Meet Our Teachers
Claire Shaw
Claire is a professional musician and music teacher with a huge passion for all things music and the brain. Claire graduated from the Royal College of Music with First Class Honours in 2017 and will begin her Masters in Music and Neuroscience at Goldsmith’s, London in September 2026 with a view to study for a PhD afterwards.
As a performer, Claire has a varied and eclectic career. She has performed in countless musical theatre productions, both in London’s West End and touring across the UK, such as 9 to 5 The Musical, Anything Goes, Newsies, The Book of Mormon and Top Hat to name a few. She also performs regularly at some of London’s most prestigious jazz venues such as Ronnie Scott’s and Pizza Express Soho, and has also performed at world-renowned classical music venues such as the Royal Albert Hall as part of the BBC Proms Concert Series.
As part of her academic career, at university, Claire received a First Class qualification for her dissertation on the effectiveness of music therapy as a treatment for dementia patients, and has been fascinated by the scientific application and vast benefits of musical education and musical exposure on the brain ever since. Claire is excited to apply the knowledge and understanding she has gained from her own personal research of neuromusical literature into her own projects, and can’t wait to start sharing the benefits of music-making with as many people possible through MBS Music Service.
Instruments: Saxophone, Clarinet, Flute, Piano
Emma Westley
Emma graduated from the Royal College of Music with First Class Honours, where she was generously supported by a Robert McFadzean Whyte Scholarship. She went on to continue her studies at the Guildhall School of Music and Drama, taking part in the prestigious Orchestral Artistry Course in collaboration with the London Symphony Orchestra.
She is now a sought-after freelance musician, performing regularly with a number of leading UK ensembles, including the London Concert Orchestra and Brighton Philharmonic Orchestra. She has also enjoyed participating in competitive orchestral schemes with the London Philharmonic Orchestra, English National Opera, and Philharmonia Orchestra.
Alongside her busy performing career, Emma is a dedicated and inspiring educator. She teaches a variety of instruments at several of the country’s leading schools, including Dragon School, Papplewick School, and Notting Hill & Ealing High School for Girls. Emma is an approachable and encouraging teacher, creating a supportive environment for each student to build confidence and reach their goals. Emma really enjoys combining her performing and teaching, with each inspiring and enriching the other.
Instruments: Bassoon, Clarinet, Saxophone, Piano and Voice
Sam Every
Sam Every is a London-based arranger, conductor and multi-instrumentalist with over a decade of experience working with some of the UK's leading artists. Sam started studying at a young age at the Purcell School for Young Musicians, before continuing his studies with direct entry into 2nd year, on the prestigious jazz course at the Guildhall School of Music and Drama, where he graduated in 2020.
As a drummer, Sam has performed at venues like the Royal Albert Hall, The Roundhouse and Ronnie Scott’s Jazz Club alongside artists like Corinne-Bailey Rae, Ella Henderson, the BBC Concert Orchestra and the London Concertante Orchestra, as well as working across the West End and in multiple session settings.
Alongside his playing work, Sam is establishing himself as one of the brightest young stars on the arranging and musical direction scene. Alongside working with pop artists like Ella Henderson and ELOISE, Sam runs his own big band who have been performing across the UK for the past 8 years. The band have sold out iconic jazz venues like Ronnie Scott's Jazz Club, The Pizza Express Jazz Club and headlining at the London Jazz Festival on multiple occasions. Some of Sam’s writing has featured across BBC Radio, as well as on ITV, Channel 4, Sky TV and BT Sport.
Sam has a wealth of teaching experience across many years of working in the education sector. Sam is currently the head of Arranging and Musical Direction at the London College of Contemporary Music, and has also been privately educating students of all ages and standards for the last 6 years. Sam’s teaching style is very relaxed, with a focus on student-led development. Tailoring his sessions to suit each individual student’s personal goals and interests.
Instruments: Jazz/Pop/Contemporary Piano, Drums, Percussion, Electric Bass, Trumpet, Trombone, Tuba, Songwriting, Composition
Alexia Barbera
Alexia picked up the double bass whilst at school, age 13 and began her journey with the local youth orchestras and county orchestras which toured Europe every year. She has been extremely lucky to be taught by some wonderful teachers (Lee Marchant, Clive Brown, Thomas Millar, Richard Lewis) helping her progress.
Alexia studied at the Royal Birmingham Conservatoire which allowed her to pursue a career in the music industry. This has led to many projects with the Royal Shakespeare Company as well as being a regular on national tours and west end theatres. Although having studied a classical course, musical theatre and folk play a big part in Alexia’s life.
Career highlights include touring with The Who, Madness and Hansen. Alongside a varied performance career she has loved teaching at many schools such as Warwick School, Wolverhampton University and for local authorities.
Instruments: Double Bass, Electric Bass, Cello
Bonus: Alexia also speaks fluent French and Italian and is available to teach both of these languages too!