Alyson Lewin’s interest in music developed through piano, violin, singing in choirs at church and at school. She was first introduced to the recorder as a sixth-former in Belfast, and quickly fell in love with it both as a solo and consort instrument. She went on to read Music at Bristol University, where she specialised in recorder and developed a wider interest in Early Music (particularly Renaissance reeds) and Baroque flute. This was followed by a PGCE year at Padgate College in Warrington, where Colin Martin was one of her tutors, and introduced her to the joys of the Northern Recorder Course. She later studied under Peter Holtslag and subsequently gained the LGSM diploma. After several years teaching music in Staffordshire schools, Alyson now works as a freelance teacher, composer and arranger. She regularly tutors on playing days and residential courses, and has tutored on courses at Horncastle College (Lincolnshire), Pendrell Hall College (Staffordshire), The Clearing Folk School at Ellison Bay, Wisconsin, and several others. She is a regular tutor at Benslow Music Trust. Other activities include performing, occasionally adjudicating, and giving talks about aspects of Early Music. She is a founder member of Arden Recorder Orchestra, and performs with Duo Saltarello. In 1992, she jointly founded and now runs Hawthorns Music. SRP Panel of Visiting Conductors June 2024 Page 11 of 19 Alyson is a Musical Adviser of the SRP, Musical Director of South Staffs. Branch, and has served on the Conductors' Panel for more years than she cares to remember! She enjoys being a Pastoral Visitor, and likes to bring a wide variety of pieces and styles to her visits.
