Meet Our Music Department
Director of Music, Mr Jonathan Turner
Mr Turner became Director of Music in 2022. His passion for music began as a chorister and pianist, taking up the organ at 15 years old. Mr Turner graduated from Lincoln College, Oxford, where he read Music and was an organ scholar. It goes to prove that it is never too late to start learning a musical instrument.
Mr Turner was previously Assistant Director of Music at Woodbridge School, before taking on the same role at New Hall. He is a proud northerner and a supporter of Preston North End. Aside from music, in his spare time, he enjoys cooking and playing football.
Whether you would like the chance to form your own pop/ rock band, become part of a Gospel Choir or create a Samba band, Mr Turner’s door is always open for ideas or requests.
Assistant Director of Music, Mr Art Wangcharoensab
Mr Wangcharoensab grew up in Bangkok, Thailand, where he attended Shrewsbury International School. He moved to the UK in 2011 to study music, specialising in composition, at the Royal College of Music. Mr Wangcharoensab is a singer, violinist and pianist and loves conducting orchestras and choirs.
He is the Assistant Music Director of Brentwood Cathedral and conducts many of the choirs and ensembles there. Mr Wangcharoensab is also the Music Director of Brentwood and Ingatestone Choral Society and has conducted many large-scale concerts with this group.
Mr Wangcharoensab joined New Hall in 2024, excited to further enhance New Hall’s already rich musical tradition. He hopes to encourage even more students to get involved with choirs, ensembles and Mass.
Meet Our Music Department
Teacher of Music, Miss Sarah Smith
Miss Smith joined New Hall in 2025. She is originally from Ayr, Scotland and studied Music at the University of Edinburgh as a John Robert MacKay Piano Scholar, whilst receiving tuition from the Royal Conservatoire of Scotland. During this time, she won two national composition competitions and collaborated on interdisciplinary music projects.
She spent her first three years of teaching at Bradfield College, where she completed her PGCE and was the Assistant Musical Director for various productions, including the 41st College Greek Play.
Miss Smith also plays the cello and is particularly enthusiastic about working with youth ensembles, which first sparked her own passion for music. She is committed to inspiring the next generation through engaging and rewarding music education.
Teacher of Music and Chaplaincy Assistant, Reverand Sarah de Bats
Reverand Sarah began seriously studying the flute at the age of 16, and two years later received a scholarship to study at the Royal Academy of Music. On graduating she enjoyed a performing career spanning 25 years, working as a soloist and orchestral musician with symphony and opera orchestras such as the Philharmonia, BBC Symphony Orchestra, English Chamber Orchestra and The Royal Opera House. Reverand Sarah has also performed regularly in various West End shows, notably on Disney’s The Lion King for 19 years.
Alongside her performing career, Reverand Sarah taught the flute in Schools, Universities and Music Colleges. She believes in encouraging confidence through self-expression, and aims to inspire a life-long love of music in her students.
Reverand Sarah joined New Hall in 2025 as a classroom music teacher and assistant Chaplain.
Music Performance Tutor, Mr Feargal MostynWilliams
Mr Mostyn-Williams joined New Hall in 2025. Originally from London, Mr Mostyn-Williams studied as a Choral Scholar at King’s College, Cambridge, and at the Royal College of Music.
Mr Mostyn-Williams was the first countertenor to be accepted as a Young Artist at the National Opera Studio. Since his operatic debut in 2016, Mr Mostyn-Williams has performed across the world, most recently in Tokyo and Switzerland. He has had the honour of singing for two Popes: John Paul II, at the Vatican, and Benedict XVI, during his visit to Birmingham.
Mr Mostyn-Williams believes in encouraging and developing musical interest in all students, inspiring the next generation of performers. In his free time, Mr Mostyn-Williams enjoys sport, particularly open water swimming.
Music Performance Tutor, Mr Michael Shiu
Mr Shiu joined New Hall in 2024. Originally from Hong Kong, he holds a Master of Music degree in Piano Performance from the Royal Northern College of Music, Manchester, as well as another postgraduate degree from the Hong Kong Baptist University.
As an accomplished pianist and musician, Mr Shiu previously worked as the Accompanist-in-Residence of an independent school in Somerset, where he helped in the smooth running of the music department, as well as assisting in boarding.
Mr Shiu works with our talented young musicians, witnessing their growth and development, and contributes to the liturgical music for Masses and other events at the School.
Musician in Residence, Miss Holly Fry
Miss Fry is a first study classical singer who graduated from Royal Holloway, University of London in 2025. Miss Fry began singing at the age of 8 with the Hywel Girls’ Choir in Llanelli and was later chosen as an inaugural member of the choir’s all-girl chamber choir, Angelicus Celtis.
After joining her village church choir at the age of 10, Miss Fry has developed a keen interest in choral and sacred music and was a choral scholar at St Mary Magdalene, Richmond-upon-Thames and sang with The Founder’s Choir of Royal Holloway during her time at university.
Miss Fry joined New Hall in September 2025 as Musician in Residence.
Musician in Residence, Mr Torin Mills
Mr Mills grew up in Stockport, where his musical journey began with the clarinet. He later expanded his interests to include the saxophone and singing, performing as a chorister in his local church choir.
He went on to study Music at the University of York, specialising in clarinet while also developing his vocal skills through active involvement in university choirs. Alongside his musical pursuits, he represented his college on the football field.
Outside the world of music, Mr Mills is a passionate football fan. He enjoys collecting and wearing football jerseys from around the world and is often seen supporting his team of Arsenal with great enthusiasm.
Meet Our Visiting Music Teachers GUITAR
Teacher of Electric Guitar, Bass Guitar and Drums, Mr Andy Corby
Mr Corby studied with leading UK educators Phil Hilborne and Bob Armstrong. Mr Corby worked for the Status Graphite guitar company and associated with Trace Elliot, now Ashdown Amplification, along with the London Drum and Bass centres.
Mr Corby has worked at New Hall since 1996, developing students from beginner to professional level, with many going on to succesful careers in the music industry.
Teacher of Classical Guitar, Mr Martin Plackett
Mr Plackett studied at Colchester Institute where he gained his BA(hons) in Music and LGSM, before completing an Advanced Solo Studies course at the Guildhall School of Music.
He has performed extensively as a soloist throughout the United Kingdom, with recordings broadcast on BBC Radio 3. Mr Plackett works at several schools including New Hall, Woodbridge, and Orwell Park, and is a proud Fellow of the Incorporated Society of Musicians.
STRINGS
Teacher of Cello, Mr David Burrowes
Mr Burrowes sang as a chorister at Canterbury Cathedral and as a choral scholar at Caius College, Cambridge. For 22 years, he was Principal Cello in the London production of The Phantom of the Opera. He is a cellist in the Cirrus Quartet. He has taught cello at the Royal Academy of Music, the Guildhall, and the University of Surrey, and as the Course Director of the Pro Corda Cello Course.
Teacher of Violin, Dr Magdalena Kostka
Dr Kostka earned her Doctorate in Music (PhD) at Cardiff University, and her Master’s degree at the University of London (MMus with Distinction). She won the prestigious AHRC award for her doctoral research on British violin sonatas. Dr Kostka toured internationally with her own classical trio and worked for two years in New York with a broad range of ensembles.
Teacher of Violin and Viola, Mr Dominic Moore
Mr Moore directs New Hall’s Senior String Ensemble and Quartet. He studied violin and piano as joint first studies with a scholarship to the Royal College of Music. Mr Moore is Director of Pro Corda’s Senior and Violin courses and Musical Director of St George’s Chamber Orchestra. He has guest led the Ulster Orchestra, Royal Liverpool Philharmonic, Bournemouth Symphony, and was acting leader of The Phantom of the Opera in the West End.
Teacher of Violin, Miss Emma Penfold
Miss Penfold trained at the Royal Academy of Music from the age of 13, and has played for, amongst others, the Royal Philharmonic Orchestra, English String Orchestra, D’Oyly Carte Opera company, Birmingham Royal Ballet and West End shows. Alongside private teaching, Miss Penfold has been a violin coach for the Essex Youth Orchestra and the summer course at Elizabeth College, Guernsey.
Teacher of Double Bass, Mr Adam Storey
Mr Storey studied double bass at the Queensland Conservatorium of Music, and the Australian National Academy of Music, as well as having private tuition in Canada with renowned bass soloist Gary Karr. Since moving to the UK, Mr Storey has performed in all major UK venues and been featured on BBC Radio 3.
WOODWIND & BRASS
Teacher of Oboe, Miss Elly Barlow
Miss Barlow trained at the Royal Birmingham Conservatoire and Guildhall School of Music and Drama. As a freelance oboist, she has worked with top orchestras including the City of Birmingham Symphony Orchestra and the London Symphony Orchestra. Her performances have been broadcast on TV and radio, and she has performed for the UN. She teaches at New Hall and Felsted, and has worked with Junior Royal Birmingham Conservatoire, Junior Guildhall, and Guildhall Young Artists.
Teacher of Clarinet and Saxophone, Mr Zak Barrett
Mr Barrett graduated from the Royal Northern College of Music in 1999 and began a career as a saxophonist and clarinettist, both as a teacher and performer. He is best known for his work with the guitarist, Guthrie Govan in the band, The Fellowship. He is also the cofounder and curator of the Writtle Jazz Festival which has been running since 2016.
Teacher of Flute, Miss Kia Bennett
Miss Bennett teaches flute at several schools and privately, as well as on intensive flute courses. She has worked with professional orchestras including: BBC Philharmonic, Royal Liverpool Philharmonic, Royal Scottish National Orchestra and the Orchestra of Welsh National Opera. She also features on recordings, most recently on Greek composer Elena Pavlea’s The Shape of Freedom.
Teacher of Clarinet and Saxophone, Mr Neville Graham
Mr Graham studied at the Royal Acaedmy of Music and then won a scholarship to study with Professor Hans Deinzer in Hannover, Germany. He has been Principal Clarinet of the Irish Chamber Orchestra and has worked with all the major London orchestras. Most recently he has toured Europe with the Birmingham Royal Ballet.
WOODWIND & BRASS
Teacher of Bassoon, Mrs Catherine Gunnett
Mrs Gunnett obtained her BMus (Hons) at Royal Holloway College studying for her LTCL in Bassoon with Vernon Elliott at Trinity College London. Following completion of her PGCE, Mrs Gunnett has taught in Essex schools in a variety of roles ever since: class teacher; music specialist; woodwind and bassoon tutor. She is also a tutor with Essex Youth Ensembles. In her spare time, Mrs Gunnett loves playing for orchestras in concerts across Essex and performing in a wind quintet with friends.
Teacher of Brass, Mr Ola Olsson
Mr Olsson studied the trumpet at the sought-after Malmö Academy of Music, Sweden. Alongside performance studies, Mr Olsson earned a Masters of Education. As well as trumpet, Mr Olsson studied baroque trumpet, trombone, French horn and tuba, and is now frequently booked as a session musician. Mr Olsson enjoys passing his passion for music on through teaching; he has worked as a brass teacher for 20 years, in schools as well as privately.
Teacher of Flute, Mrs Jessie Tabor
Mrs Tabor is a classically trained flautist who works locally as a freelance performer (doubling woodwind), musical director and private tutor (woodwind and piano). Educated at Royal Holloway College, London University, Mrs Tabor has been teaching at New Hall since September 2021.
PERCUSSION
Teacher of Drums, Mr Andy Frost
Mr Frost is a professional drummer and beatboxer. Beatboxing has taken him around the world with acapella groups The Magnets & We3, with his unique style of drum kit sounds. Mr Frost studied drums at Drum Tech College and is principal drummer for Paul da Vinci (the Rubettes). He has played for numerous bands and runs Samba & Beatboxing workshops for a number of schools.
Teacher of Percussion and Drums, Mrs Kiyomi Seed
Mrs Seed is an accomplished orchestral and solo percussionist, with a Masters from the Juilliard School in Music Performance. She has performed internationally in USA, Germany, Switzerland, Japan and Malaysia. Mrs Seed performs and tours in the UK as a freelance percussionist and timpanist working with orchestras such as the Philharmonia, Orchestra of Opera North, Royal Philharmonic, Welsh National Opera, and Royal Opera House Orchestra.
Teacher of Drums, Mr Marc Wotherspoon
Mr Wotherspoon is a musician and tutor with an extensive music journey across genres and continents, including a Berklee College of Music scholarship at 16 and a BA (Hons) Jazz Studies from Leeds College of Music. A sought-after session artist, Mr Wotherspoon leads Programmed2Function, and conducts captivating Samba and African drumming workshops.
KEYBOARD
Teacher of Piano, Mr Sam Edwards
Mr Edwards graduated with a First in Jazz and Contemporary Music from the City of Leeds College of Music. He has worked as a freelance piano and keyboard player, musical director and arranger in many areas of the music business. Mr Edwards has been teaching Jazz Piano, Piano and Theory of Music at New Hall since 2002 and conducts the School’s Jazz Initiative.
Teacher of Piano and Organ, Miss Sarah Stonehouse
Miss Stonehouse studied at the London College of Music. Previous organist appointments have included St Thomas of Canterbury Brentwood and St Giles Cripplegate. Miss Stonehouse has accompanied Choral Evensong at Brentwood, Ely, Rochester, Peterborough and Southwark Cathedrals. Miss Stonehouse coordinates and accompanies external music examinations.
Teacher of Piano, Mr Christopher Weston
Mr Weston is a concert pianist, composer and educator. A graduate of Clare College, Cambridge and the Royal College of Music, he performs regularly throughout the UK and on BBC Radio. Mr Weston has taught at the University of Cambridge, The Guildhall School of Music and Drama and the Royal Academy of Dramatic Art. His original compositions appear on examination syllabuses and are published by Camden Music.
Teacher of Piano, Mr Schay Wickham
Mr Wickham studied classical piano at the Guildhall School of Music and Drama and has performed as a soloist and chamber musician across the UK and internationally , including at venues such as the Wigmore Hall, St John’s Smith Square, and the Elgar Room at the Royal Albert Hall. He has also provided musical arrangement sfor London theatre productions and owrked as a musical assistant on West End shows. Mr Wickham thoroughly enjoys teaching and brings a wealth of experience, working with students from beginninger to post-Diploma level.
SINGING
Teacher of Singing, Miss Samantha Hay
Miss Hay is a professional Opera Singer. She trained at the Birmingham Conservatoire and Royal College of Music. Known for the specialist role of Queen of the Night from The Magic Flute, Miss Hay has performed roles for Opera North, Welsh National Opera, English Touring Opera to name a few. Miss Hay is part of duo OperaBeatz! with husband, and Teacher of Drums, Mr Frost.
Teacher of Singing and Piano, Mr Angus McPhee
Mr McPhee was educated at St George’s School, Windsor Castle, where he was Head Chorister, before attending Oakham School as a music scholar. After being awarded choral scholarships at York Minster and King’s College London, where he completed his BMus, Mr McPhee studied for his MA at The Royal Academy of Music. A busy career as a baritone ensued in which he taught at Bedford School and Bedford Girls’ School, and was fortunate enough to perform across the world. He sings professionally with Tenebrae and the choirs of Westminster Cathedral, Westminster Abbey, St Paul’s Cathedral and the Royal Hospital Chelsea.
Teacher of Singing and Saxophone, Mr Harry Thatcher
Mr Thatcher achieved a Masters and Artistic Diploma from the Royal College of Music and has taught singing and saxophone since. Mr Thatcher also has a performing career as an opera singer, singing solo operatic roles with some of the leading opera companies in the UK.
Teacher of Singing and Musical Theatre, Mrs Natalie Wilkinson
Mrs Wilkinson trained at The Italia Conti Academy of Theatre Arts. She has been teaching Musical Theatre and Singing for 15 years; the most recent 12 of those being here at New Hall. She is an energetic and encouraging teacher and enjoys sharing her passion for the arts with her students.
VMT termly teaching rates from September 2025. Please note fees are liable to change.
Visiting Music Teachers Instrument
Miss E Barlow Oboe
Mr Z Barrett
Clarinet/Saxophone
Miss K Bennett Flute
Mr D Burrowes
Mr A Corby
Cello
Drums/Electric Guitar/ Bass Guitar
Mr S Edwards Piano
Mr A Frost Drums
Mr N Graham
Mrs C Gunnett
Clarinet/Saxophone
Bassoon
Miss S Hay Singing
Dr M Kostka Violin
Mr A McPhee
Singing/Piano
Mr D Moore Violin/Viola
Mr O Olsson Brass
Miss E Penfold Violin
Mr M Plackett
Mrs K Seed
Dr R Shipard
Miss S Stonehouse
Mr A Storey
Mrs J Tabor
Mr H Thatcher
Mr C Weston
Mr S Wickham
Classical Guitar
Percussion/Drums
Piano/Organ
Piano/Organ
Double Bass/Bass Guitar
Flute
Singing
Piano
Piano
Mrs N Wilkinson Singing
Mr M Wotherspoon Drums
Price per term
£245.00
£225.00
£250.00
£260.00
£270.00
£225.00
£250.00
£275.00
£250.00
£250.00
£250.00
£250.00
£280.00
£230.00
£230.00
£240.00
£220.00
£240.00
£220.00
£240.00
£200.00
£250.00
£262.50
£250.00
£220.00
£240.00
