Diane Atkinson

Photograph of DISAX playing baritone in Cheltenham

More information…

Diane Atkinson C.T.ABRSM. Cert.HE.Prim Mus Ed. Dip Ed (Mus)

Born in Cheltenham I attended a local primary school where I was inspired to play Bassoon by a visit from what was then the Gloucestershire Music Service. During my teenage years I was taught by one of Gloucestershire's most prominent jazz musicians and switched to Tenor Saxophone. Playing in the Gloucestershire Youth Jazz Orchestra (GYJO) gave me a taste for performing and provided some of the closest friends I have.

It was whilst working for a Cheltenham Public Relations firm, where I gained Business Administration qualifications, that I realised I should be pursuing music as a full time career and so left to study Music Education at Birmingham University.

I have taught privately since 1998 and for Gloucestershire Music since 2000 where I was part of the Woodwind, Curriculum Support and Wider Opportunities teams. Still performing regularly, I am one half of Ain't Misbehavin' Jazz Duo offering tenor and baritone sax, flute and vocals; I play Baritone Sax for THE AJL SWING BAND. In 2006/7 I was the musical Director of Cheltenham based METZ Big Band and now hold the Baritone chair for Crescendo Big Band. Where I occasionally sing as well.

Always interested in new projects and ideas I work with and play for a variety of other groups, I have dabbled in theatre work, circus skills, investigated opening a jazz club in Cheltenham and similar in Gloucester Docks. Every couple of years I return to juggling, I still can’t do it, but the challenge is fun.

What can I say that won’t be covered properly on the other pages? I am both a performer and work in music education because I enjoy them both!

Does it make me a Jack of all trades? Possibly

Do the two inform each other? Undoubtedly. The variety of life, emotion and variety of communications encountered within education are limitless and these definitely inform my playing. Likewise, performing regularly means I can teach practical musicianship. My aim is to inspire as well as to instruct.

I am currently working on reproducing some of the teaching resources I have successfully used. To inspire creative learning and performing, the teaching needs to be varied and creative! There will be a book available with templates for the most useful, plus some physical tools of my trade!

Most of my career to date was within Gloucestershire Music where I held several roles including instrumental tutor, classroom provision, workshop leader and subject support (for staff). I have also been staff on various summer jazz courses, run day workshops for children and adults. Having recently become freelance I am available to book directly.

Please e-mail or ‘phone.