Theresa Cole
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.
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
Endorsements
Mrs Caroline Robinson,
Director of Music,
Warminster Prep School,
Warminster,
Wilts
crobinson@warminsterschool.org.uk
My Training & Development
I attend an annual double bass work shop with David Hayes, who teaches at Wells Cathedral School and also performs and runs other workshops Worldwide.
I also play in various concerts and shows throughout the year, to sustain and improve my standard of playing (Cello and double bass)
During lockdown 2 & 3, I managed to play Double Bass quartets, String Quartets, Flute Quartets and Piano Quartets (with lots of good planning and fresh air!) all good to keep me playing and great for my mental health.
I have recently received some Cello coaching to help improve my technique and build on my repertoire.