Meet our Tutors
Meet our Tutors
At De Rosa Music Saffron Walden, we believe that great music education starts with great teachers. Our team of passionate, experienced and DBS-checked tutors are here to guide students of all ages and abilities — whether you're picking up an instrument for the first time, working towards your grades, or simply looking for a creative outlet you'll love.
We're proud to offer a warm, welcoming and fun learning environment where students can grow in confidence, discover their musical voice, and perform at our regular student shows. Whatever your goal, there's a tutor here who's the perfect fit for you.
Our Tutors
Casey Dawkins
Guitar · Saxophone · Vocals
At the heart of De Rosa Music Saffron Walden, Casey is a well-seasoned musician, guitar expert and business owner. Starting guitar and saxophone from a young age, Casey grew up playing in bands and entertaining his family. From DJ-ing around the pools in Ibiza to gigging locally in Essex, Casey has an impressive history of live performance and real industry experience — including founding his own record label in the mid 2010s. After working his way up at De Rosa Music Bishops Stortford, Casey opened his own shop and school here in Saffron Walden in 2024. You'll find him teaching, helping you fall in love with your next instrument, and creating an exciting atmosphere for everyone who walks through the door.
Claudia Raddon
Piano · Guitar · Vocals · Songwriting
Hailing from Saffron Walden, Claudia holds a First Class degree from the Academy of Contemporary Music and has toured the UK with artists such as The Hoosiers and Skinny Lister, making her major festival debut at Latitude Festival. With 10+ years of real music industry experience, she is passionate about instilling confidence and positivity in her students, tailoring every lesson to the individual. "I strive to be the teacher I wish I'd had when I was younger. I just want people to be excited about music."
Lara Pollard
Vocals · Piano · Harp
Lara is a seasoned vocal coach, pianist and harpist who has performed at weddings and events, toured the world as lead singer on P&O and Thompson cruise ships, and taught singing and piano at the Metropolitan School of Music in India. In 2020, she was a Top 40 contestant on The Voice UK with Sir Tom Jones as her coach. Closer to home, she leads the popular Somewhere2Sing choir in Saffron Walden and her own Youth Choir, LP Chorus Collective. Lara creates a safe, expressive space for students to grow — whether they're chasing grades, relaxation, or stardom.
Suzanne Reeves
Violin
Suzanne's remarkable career spans the Junior Department of the Royal Academy of Music, the Guildhall School of Music, professional orchestras in Paris, Head of Music at the International School of Paris, and 15 years teaching violin in Taiwan. Back in the UK, she brings a unique global perspective to her teaching, connecting with pupils of all ages and skill levels. She believes in striving for excellence while keeping the joy of learning alive.
Dale Guyton
Drums · Guitar · Bass · Steel Pans
Dale is a multi-instrumentalist with a professional musicianship degree and a performance history spanning festivals and shows across the UK. He first started teaching Steel Pans at just 15, and has since worked extensively with SEN students in schools, served as Music Director for the charity Harlow Rock School, and helped set up Rock the Park — giving young performers real stage experience. Dale offers an inspiring, fun and rewarding environment for students of all ages and abilities.
Matt Hinton
Drums
Matt grew up with a classical music background — excelling on Piano, Flute, Organ and Vocals — before drumming became his passion. Having rediscovered his love for drums in his 40s, he has played with several bands, released two EPs and an album. Matt brings his background as a Professional Coach into his lessons, making them fun and enjoyable. He also coaches a student band here at De Rosa Music alongside his one-to-one drum tuition.
Richard Hinnitt
Piano · Organ
Richard has been playing Organ and Piano for over 20 years across churches around the country, and is currently Organist and Choirmaster at St Andrew's Church, Girton. A graduate of York University in Electronic Engineering and Music Technology Systems, Richard teaches Piano to students of all ages and abilities across classical, pop and jazz styles.
Charlie Slater
Guitar
Charlie grew up surrounded by professional musicians and picked up the guitar at 15 — and never put it down. He has spent his youth playing open mic nights, gigging and mastering his craft. Specialising in Flamenco, Bluegrass, Country and Fingerstyle Guitar, Charlie is an incredibly versatile tutor who teaches students of all ages and abilities across all genres. He has been a full-time tutor at De Rosa Music Saffron Walden since 2024.
Hannah Mizon
Piano · Guitar · Vocals
Hannah is a skilled pianist, guitarist, vocalist and performer who has been performing from a young age at local venues, festivals and in musical theatre productions. She began Piano and Vocal lessons at age five, working through exams in each, and is thrilled to share that same joy and skill with her students.
Olga Bashlaeva
Rosie James
Clare Swainsbury
Kelsey Crowley
Zac Moore
Why Learn with Us?
- ✅ DBS-checked tutors — all of our teachers are fully vetted for your peace of mind
- 🎵 All ages & abilities welcome — from complete beginners to advanced students
- 🎤 Student shows — regular performance opportunities to build confidence on stage
- 😊 Fun, supportive environment — lessons tailored to you, not a one-size-fits-all approach
- 📍 Based in Saffron Walden — your local music school, right in the heart of the community
Ready to get started? Get in touch and we'll help match you with the perfect tutor.
Casey Dawkins
Saxophone | Vocals | Guitar | Production
Charlie Slater
Guitar | Bass
Clare Swainsbury
Piano
Claudia Raddon
Vocals | Piano | Guitar | Ukulele
Dale Guyton
Bass | Drums
Hannah Mizon
Piano | Guitar | Vocals
Kelsey Crowley
Piano | Vocals
Lara Pollard
Vocals | Piano | Harp
Matt Hinton
Drums
Olga Bashlaeva
Piano
Richard Hinnitt
Piano
Rosie James
Vocals
Suzanne Reeves
Piano | Violin
Zac Moore
Guitar | Piano | Ukulele