Strings
Music Theory
Beginners
Intermediate
Advanced
Tasters
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Email Fern JoyceFern Joyce
About
I started my career as a classroom teacher but changed to teaching the violin in 2006, when I began working for both the Wiltshire and Somerset Music Services. I have entered pupils for the all the ABRSM exams up to grade 8. I run several string /mixed ensemble groups and like to encourage pupils of all abilities to perform whenever possible. Qualifications include a BA Honours degree, PGCE and Diploma ABRSM (distinction). I am currently the deputy leader of Trowbridge Symphony Orchestra and enjoy playing jazz, folk and classical music with my string quartet. I also have grade 8 on the piano.
What I / we help young people achieve
Young people enjoy playing the violin because it is both fun and challenging. Working as part of an ensemble, young musicians learn social skills (team work/commitment/reliability) as well as developing their musical skills. Music is a way of switching off from academic pressures and relaxing, but it can also be a discipline in its own right in which hard work is rewarded with the pleasure of achievement. Many of my students have been members of orchestras or chamber groups and a former student of mine gained a first class honours degree studying the violin at Leeds University.
Opportunities for children & young people
- To learn to play an instrument and / or develop skills on an instrument
- To play, perform music with others
- To learn things about oneself , other subjects or life-skills through musical activity
- To work with and support other young musicians
Times
- Term Time
- After School
Working with special needs
No specific specialism but I have taught several children with special needs ranging from dyslexia to autism and also hearing-impaired children.
Taught Instruments
- Strings
- Music Theory
Ages Taught
- 5-6
- 7-10
- 11-13
- 14-15
- 16+
Level Taught
- Beginners
- Intermediate
- Advanced
- Tasters
Qualifications, Grades & Certificates Taught
- Instrument grades
Musical Clusters Covered
- Devizes
- Warminster
- Westbury
Endorsements
Comments from pupils:
Ruby (Bratton School) – Playing the violin is like doing finger gymnastics. It’s complicated, but gets easier with practice. When I’ve been trying for a long time and then I can finally do it, it makes me feel really happy!
Oliver (Selwood School) – Playing the violin refreshes you when you’re worried.
Tracy (Westbury leigh) – I love the sound the violin makes and how it can express how you’re feeling.
Enya (Westbury leigh) – Violin is my life. I wish I could practise every second of every day but I can’t.
Rhiannon (Westbury Leigh) – When we do concerts, people clap and that makes me smile.
James (Westbury Leigh) – We had a stressful literacy test and violin helped me to relax afterwards.
Nick (Bratton) – Music is never boring – it’s interesting and difficult! It’s also inspiring.
Erin (Dilton Marsh) – Before I started playing, I loved the sound of the violin. I couldn’t believe it when I found out I had the opportunity to learn!
Mia (Dilton Marsh) – I love the tunes and learning how to play them. I love listening to ME actually playing them!
Tia (Bitham Brook) – I feel proud when I’ve achieved a difficult piece.
Be Be Su (Bitham Brook) – Playing the violin is fun and when I play I feel happy.
Elliette (Bratton)- I like learning new pieces. It’s confusing to begin with but then it becomes fun as you crack the code.
Sophie (Westbury Leigh) – I love the music that I play.
Luca (Westbury Leigh) – Quavers are my favourite type of notes because they make me feel hungry!
My Training & Development
Advanced skills and repertoire – violin lessons with Lorna Osbon -LRAM, FISM
Deputy Leader for Trowbridge Symphony Orchestra
Player and occasional orchestral leader for Trowbridge Philharmonic
Regular member of string quartet
September 2015 – Safeguarding training with Frome Community College
Wiltshire Hub – Upper Strings – Sharing ideas and resources (October 2015)
European String Teachers Association – Folk and Rock String Workshop with Chris Haigh (March 2016)
Residential week (Lake District) – exploring advanced repertoire through ensemble playing (quartets /trios /duets). April 2016
1st September 2016 – Safeguarding training with Frome Community College
2nd September 2016 – ‘Prevent’ training with Frome Community College
6th February 2017 – Safeguarding training with Matravers School, Westbury
7th – 10th February 2017 – Played violin for Matravers’ production of ‘Oliver’
26th February 2017 – Adult Baroque workshop at WRMS with Alison Townley
December 2017 – Played violin for Matravers’ production of ‘Beauty and the Beast’
October 2018 – Residential week (Cornwall) – exploring advanced repertoire through ensemble playing (quartets /trios /duets)