Learning from Wycombe Abbey’s Visiting Music Teachers
30 September 2026 - Performing Arts
At Wycombe Abbey, Visiting Music Teachers bring a wealth of professional experience to their teaching, enriching pupils’ musical education with insights gained from careers at the highest level. Among them is Mr Jonathan Wood, whose life as a professional singer sits alongside a longstanding commitment to helping young musicians develop their talent, confidence and musical understanding.
Jonathan has enjoyed a distinguished career in the world of opera. A regular member of the chorus at the Royal Opera House, he has also performed with English National Opera and Welsh National Opera, as well as working as an oratorio soloist and ensemble singer with organisations including London Voices and Philharmonia Voices. He is currently appearing in Wagner’s Parsifal at the Royal Opera House.
Balancing rehearsals and performances in London with lessons at Wycombe Abbey can make for demanding days, but Jonathan believes the two roles are intrinsically linked. ‘As a professional musician, you’re always learning,’ he explains. Working alongside leading singers, conductors and directors continually exposes him to new ideas and perspectives, all of which feed directly into his teaching. ‘What I learn I pass straight on to the Abbey girls in their lessons.’
His career also demonstrates the remarkable variety that professional musicianship can offer. Alongside opera productions across Europe and Asia, he has contributed to blockbuster film soundtracks, sung backing vocals for Sam Smith and worked with Roger Waters of Pink Floyd. One memorable recording session turned out to be for a James Bond film, experiences that help pupils appreciate the many different paths a career in music can take.
While his performing career has taken him around the world, it is the impact of teaching that Jonathan speaks about most warmly. Having taught since leaving university, he continues to find great satisfaction in helping young musicians discover abilities they may not yet recognise in themselves. ‘The most rewarding part is seeing their confidence grow,’ he says. ‘Without my teacher I’d never have discovered what my voice was capable of, so it’s hugely rewarding to help my pupils find out what their voices are capable of.’
That belief in helping pupils realise their potential lies at the heart of Jonathan’s approach. Having taught in a number of schools throughout his career, he says Wycombe Abbey stood out from the moment he arrived. ‘The Abbey felt like home from the moment I had my job interview,’ he reflects. ‘I have great colleagues and pupils who are bright, friendly and keen to learn.’
Jonathan’s career is just one example of the expertise and passion found among Wycombe Abbey’s Visiting Music Teachers. Their experience spans leading orchestras, opera companies, choirs and West End productions, giving pupils the opportunity to learn from musicians who continue to work professionally alongside their teaching and bring valuable real-world insight into the classroom.
Jessica Fores
Communications and Marketing Executive
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