Mr Ian Peters 

Head of Woodwind Studies

Mr Ian Peters is the Head of Woodwind Studies in Music at the University of Southampton.

I am the Head of Woodwind Studies and, as such, am responsible for the day-to-day management of the performance course for all woodwind students. I am also the clarinet tutor, having taught here in that capacity since 1985. As Head of Woodwind, I liaise with all the other woodwind teachers and ensure that the students are happy with their lessons. I coach each of the student ensembles that are registered for our woodwind ensemble course, regularly give seminars in issues related to woodwind, and take masterclasses when students have an opportunity to play in the concert hall. I am also responsible for assessing the student recitals at the end of each course.

I have a background that encompasses all woodwinds, as my family business and background led to me undergo training as a woodwind instrument technician alongside my performance studies. I also have considerable experience as a conductor, working with many student ensembles as well as my ongoing professional commitments. My involvement with the University also led me to form the concert band in 1992, and I enjoy directing student chamber ensembles whenever the opportunity arises.

I was Principal Clarinettist with the English Festival Opera orchestra for the ten years before its closure, and have also worked on the continent with the touring company from the Vienna Opera. My freelance playing has seen me work with the B.S.O. as well as numerous other orchestras and ensembles. I have a particular interest in the wind chamber repertoire, and have played and directed several modern day premieres of forgotten pieces, many of which are now in the standard repertoire.