These were the 2025 tutors
Kevin Figes – Saxophone/ Flute
Kevin Figes began studying saxophone with Elton Dean and later attended the Guildhall School of Music and Drama, studying with Tim Garland. He had a notable association performing and recording with Keith Tippett. Since 2007 Figes has composed and produced many well-received recordings with his own jazz quartet. Recent work includes ‘Changing Times’ (2020) by the Kevin Figes Quartet, which received a 4* review from Dave Gelly in The Guardian, and ‘Wallpaper Music’ (2021) (with the addition of Brigitte Beraha on vocals) which was described as ‘A kaleidoscopic blizzard’ by John Fordham in his 4* review for Jazzwise.Other projects included 4 Sided Triangle (with Mike Outram), an Octet and the 15 piece big band ‘Resonation’. Figes has played at Ronnie Scott’s with Pee Wee Ellis and Fred Wesley, Bobby Shew and Denny Ilett’s Electric Lady Big Band, of which he is a member. He has also performed on the Park stage at Glastonbury with the music of Barry Gray and major festivals with This Is The Kit. His own quartet have performed nationally and broadcast live from Glastonbury Festival on Radio 3.Forthcoming work includes compositions for piano, use of experimental methods and found sounds, writing of lyrics in song form and exploring a range of genres including contemporary classical, jazz, free improvisation, folk and rock. For many years, Kevin has taught saxophone guiding students up to Grade 8 and beyond, and has tutored groups in schools across Bristol, including leading groups in the Bristol Jazz Workshops. Kevin currently teaches jazz saxophone at Bristol University.
Andy Nowak – Piano
Bristol-based Jazz pianist Andy Nowak has played with Jocelyn Brown, Pee Wee Ellis, Fred Wesley, Art Themen, Simon Spillet, Andy Clyndert, Tony Remi, Clare Teal, and Claire Martin to name a few. For 20 years, he has held jazz piano teaching positions at Wells Cathedral School and Clifton College in Bristol and has taught jazz piano helping students through the ABRSM exam system. Andy also runs JumpStartJazz, a series of jazz workshop courses based around the South West. He composes for his own jazz piano trio, ANt, who have released two albums and toured nationally.
Riaan Vosloo – Double bass
Riaan has extensive experience in multiple musical roles in many varied musical projects. Riaan was a founding member of the band Nostalgia 77, a band he continues to work with. Riaan was also co-founder of the label Impossible Ark records. He has credits on a host of albums and commercial projects working as a bass player, arranger, composer and producer. Riaan graduated from Leeds College of Music (BA) and the Royal Academy of Music (MA). He completed his doctorate at Royal at Birmingham Conservatoire. As well as continuing involvement in the music industry, Riaan is active in a wide range of teaching (including tutoring for Rapport Falmouth Jazz Summer School)and research activities, with a specialism in practice research. He is currently course leader for MA (Popular Music Practice) at BIMM Music Institute.
Liz Exell – Drums
Liz has been playing drums for over 20 years and has taught for over 15 years. Starting out in rock and roll bands and quickly becoming hypnotised by jazz, Liz studied at Trinity Laban with Dave Wickins and Gene Calderazzo. After graduating, Liz toured the UK, EU, and US, performed on numerous BBC Radio and TV broadcasts with swing, trad, nu-jazz, bebop, and modern jazz bands, as well as playing in improvisation orchestras and composing. Now Liz’s main focus is interlocking groove music with the new band Sallix. Liz currently tutors at the Royal Welsh College of Music and Drama and is a community musician and trainee music therapist.