Mr Richard Saxel has been Director of Music since September 2019, but has taught Music at Cranleigh since 2001, previously as Head of Performance. He combines teaching at Cranleigh School with a successful career as an international concert pianist, and has performed, recorded and broadcast around the world to critical acclaim, and with a wide variety of musicians. He studied Music with History of Art at the University of York and Piano Accompaniment at the Royal Academy of Music, which awarded him Associateship in recognition of his significant contribution to the music profession.
Mr Saxel teaches the A level syllabus, composition to lower year groups, oversees all aspects of Performance, and enjoys working with young musicians at the Prep School. He also teaches the EPQ and is a tutor in Rhodes House, having many years’ experience of being a tutor in girls’ boarding houses. Mr Saxel is married to Dr Saxel (Deputy Head, Pastoral) and they have two daughters, and a menagerie of animals at home. When he has time, he is a keen golfer who aspires to playing off a single-figure handicap.
