About

Having studied at the Royal Welsh College of Music and Drama, I have been teaching ‘cello since 1989. During my teaching years, I have encouraged children to reach their full potential, whether for pure enjoyment or furthering onto Junior Conservatoire departments and a career in music. Throughout this time, I have primarily taught lessons on a one-to-one basis, but I also run various cello ensembles. I am also co-conductor for Bradford-on-Avon Junior Strings and I encourage my students to join West Wiltshire Young Musician groups as they provide enjoyment and help enhance their progress.

As a freelance cellist, I spend much of my spare time playing in quartets, pit bands and orchestras. I believe that being part of an ensemble reinforces my own continuing professional development and I gain a huge amount of gratification from being a part of this type of music-making. I encourage my students as much as possible to be involved in ensemble playing so that they can also take this same enjoyment from these musical experiences.

---

What I / we help young people achieve

As well as musical qualifications, I help young people to gain confidence in their own personal creativity and to find a love of music that will last a life-time.

Learning an instrument and making time to practice means that young people also gain skills in personal organisation, time-keeping and self-motivation. These are skills that are easily transferable to other areas of their learning and are particularly useful for applying to their school work.

Music is also a great way for young people to gain confidence in their social skills and being part of a team. Joining local string groups and orchestras is a way to not only enhance instrumental skills but also is a place for children and young people to make new friends and share their love of music. As a teacher, ensuring that my students are enjoying their instrument and music-making is paramount.

---

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

---

Also Works With

Bradford-on-Avon Junior Strings

---

Times

• Term Time

---

Working with special needs

Although I am not qualified in teaching music for SEN, I have taught children in First Access classes and individual lessons who have dyslexia, ADHD or are on the autistic spectrum. Music has helped to encourage confidence, focus and self-worth in these children and has consequently aided their school work also.

---