Tracey Abbott

Tracey teaches both privately and as a teacher for Cornwall Learning Music. Her musical interest began at a young age playing with Devon Music Service ensembles and the local brass. Following A levels Tracey studied performance and composition at, what was then called, the Huddersfield Polytechnic. She was taught by one of the most renowned trumpet and cornet teachers of his time, David James. David was an inspiring teacher who specialised in the psychology behind brass playing and working on the construction of strong, effective embouchures, working with numerous professional players who were experiencing embouchure difficulties. Whilst at Huddersfield Tracey was awarded the Wood prize for composition. Following her degree course she took a Postgraduate Certificate in Education and began work as a Primary teacher, later specialising in Special educational Needs with the ordinary school. As someone who likes to be challenged, after 20 years of primary teaching, Tracey decided to combine her passion for music and education and began teaching brass.

Tracey currently teaches approximately 330 pupils, the majority of whom are learning a brass instrument in classes of 25-35 pupils through the government’s Wider Opportunities Scheme. She enjoys equally the challenge of starting off complete beginners and working with pupils of grade 8+ standard. Tracey seeks to apply all the knowledge gained from previous teaching experiences to the teaching and learning of brass and is keen to pursue all training opportunities that will further her understanding and benefit her pupils.

As a performer Tracey has played at the highest brass band level with Camborne Town Band, competing four times at the National Brass Band Championships in the Royal Albert Hall. In recent years she has worked alongside the youth players of the Camborne Youth Band, helping them and the band to develop from a fourth section band to a first section band. Commitments to the brass band world take up a considerable amount of free time but she also relishes the opportunity to play and perform in orchestral ensembles on the trumpet.