About
Richard Kennedy
ARCM (Teach) / DipRCM (Perf)
Sevenoaks Music is Richard Kennedy, a full-time member of the Royal Opera House Orchestra, former ABRSM examiner and experienced music teacher.
I am a professional performer and experienced music teacher dedicated to helping students of all ages and abilities discover the joy of music and achieve their full potential.
My professional journey began at the Royal College of Music, where I was joint first study in French horn and piano. After graduating, I taught at Hampton School and Lady Eleanor Holles School before going on to establish a thriving private teaching practice in London. Over my 30+ years as a music teacher, I’ve worked with around 150 students, from beginners to professional musicians, some of whom now hold jobs with orchestras like the Royal Philharmonic Orchestra and Sydney Symphony Orchestra.
My 15 years as a grading and Diploma ABRSM examiner allows me to guide students with precision and efficiency, ensuring they not only pass their exams but excel.
I have experience in a wide range of educational projects, such as mentoring for the Royal Opera House Overture Scheme, autism projects and coaching brass sections for youth orchestras, such as London Schools Symphony Orchestra, Ealing Youth Orchestra, and the National Youth Orchestra. I've also given a mixture of horn classes, audition coaching, final recitals and competition adjudication at GSMD, Trinity Laban, RCM, South Bank Sinfonia.
Alongside my teaching, I’ve been fortunate enough to enjoy a successful performing career. I began as Principal Horn with English Touring Opera in the early 1990s before joining the Royal Opera House Orchestra in 2000, where I remain a full-time member. In addition I've worked with most of the UK symphony orchestras, as well as in TV, film and radio. This dual role as a performer and teacher enables me to offer my students practical insights, equipping them with the skills and confidence to thrive in any musical setting.
Now settled in Sevenoaks, Kent with my wife, Claire, and our little Cocker Spaniel, Josie, I am excited to share my expertise with the local community and look forward to welcoming new students.
I am a professional performer and experienced music teacher dedicated to helping students of all ages and abilities discover the joy of music and achieve their full potential.
Over my 30+ years as a music teacher, I’ve worked with around 150 students, from beginners to professional musicians, some of whom now hold jobs with orchestras like the Royal Philharmonic Orchestra and Sydney Symphony Orchestra.
My 15 years as a grading and Diploma ABRSM examiner allows me to guide students with precision and efficiency, ensuring they not only pass their exams but excel.
Alongside my teaching, I’ve been fortunate enough to enjoy a successful performing career. I began as Principal Horn with English Touring Opera in the early 1990s before joining the Royal Opera House Orchestra in 2000, where I remain a full-time member. In addition I've worked in most of the UK symphony orchestras, as well as in TV, film and radio.
This dual role as a performer and teacher enables me to offer my students practical insights, equipping them with the skills and confidence to thrive in any musical setting.
Lessons
Music lessons, performance, exam, or audition coaching
Teaching practice located in Sevenoaks, Kent. Free 30 minute consultation.
French horn lessons
£90 1 hour £55 30 mins
With 35 years as a full-time performer, 30 years of teaching experience, and 15 years as an ABRSM examiner, I bring a wealth of knowledge to my lessons. Each session is tailored to the student's needs, which we will discuss in an initial consultation. I welcome players of all levels, from beginners to professionals.
French horn lessons
£90 1 hour £55 30 mins
With 35 years as a full-time performer, 30 years of teaching experience, and 15 years as an ABRSM examiner, I bring a wealth of knowledge to my lessons. Each session is tailored to the student's needs, which we will discuss in an initial consultation. I welcome players of all levels, from beginners to professionals.
French horn lessons
£90 1 hour £55 30 mins
With 35 years as a full-time performer, 30 years of teaching experience, and 15 years as an ABRSM examiner, I bring a wealth of knowledge to my lessons. Each session is tailored to the student's needs, which we will discuss in an initial consultation. I welcome players of all levels, from beginners to professionals.
French horn lessons
£90 1 hour £55 30 mins
With 35 years as a full-time performer, 30 years of teaching experience, and 15 years as an ABRSM examiner, I bring a wealth of knowledge to my lessons. Each session is tailored to the student's needs, which we will discuss in an initial consultation. I welcome players of all levels, from beginners to professionals.
Piano lessons
£70 1 hour £45 30 mins
I offer piano lessons for students from beginners to Diploma level. As a former ABRSM examiner, I understand how to guide students efficiently through the process while ensuring they enjoy making music. Lessons are customized to the student and take place on a Yamaha C3 grand piano.
Piano lessons
£70 1 hour £45 30 mins
I offer piano lessons for students from beginners to Diploma level. As a former ABRSM examiner, I understand how to guide students efficiently through the process while ensuring they enjoy making music. Lessons are customized to the student and take place on a Yamaha C3 grand piano.
Piano lessons
£70 1 hour £45 30 mins
I offer piano lessons for students from beginners to Diploma level. As a former ABRSM examiner, I understand how to guide students efficiently through the process while ensuring they enjoy making music. Lessons are customized to the student and take place on a Yamaha C3 grand piano.
Piano lessons
£70 1 hour £45 30 mins
I offer piano lessons for students from beginners to Diploma level. As a former ABRSM examiner, I understand how to guide students efficiently through the process while ensuring they enjoy making music. Lessons are customized to the student and take place on a Yamaha C3 grand piano.
Music theory
£70 1 hour £45 30 mins
I teach music theory up to ABRSM Grade 5, the prerequisite for continuing with practical exams at Grades 6–8. My approach is structured and efficient, focusing on identifying knowledge gaps and progressing quickly to exam-level papers. The aim is to help students complete their theory requirements in the shortest possible time.
Music theory
£70 1 hour £45 30 mins
I teach music theory up to ABRSM Grade 5, the prerequisite for continuing with practical exams at Grades 6–8. My approach is structured and efficient, focusing on identifying knowledge gaps and progressing quickly to exam-level papers. The aim is to help students complete their theory requirements in the shortest possible time.
Music theory
£70 1 hour £45 30 mins
I teach music theory up to ABRSM Grade 5, the prerequisite for continuing with practical exams at Grades 6–8. My approach is structured and efficient, focusing on identifying knowledge gaps and progressing quickly to exam-level papers. The aim is to help students complete their theory requirements in the shortest possible time.
Music theory
£70 1 hour £45 30 mins
I teach music theory up to ABRSM Grade 5, the prerequisite for continuing with practical exams at Grades 6–8. My approach is structured and efficient, focusing on identifying knowledge gaps and progressing quickly to exam-level papers. The aim is to help students complete their theory requirements in the shortest possible time.
Coaching
£150 90 mins £100 1 hour
I offer short-term, intensive coaching to help students manage performance anxiety for scholarship and orchestral auditions, exams etc… I am uniquely placed to understand the challenges and provide targeted strategies to build confidence. My approach combines physical and psychological techniques. Sessions are designed to deliver results quickly.
Coaching
£150 90 mins £100 1 hour
I offer short-term, intensive coaching to help students manage performance anxiety for scholarship and orchestral auditions, exams etc… I am uniquely placed to understand the challenges and provide targeted strategies to build confidence. My approach combines physical and psychological techniques. Sessions are designed to deliver results quickly.
Coaching
£150 90 mins £100 1 hour
I offer short-term, intensive coaching to help students manage performance anxiety for scholarship and orchestral auditions, exams etc… I am uniquely placed to understand the challenges and provide targeted strategies to build confidence. My approach combines physical and psychological techniques. Sessions are designed to deliver results quickly.
Coaching
£150 90 mins £100 1 hour
I offer short-term, intensive coaching to help students manage performance anxiety for scholarship and orchestral auditions, exams etc… I am uniquely placed to understand the challenges and provide targeted strategies to build confidence. My approach combines physical and psychological techniques. Sessions are designed to deliver results quickly.
Testimonials
Arran Hutchinson
University Student
"For the two years I was lucky enough to have Richard as my music tutor, I found him to be extremely helpful and knowledgeable when it came to preparing me for the challenges of my Grade 8 piano examination. His patience and perseverance enabled me to obtain my final grade with confidence, which I now view as a major achievement. Any future students will be lucky to have him as a tutor."
"For the two years I was lucky enough to have Richard as my music tutor, I found him to be extremely helpful and knowledgeable when it came to preparing me for the challenges of my Grade 8 piano examination. His patience and perseverance enabled me to obtain my final grade with confidence, which I now view as a major achievement. Any future students will be lucky to have him as a tutor."
Finlay Bain
4th Horn Royal Philharmonic Orchestra
“Richard was my teacher during my formative years, between the ages of 12 and 18 years old. I still think of these years as some of the most important in my development as a horn player, and I could not have reached the stage I am at now in my professional career as a musician without his tutelage. During our time together as teacher and student, Richard helped me to reach goals as a teenager, including winning a place in the National Youth Orchestra of Great Britain and also reaching the televised Brass final of the BBC Young Musician of the Year competition in 2010. He has a vast knowledge of the French horn and teaches with enthusiasm and skill - this knowledge is invaluable for anybody looking to improve their horn playing. I would happily recommend Richard as a teacher for anybody of any ability or age.”
“Richard was my teacher during my formative years, between the ages of 12 and 18 years old. I still think of these years as some of the most important in my development as a horn player, and I could not have reached the stage I am at now in my professional career as a musician without his tutelage. During our time together as teacher and student, Richard helped me to reach goals as a teenager, including winning a place in the National Youth Orchestra of Great Britain and also reaching the televised Brass final of the BBC Young Musician of the Year competition in 2010. He has a vast knowledge of the French horn and teaches with enthusiasm and skill - this knowledge is invaluable for anybody looking to improve their horn playing. I would happily recommend Richard as a teacher for anybody of any ability or age.”
Georgie Spray
PHD Student & ROH Mentee
“Richard is an inspirational horn teacher. As well as an exceptional horn player and pianist, his caring nature means he can see beyond the music and has really helped my personal growth as well as significantly improving my horn playing technique. I am honoured to have been taught by Richard.”
“Richard is an inspirational horn teacher. As well as an exceptional horn player and pianist, his caring nature means he can see beyond the music and has really helped my personal growth as well as significantly improving my horn playing technique. I am honoured to have been taught by Richard.”
Henry Ward
Guildhall School of Music and Drama
"I studied with Richard Kennedy for 9 years, from age 9 to 18 when I left to go to the Guildhall School of Music and Drama. Richard started me off on the horn, taking a focused and detailed approach to developing my embouchure, allowing me to continually develop with a reliable foundation. Richard led me all the way through my ABRSM grade exams including my diploma. We were able to do mock exams in lessons, which sound terribly dry, but when you are able to have a mock exam with a real associated board examiner, that is invaluable. His fabulous piano playing allowed me to play all repertoire with convincing accompaniments, which makes a huge difference to your enjoyment of playing an instrument. As I pursue my studies, and develop my professional portfolio, I am so grateful for Richard's 8 years of teaching."
"I studied with Richard Kennedy for 9 years, from age 9 to 18 when I left to go to the Guildhall School of Music and Drama. Richard started me off on the horn, taking a focused and detailed approach to developing my embouchure, allowing me to continually develop with a reliable foundation. Richard led me all the way through my ABRSM grade exams including my diploma. We were able to do mock exams in lessons, which sound terribly dry, but when you are able to have a mock exam with a real associated board examiner, that is invaluable. His fabulous piano playing allowed me to play all repertoire with convincing accompaniments, which makes a huge difference to your enjoyment of playing an instrument. As I pursue my studies, and develop my professional portfolio, I am so grateful for Richard's 8 years of teaching."
Josh Laye-Sion
Royal College Music Junior Department
“Richard has been a fantastic teacher. He helped me refine my basic technique, to become a better player overall, and be more confident when playing the horn in my orchestra. He taught me a lot about the french horn as an instrument, which in turn, helped all aspects of my playing. I can’t recommend him enough.”
“Richard has been a fantastic teacher. He helped me refine my basic technique, to become a better player overall, and be more confident when playing the horn in my orchestra. He taught me a lot about the french horn as an instrument, which in turn, helped all aspects of my playing. I can’t recommend him enough.”
Flora Bain
Professional Horn Player
“Richard was my teacher from when I was 11 years old to when I went to music college and I still go back for lessons with him, even now as a professional horn player. He has always been a very supportive, inspiring and fun teacher. Richard has a wealth of playing and teaching experience and I’ve learnt so much from him over the years. He is also a skilled pianist and having lessons where I could play pieces through with accompaniment was extremely useful! I would highly recommend Richard as a teacher; l definitely wouldn’t be a professional now if it wasn't for him.”
“Richard was my teacher from when I was 11 years old to when I went to music college and I still go back for lessons with him, even now as a professional horn player. He has always been a very supportive, inspiring and fun teacher. Richard has a wealth of playing and teaching experience and I’ve learnt so much from him over the years. He is also a skilled pianist and having lessons where I could play pieces through with accompaniment was extremely useful! I would highly recommend Richard as a teacher; l definitely wouldn’t be a professional now if it wasn't for him.”
Hannah Spry
Royal College Music
“I had lessons with Richard from age 9-18. He was a brilliant teacher who supported me both musically and technically and taught me until I started studying at Royal College of Music. He is very encouraging and puts the needs of the student first. I highly recommend him as a teacher.”
“I had lessons with Richard from age 9-18. He was a brilliant teacher who supported me both musically and technically and taught me until I started studying at Royal College of Music. He is very encouraging and puts the needs of the student first. I highly recommend him as a teacher.”
Maddie Studholme
Secondary School Teacher
“Richard was the best music teacher I have ever had. His attention to detail helped improve my technique and quality of sound so much. He was encouraging and made excellent music recommendations. I went from a pass in grade 7 before he was my teacher to distinction in grade 8 after and still enjoy playing weekly now.”
“Richard was the best music teacher I have ever had. His attention to detail helped improve my technique and quality of sound so much. He was encouraging and made excellent music recommendations. I went from a pass in grade 7 before he was my teacher to distinction in grade 8 after and still enjoy playing weekly now.”
Kian Parsapour
Medical Student
Richard’s teaching has been foundational for my music education. His guidance on French Horn technique and musicality led to my achievement of distinctions in ABRSM grade 7 and 8, as well as completion of the DipABRSM. Later, his mentoring for my performance of Strauss Horn Concerto I with orchestra, and advice on conducting and ensemble leadership for my position as conductor of Imperial College School of Medicine Orchestra was invaluable. On a personal level, I am so glad to have had Richard as my teacher - he is an enthusiastic, charismatic and kind mentor who never fails to make his lessons engaging. I highly recommend his teaching.
Richard’s teaching has been foundational for my music education. His guidance on French Horn technique and musicality led to my achievement of distinctions in ABRSM grade 7 and 8, as well as completion of the DipABRSM. Later, his mentoring for my performance of Strauss Horn Concerto I with orchestra, and advice on conducting and ensemble leadership for my position as conductor of Imperial College School of Medicine Orchestra was invaluable. On a personal level, I am so glad to have had Richard as my teacher - he is an enthusiastic, charismatic and kind mentor who never fails to make his lessons engaging. I highly recommend his teaching.
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© 2025 Sevenoaks Music. All rights reserved.
© 2025 Sevenoaks Music. All rights reserved.
