“I have worked with Catherine Shrubshall a number of times, but most notably when she played all the wind parts on the Shriekback album ‘Glory Bumps’ and later when she performed live with me in an improvised music event with the American poet Don Share.

These two occasions showed me what a full spectrum musician Catherine is. On ‘Glory Bumps’ she overdubbed tracked and harmonised parts with meticulous attention to detail, creating, essentially, a wind orchestra. This was a great contribution to the colour and scale of the album. On the live event she was a font of inventiveness, using her entire armoury of instruments to dazzle us with her endlessly inventive musical imagination. She was a delight to improvise with, being sensitive to the other players but confident enough to grab centre stage when necessary.

She is a personable and hilarious human, also, and a gas to have around. Give her what she wants.”

Barry Andrews ( Musician http://www.shriekback.com )

“When I started playing saxophone aged 10, I had no idea that music would play such a fundamental role in my life. Catherine took me from not being able to play a note to a grade 8 distinction during my time at school. Through weekly lessons, Catherine shared her love of jazz, funk and soul amongst a wide array of other genres and styles. Further, through ensembles held at Centre for Young Musicians, Catherine encouraged me and my fellow students to be confident and creative in a improvised ‘jam’ context. It is thanks to Catherine that I now play with a professional standard big band at University and continue to nurture the passion for music that she has instilled in me. Not only is she a brilliant saxophonist and inspiring teacher, but a great friend. I am infinitely grateful for the time I have spent with Catherine and would fully recommend her”.

Billy Huband-Thompson – Ex-Student now studying at Bristol University

“Catherine is a stunning musician – seeing and hearing her play saxophone is one of life’s great pleasures! She communicates joy, pain and excitement in the way only music can. Catherine is also blessed with the ability to share her skill with people of all ages and backgrounds through her teaching – she inspires and motivates us all. Catherine is a brilliant project manager and events’ organiser, creative and well organised, she adds a sparkle to whatever she decides to do.”

Carrie Supple – Founder of “Journey to Justice” www.journeytojustice.org.uk

“Catherine’s bubbly personality enables a relaxed and easy learning atmosphere. She has an excellent technical approach to teaching and playing. Classes are fun and interesting and never allowed to get boring while staying focused on the task at hand. As a parent it is uplifting to see my daughter elated at the end of each class. “The extented group sessions are great. They develop listening and performance skills and teaches them to play with others. The presentations at the end of these sessions are amazing!”

Dr Connie Pascal – a satisfied parent

“Catherine is a very special teacher. My son started learning saxophone with her when he was 9 years old and from the start he fell in love with the instrument and with her lessons. Almost 10 years on, my son is a confident and competent saxophonist, and has also started teaching, with Catherine’s help. Catherine always makes learning fun, but is also rigorous and demanding. She also gets her pupils improvising right from the start, which – as a classically-trained musician who always wanted to be able to improvise – I was very envious of! I have encountered many music teachers over the years and I can say without hesitation that Catherine is one of the very best. I cannot recommend her highly enough!”

Dr Laudan Nooshin - Senior Lecturer in Ethnomusicology, City University, London

“I worked with Catherine in London at “The Centre for Young Musicians” for many years, and was delighted to find she has moved back into the Tendring area, which has given us the opportunity to collaborate on musical projects locally. She is a wonderful musician with complete mastery of her instruments. Catherine makes a beautiful sound, and her playing is expressive and full of character. She is a great communicator and her enthusiasm spreads to all she works with, always ready with ideas and possessing boundless energy.”

Peter Thorne - Musician & Composer www.peterthornemusic.co.uk

“Over my decade at Howarth I have had many clients but few who are as dedicated and resourceful as Catherine. She has always shown great self-motivation and has a natural ability to instil this in her students. I have recommended Catherine to many of my other clients as a tutor and I have always received fantastic feedback. I have hired Catherine as a specialist at some of Howarth’s events with fantastic results. Her natural and easy manner mean that I can trust her with other clients knowing that she will be imparting reliable advice whilst still upholding the image of Howarth. Friendly, fun and focused with drive and enthusiasm Catherine is a person I hope to work with for many years to come.”

Stuart Middleton – Saxophone Department Manager, Howarth of London