"In my youth I was inspired by the alto of Paul Desmond and local jazz bands in the Midlands to take up the saxophone but then life in general caused me to put it down again.  Forty five years later and now retired I wondered if it was all still possible. By good fortune I found Ali Bamford who provided exactly the right tuition for my needs.  She is a professional educator with all that that label implies and is completely focused on progressing you at the right pace in a friendly and enjoyable manner.  Flexible and with a great sense of humour, I completely recommend her (but don't wait forty five years!)."

Patrick, July 2017

"I am happily in my second year with Ali and making steady progress at a pace of my choosing.  Ali prepares each lesson so I am kept on track, working on material of my choice.  I have mastered Gershwin's "Summertime" and my next challenge is Hoagy Carmichael's "Georgia On My Mind".  Ali provides good, professional support and makes my lessons fun!"

Patrick, February 2019

"As I am of a mature age, on my wishlist was to learn to play the saxophone.  I had been given a saxophone a few years ago so I now had the time to learn.  My husband gave me 3 lessons with Ali as a Christmas present and I've never looked back!  I don't want to do big things but just enjoy playing which I do.

Ali is patient, supportive, copes with my squeaky notes and is always positive and is copious with her praise.  I have an eclectic taste in music so I enjoy all genres.  Thanks to a great teacher!"

Anne, July 2017

"All my life I have enjoyed listening to music, but never believed I had the ability to make music.  The sound of the saxophone makes me tingle!  When I retired I had the time to do something about this.   I found Ali with her enthusiasm!  She is constantly encouraging and even when I make a complete mess of it finds something positive to say.  For instance "you got the rhythm spot on! ... so let's work on ...

I don't know how good I'll ever be, but with Ali there I shall continue to get an enormous amount of enjoyment and fun".

Carole, July 2017

"My husband bought me a one-off saxophone lesson with Ali Bamford as a birthday surprise, and I enjoyed the lesson so much that I bought my own alto sax, and have now been playing for over a year. Each lesson is personally tailored to suit the kind of music I like and the way I prefer to learn. I would not hesitate to recommend Ali as a knowledgeable teacher with a passion for the saxophone which is contagious!"

Debbie, March 2016

"I have been learning the saxophone with Ali for a year, she's relaxed, knowledgeable, experienced and very encouraging. I can't believe how far I've come, I've played at an open mic night, I'm involved in a church band and I've done my first solo improvisation at a local Jazz workshop."

Trevor, August 2015

"Music lessons with Ali are a delight! I returned to playing my Alto Saxophone about two and a half years ago. On my first lesson I told Ali that all I want to achieve was to play 'Baker Street' and now I can. I've also been introduced to the joys of playing jazz and improvisation.

I have never enjoyed playing my instrument as much, I can't recommend Ali enough for enjoyable learning with plenty of fun interspersed along the way!"

Virginia, July 2015