I teach the violin and viola to anyone who wants to learn, for whatever reason: from beginners to advanced, from 6-year olds to adults.
For me, the most important thing is the enjoyment of making music.
I enjoy playing different genres of music myself, and so will happily tailor a course of study to a student's specific musical interests - whether they're classical, folk, jazz or pop - whilst giving them a thorough grounding in violin technique.
I have proven success with taking students through practical music exams, but am not dogmatic about them. I also teach Music Theory and Practical Musicianship.
I enjoy playing different genres of music myself, and so will happily tailor a course of study to a student's specific musical interests - whether they're classical, folk, jazz or pop - whilst giving them a thorough grounding in violin technique.
I have proven success with taking students through practical music exams, but am not dogmatic about them. I also teach Music Theory and Practical Musicianship.
Toby seems to have a natural rapport and ability to relate things to her level and youth whilst at the same time being 'teacherly' and adhering to the musical requirements so that she learns properly. He also has a nice sense of humour.
Esther, parent
Esther, parent
Practice: a personal perspective
When I first picked up the violin aged 8, it was just something to do; and when the going got tough, I got disenchanted. The sticking point was practice, and I remember hating having to do it so much that I broke my (relatively cheap!) violin in two on the floor in protest.... It took a fresh and inspiring approach in my early teens for me to see the point of practice, when my amazing new teacher Lynn threw Bartók's 44 Duos for Two Violins at me: they were a revelation. They won't do it for everyone: but the point is that practice is fun when you are motivated to do it. For some, this will be an exam or an audition; for others, because they just can't stop playing Harry Potter... Finding this motivation can be tricky but is essential if you are going to make progress and become the next Nicola Benedetti!
When I first picked up the violin aged 8, it was just something to do; and when the going got tough, I got disenchanted. The sticking point was practice, and I remember hating having to do it so much that I broke my (relatively cheap!) violin in two on the floor in protest.... It took a fresh and inspiring approach in my early teens for me to see the point of practice, when my amazing new teacher Lynn threw Bartók's 44 Duos for Two Violins at me: they were a revelation. They won't do it for everyone: but the point is that practice is fun when you are motivated to do it. For some, this will be an exam or an audition; for others, because they just can't stop playing Harry Potter... Finding this motivation can be tricky but is essential if you are going to make progress and become the next Nicola Benedetti!