Information About Maria Margarida - Haringey teacher

Personal Description:

I enjoy teaching the double bass to all ages and levels. I have a solid orchestral background holding the job of associate principal double bass at the RSNO, and have played and trained in the European Union Youth Orchestra, Gustav Mahler Jugendorchester, LSO, ENO and BBC SO student schemes. I have freelanced with the Scottish Chamber Orchestra, London Philharmonic, Philharmonia, BBC Philharmonic and Royal Philharmonic Orchestras.
I am also a very active chamber musician having covered most chamber repertoire for the bass and played at the Royal Festival Hall, among other places. I have also been selected as an RCM rising star 2013 to take part in its chamber series at Cadogan Hall.

I enjoy playing solos just as much and give regular recitals in England and Portugal, my home country.

Tutoring Experience:

I have taught adult students who just wanted to have some fun and gain knowledge, and also students who wanted to prepare for exams like ABRSM or youth orchestra auditions. I have also taught at the Royal Conservatoire of Scotland and guest taught at Sistema Scotland.

Tutoring Approach:

Playing such a big instrument is undoubtedly fun but it can also be hard on your body. It is important to incorporate posture and relaxation techniques in your lessons as much as focusing on the playing itself. I always start my lessons with a little physical warm up: your back, shoulders, arms, wrists and fingers, as well as your neck should all be ready to work before you pick up the instrument. This will decrease any chance of tendinitis, muscle pain, etc… When working with young students it is particularly important that they do not develop any bad habits, as they are still growing.

Mental practice is something I incorporate in lessons and students' individual practice, and again it can be very helpful too. Different exercises can be done depending on the level and age of the student. When preparing for exams, for example, it is extremely valuable to go through the repertoire in your mind, picturing the place, occasion and people you will be playing for. That way, you'll get comfortable with the occasion before you actually have to face it. As part of my degree I had training in Psychology of Music which has helped me in both my practice and performance as well as in teaching.

It is vital to me to keep my students motivated and that they get the most out of each lesson. I try to cover technique as well as some repertoire and sight-reading every lesson. My passion for teaching music and double bass is also driven by my own experience as a student, as I have had the privilege to have been taught by some of the most inspirational tutors at RCM.

I offer ONLINE LESSONS as well through Skype or Zoom