Siân McInally
About
I am a professional violinist based in Calne with twenty-five years of experience of teaching & performing at the highest level.
Aged 11 I won a DES scholarship to Wells Cathedral School after which I continued my studies at Guildhall School of Music & Drama. After graduating with an AGSM Performers I freelanced and taught in London before joining the orchestra of Northern Ballet Theatre and touring the UK for five years.
I have been a member of the Royal Philharmonic Orchestra for over ten years. During this time I have performed concerts all over the world, played on hundreds of classical & commercial recordings (including the recent albums with Rod Stewart, Elvis, Roy Orbison and The Carpenters). I am also a member of the chamber orchestra Sinfonia Viva. Working with Viva and the RPO’s Community & Education Department Resound I have taken part in numerous projects around the UK involving participants of all ages and musical abilities in various settings including special schools.
Prior to moving to Calne in 2012 I taught two days a week at Bedford Modern School for twelve years, teaching 8 – 18 year olds. I started teaching part time for Wiltshire Music Service and now continue to do so in a private capacity in the same schools.
What I / we help young people achieve
I think it's vital for children to experience and enjoy music from an early age not only from a music point of view but also to enhance their creativity, co-ordination, and memory to compliment the learning of other subjects. Co-ordination is particular to the violin but learning an instrument also unlocks so many skills that are relevant to other subjects. My aim is to make learning as much fun as possible and for my pupils to reach their full potential.
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
- Weekends
- School Holidays
Working with special needs
Early in 2019 I took part in an exciting project with three special schools in Berkshire that culminated in a performance in the Royal Albert Hall.
Taught Instruments
- Strings
Ages Taught
- 5-6
- 7-10
- 11-13
- 14-15
- 16+
Level Taught
- Beginners
- Intermediate
- Advanced
Qualifications, Grades & Certificates Taught
- Instrument grades
Musical Clusters Covered
- Calne & Melksham
- Malmesbury / WB / Purton
My Training & Development
I completed the 2017/2018 Skills Lab Training offered by Spitalfields Music for emerging music leaders.