Anna Brooks is a saxophonist, arranger and educator with a passion for funk, jazz and improvisation. A former member of Brooklyn Funk Essentials and a member of Jools Holland’s Rhythm & Blues Orchestra, she brings extensive international touring and recording experience to her teaching. She has shared the stage with many artists inluding Joss Stone, Gregory Porter, Raye and many more, and her recording credits include Incognito, Brooklyn Funk Essentials, Rod Stewart and Jools Holland.

A First-Class Honours graduate of the Royal Birmingham Conservatoire, Anna now teaches saxophone and improvisation there, alongside leading jazz, funk and pop workshops across the UK. Her practical, encouraging approach demystifies improvisation, helping players develop rhythmic confidence, shape expressive phrases and find their own musical voice.

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Iwan VanHetten is a trumpeter, multi-instrumentalist and educator with deep roots in funk, jazz and pop. A former member of Brooklyn Funk Essentials, he spent more than twenty years with the band as trumpeter, keyboardist, musical director, songwriter and producer. He also spent several years playing trumpet in Candy Dulfer’s band, giving him first-hand experience at the heart of two internationally renowned funk acts. His career includes fifteen years as musical director with Sister Sledge, work with The Pointer Sisters and Jools Holland, and TRIONIQ, his collaboration with musicians from Jamiroquai and Incognito.

With twenty-five years of university teaching experience and teaching roles at the Royal Birmingham and Leeds Conservatoires, Iwan combines his experience on stage with a practical, approachable teaching style. As both a trumpeter and keyboardist, he helps wind players understand how to connect with the rhythm section, build a compelling solo and make every phrase groove. His focus is on giving you the tools and confidence to move beyond playing the notes and express your own musical ideas.