Neil Pardoe

Bio Neil has been our Vice Principal since 2019, and has been teaching for DaCapo for over 25 years. He works closely with our Principal, Jane Cutler, on our staff training programmes which include our traineeship programme for new teachers, ongoing in- house training for our DaCapo instrumental and classroom teachers, and also external training for primary schools and music education specialists.

Neil also oversees our work in schools, and teaches DaCapo music at all primary levels from Nursery through to Year 6. At our flagship school, Wren Primary, Neil works closely with their senior management team to deliver a whole-school approach to music education, including weekly class music lessons for all year groups, a primary orchestra, primary choirs, music assemblies, termly performances for ensembles and soloists, special events and music activities. He also works closely with our admin team on communications with our parents and families.

At our Saturday Centre, Neil teaches 1:1 woodwind and piano lessons, musicianship sessions and works with our new families and youngest pupils helping them choose which instruments best suit them. He also is responsible for overseeing staff mentoring and training with both new and experienced DaCapo teachers.

Neil studied the bassoon at the Guildhall School of Music & Drama where he obtained his degree in music, and has had a varied orchestral and chamber music performing career. He has also worked as an Editor in music educational publishing for various high profile publishing houses.