Jason

Jason Alder is a clarinettist, saxophonist, recording engineer and researcher, specialising in bass and
contrabass clarinets and contemporary music. He works with students of all ages and abilities, from complete beginners to advanced and professional musicians, and is known for his warm, thoughtful, and adaptable approach to learning.

Jason’s teaching is rooted in connection and encouragement. His lessons are shaped around each individual, developing technique, while allowing space for curiosity, creativity, and enjoyment. He creates a supportive learning environment where students feel comfortable growing at their own pace and developing confidence in their playing.

Jason’s musical background is unusually wide-ranging. He holds a PhD from the Royal Northern College of Music, a MMus from Artez Conservatorium, and BMus degrees from Michigan State University and the Conservatorium van Amsterdam. Alongside this, he brings over 20 years’ experience in music production and recording. He also studied South Indian Karnatic rhythm in India with guru B.C. Manjunath. This breadth allows students to explore a wide range of musical styles and approaches — from classical through to jazz, improvisation, world music, electroacoustic projects, and other contemporary styles.

Alongside his private teaching practice, Jason has extensive experience working with children and young people in schools, youth orchestras, and early years settings. He currently teaches with East London School of Music and Hackney Youth Orchestra Trust, supporting young musicians through individual lessons and ensemble work.

In addition to one-to-one teaching, Jason regularly leads workshops and masterclasses for conservatoires, universities, and professional musicians, sharing his expertise with students at a wide range of stages in their musical development.

Jason also maintains an active international performing career. He regularly performs across the UK, Europe, and the USA at clarinet, woodwind, and contemporary music festivals, works closely with composers to premiere new works, and has been broadcast on BBC Radio 3 and international radio stations. His performance work spans contemporary classical music, jazz, improvisation, world music, electro-acoustic projects, and musical theatre.

For more advanced students, Jason is able to offer guidance across a wide range of specialist areas, including contemporary repertoire, extended techniques, improvisation, rhythmic studies, and the integration of technology into performance and practice.

Whether you’re a beginner just starting out, looking for a teacher for a young learner, returning to music after a break, or hoping to develop your playing at a more advanced level, Jason offers a welcoming and inspiring place to learn. If you’re interested in a particular style or area of focus, you’re very welcome to get in touch to find out more about his experience and how lessons might be shaped around your interests.