Information About Anna - Wokingham teacher

Personal Description:

I am a trained professional cellist, cello teacher with over 20 years experience in teaching. As a performing musician, I have played with orchestras in London and throughout the UK. I also have a great passion for chamber music and was a founding member of the Vilensky String Quartet formed at the Royal Academy of Music. With them I performed extensively in the UK and in New York between 2004 and 2008. Other highlights in chamber music ventures have taken me to Italy to play at a silent film festival and to the Amazon rainforest on a Saga cruise ship.

More recently I have been raising three children of my own and combining part time work with motherhood. I also work as a volunteer at a Horticultural Therapy Charity working with people living with disabilities, who are disadvantaged or vulnerable.

Tutoring Experience:

I have 20 years’ experience teaching both children and adults, individually and in groups. I have taught in primary and secondary schools and privately. I bring a student-centred approach to my work as a cello teacher. I believe that each person learns in their own way. As well as one to one lessons for all ages, I have taught group lessons, coached for a Youth Orchestra Cello Section, taught on Cello’s Rock! Hioldiay Cello Course and taught a number of children with SEN. I am also a member of the European Strings Teachers Association.

A significant influence on my teaching was my time working with Wendy Max at the Junior Academy of Music from 2003 to 2008. Her playful, accessible approach to music education for young children—showed me how powerful it can be to break down complex concepts into fun, manageable steps. Through games and imaginative exercises, she made learning a stringed instrument joyful and achievable, and that spirit continues to inform my own teaching.
One of the greatest rewards in teaching for me is witnessing the joy and self-confidence that grows as a student learns to express themselves through music. Helping others discover that sense of achievement and connection is what continues to inspire me.

Tutoring Approach:

How I work with Children

• Experienced teacher of children
• DBS checked
• Work towards ABRSM exams if your child would like to
• Some experience with SEN
• Recommended age to begin 6+
• Trial lesson offered (20 minutes)
• Lessons timetabled weekly in line with school term time after school.
• Recommended lesson length 30 minutes

How I work with Adults

• Experienced teacher of adults - it’s never too late!
• Receptive to the needs of adult learners/returners
• Make no assumptions about previous knowledge or experience
• Aim to help you reach your own personal musical goals
• First lesson is consultative and exploratory. I aim to find out about you and what you want to achieve and what you feel your challenges.
• Trial lesson (30 minutes)
• Lessons can be arranged flexibly to suit your needs.
• Recommended lesson length 45 minutes / 1 hour