Peter Wareham
About
Mercury Prize–nominated Saxophonist & Goldsmiths Lecturer — Improvisation, Composition, Songwriting & Artist Development
I am an internationally recognised saxophonist, composer and educator, and a Lecturer in Popular Music at Goldsmiths, University of London. I am also a former Programme Leader for a BA degree in Creative Musicianship, where I led curriculum design, assessment and the artistic development of large cohorts of emerging musicians.
I have developed a DAW-based approach to music theory that makes harmonic, melodic and structural understanding practical, fun, intuitive and immediately usable, particularly for producers, DJs and songwriters who do not come from a traditional notation-based background. Through teaching Composition and Advanced Composition at institutions including Point Blank Music School and BIMM London, I have refined a method that allows artists working in dance, electronic, pop and alternative music to access sophisticated compositional tools without the barriers of classical or jazz pedagogy. This approach has received multiple five-star student reviews and is regularly used in workshops, seminars and private mentoring.
Alongside my academic work I maintain an active international career as a recording artist, composer and performer, with credits including Thom Yorke / The Smile; Nadine Shah; Shabaka Hutchings / Sons of Kemet; Polar Bear, plus my own projects Melt Yourself Down and Acoustic Ladyland with releases of my own music on Decca Records, Blue Note, Universal and The Leaf Label. I have also composed and produced music for film, commercials and television, including the BBC sitcom King Gary and various TV adverts.
I am a Paul Hamlyn Award recipient and have been nominated multiple times for the Mercury Music Prize. I have also led projects funded by Arts Council England and the PRS Foundation.
What I teach
I specialise in working with serious saxophonists, songwriters, producers and musicians who want to move beyond surface-level technique into deeper artistic and professional development. My teaching focuses on:
- Advanced saxophone technique, tone and extended techniques
- Improvisation — melodic and harmonic language
- Music theory and song structure through the DAW
- Composition and songwriting for contemporary contexts (lyrics, songform, arranging)
- Developing a clear and authentic artistic voice
- Recording, production and performance practice
- Band-leading, project development and career direction
- Preparing for conservatoire, university, postgraduate and professional careers
- Understanding how the music industry actually works
Who I work best with
My students include:
- Undergraduate, post-graduate and professional saxophonists
- Undergraduate, post-graduate and professional musicians seeking artistic direction.
- Producers, songwriters and DJs seeking music theory and structural knowledge.
- Composers, songwriters and improvisers developing a personal language
- Artists preparing for auditions, recordings or major projects
If you are looking for casual beginner lessons, I am not the right teacher.
If you are serious about your playing, writing and artistic development, I would be very happy to work with you.
Teaching Style
My teaching is clear, focused and very practical. I bring a lot of energy and curiosity into sessions, and I try to create an atmosphere where people feel comfortable exploring, making mistakes and pushing themselves creatively. Students often say that I’m good at explaining things in a way that makes complex ideas feel simple and usable.
I adapt my approach to each person I work with, whether they are focused on saxophone, songwriting, production or wider artistic development. Alongside technical skills, I put a lot of emphasis on helping people build confidence in their own musical voice and make choices that feel meaningful and true to who they are as artists.
Curriculum
Lessons are taught one-to-one via Zoom. Sessions are highly interactive and can include playing, listening, analysing tracks, working inside a DAW, looking at scores or lyrics, and discussing wider artistic and career questions, depending on what is most useful for the student.
I also provide follow-up notes or listening suggestions where helpful, so that students have clear direction between sessions.
Credentials & Affiliations
“Pete Wareham is one of the most genuinely exploratory and innovative musicians the UK has produced. A virtuoso saxophonist who stretches the limits of the instrument while keeping a punk, accessible aesthetic.”
— Shabaka Hutchings
“Pete is one of a kind. An extraordinary creator, a leader in his field, and one of the hardest-working and most innovative musicians I’ve ever worked with.”
— Rachel Holmberg, Senior Head of A&R, Decca Records
“Pete Wareham is one of the most unique and inspiring musicians anywhere in the world. His emotional authenticity and originality make him a standout artist.”
— Sebastian Rochford (Polar Bear, Patti Smith, Damon Albarn)
“Peter is very knowledgeable and passionate about music, which makes the subject interesting. He explains things clearly and is always open to questions.”
— Point Blank student (Advanced Composition, 2025)
“Pete played a major role in my own journey as a musician. His creative drive and unique voice as a saxophonist and composer are extraordinary.”
— Ruth Goller (Skylla, Rokia Traore, Paul McCartney)