20’s, and since my 2.1 BA Hons Game Arts degree in my early 20’s, my passion for music has lead me into teaching.

As a prolific songwriter, band leader and performer in rock/metal bands for over seven years, I have the music industry experience to improve a child and adult’s confidence, coordination and communication for the musical world.

As well as the practical element that I teach in performing as a musician, I use ABRSM and RockSchool exam board syllabuses to guide my teaching style and song choices. I have recently finished my teacher-accessor training for the ABRSM Music Medals exams.

I have a decade of experience as a Scout leader, which has given me plenty experience working with children and teaching them survival/life skills and general knowledge, making me a confident and enthusiastic leader and role model for children to look up to.

Outside band life, I record and produce my own music that I have been doing for ten years. My skill in songwriting and recording covers vocals, bass, guitar and keyboards. I recorded a lot from home with my bands over the pandemic, so I have become a very prolific songwriter.

My skill as a digital and traditional artist has lead me to also producing album art for musical projects, bands and my solo music.

Here is a list of some of the bands/projects I have been a part of present and previous:

• Solo Music (Multi instrumentalist, vocalist, artist, producer 2014-Present)
• Stranger UK (Bassist 2018-2019)
• Phoenix (Bassist 2020)
• Leo Doulou (Artist 2020-Present)
• The Last Revival (Bassist, songwriter 2020-2021)
• Ruffdog Elliott (Bassist 2021)
• Crimson Creatures (Bassist, vocalist, artist 2021-2023)
• OPE (Artist 2021- Present)
• UVtraveler (Artist 2022-Present)
• Rhinefield (Bassist, backing vocalist 2022-Present)
• Girder (Bassist, vocalist 2023-Present)
• Eternal Firmament (Bassist, artist, vocalist 2023-Present)

As a BSOM teacher, my aim is to pass on my compositional skills in the rock/pop realm to my students, and giving younger musicians the independence and excitement that will lead into their adult life.

Nick - Guitar, Bass, Ukulele, Music Production, Djing, Drums Teacher

With 20yrs experience, both in classrooms and one to one, Nick is a guitar teacher with years of experience playing live, recording, DJing and producing. Educated at Bournemouth & Poole College, Nick has been a course leader in Music Performance, Music technology and live Events Production.

With a range of influences from blues, rock and jazz, Nick is a jack of all trades musician, specialising in guitar, but also has a handle on theory, bass, drums and piano. With a passion for both music and teaching, you’ll get load of help in developing a routine that will quickly improve your playing and all-round musicianship.

Oli - Piano, Guitar, Drums, Music Production

Oli is British media composer who is constantly trying to push the boundaries of composition. He started at a young age studying Jazz and was part of a larger band taking many roles such as pianist and a percussionist. He then onto teach himself other instruments such as guitar and drums learning things by ear.

During his school years he picked up grade 4 Jazz piano to hone in his skills and was even about to get a lesson by Stings pianist Jason Rebello.

He quickly found his love for film composition influenced by the likes of Max Richer, Dario Marianelli and Thomas Newman.

Oli is currently studying music and sound production at Bournemouth university working alongside directors building up good communication and understanding how a project should be seen by all areas of the creative eye.

He has been obsessed with production ever since his school years, inspired by the likes of Flume. Picking up many softwares his main favourites are Logic Pro and Ableton Live. Oli loves discovering many ways to speed up his workflow to get ideas onto the page.

Paige - Piano, Flute Teacher

Ryan - Guitar, Bass, Drums, Piano

Hi, I’m Ryan Vuyyuru, a versatile musician and passionate educator with a deep love for music across various genres, including Rock, Pop, Blues, Jazz, and Metal. I have experience playing Guitar (7 years), Bass Guitar (6 years), Drums (12 years), and Piano (4 years), and I bring a comprehensive understanding of both instruments and music theory to my teaching.

I’m currently studying Music and Sound Production at Bournemouth University, where I consistently achieve first-class honors. My qualifications include a GCSE in Music and a Trinity Guildhall Rock and Pop Grade 5 Distinction in Drumming. I take pride in my academic and practical achievements, which I integrate into my teaching approach.

Since the start of summer 2024, I've been helping students build a strong foundation in technique and theory, ensuring they have the tools to explore and play the music that resonates with them. I specialize in teaching beginners to intermediate players of all ages, and I love seeing my students learn, grow, and connect with music as a powerful form of expression and enjoyment.

Outside of teaching, I'm a dedicated student, always striving to balance my academic pursuits with my passion for music education. My approach is rooted in patience, understanding, and a commitment to helping each student reach their full potential.

Teddy - Violin, Piano, Theory, Guitar, Singing, Music Production

I’m a multi-instrumentalist, producing composer, and songwriter, specializing in piano, violin, and guitar, with a passion for fostering creativity in all musicians. My teaching focuses on exploration—helping students discover what truly inspires them and develop their unique musical voice through fun and engaging learning.

I earned a First-Class degree from the Academy of Contemporary Music, refining my skills in composition, songwriting, and production. Since then, I’ve worked with Sony Music, composed for the Leipzig Ballet (2023), and written a Requiem premiering in 2025, alongside scoring feature films and advertisements.

Bringing real-world industry experience into my teaching, I encourage students to push creative boundaries, develop confidence, and truly connect with their music.