Information About Roger - Peterborough teacher

Personal Description:

I am a full-time violin & viola teacher who teaches online during COVID. I was a Principal Violinist with The Scottish Chamber Orchestra, Bournemouth SO and Welsh Opera. I have travelled abroad, playing in Festivals as an orchestral violinist; as a Palm Court Solo Violinist and as a 1st violinist with the Bergen and Stavanger Orchestras. I have performed English, Russian, Indian, and Iranian folk music as well. I compose and arrange music which sells well online. I have other interests as well - including natural health. I was a Braille Transcriber for a while. I have also taken an active part in bringing health improvements to Peterborough. I have four children and nine grandchildren … so far.

Tutoring Experience:

Before I went to Norway to play in the orchestras there, I was teaching Violin at Oundle School and both Stamford Schools. I have taught full time since 2001, at Huntingdonshire Music School, with the Lincolnshire Music Support Service - in primary and secondary schools. I tutored the City of Peterborough Youth Ensemble Strings and the Peterborough Youth Orchestra from their recent beginnings via the Peterborough Music Hub. I currently teach students privately and individually normally at my home but online via zoom during COVID.

Tutoring Approach:

I tailor my teaching to suit the individual. I think of playing the violin in three ways - 'The Dancer' (technique and posture), 'The Singer' playing in tune and tone quality, and 'The Actor' (the interpretive! (This may well reflect the five years I spent in the Opera and the several years leading Ballet orchestras!) I believe in being able to play by ear, but the basic skills are the first attention. I enjoy teaching all standards and ages. I have brought three fourteen-year-olds up to pass grade 8 at distinction level and helped several to gain music scholarships, for example to Oundle School! Two ex-students have gone on to study music so far. I follow the ABRSM syllabus when a student is ready (and happy to take an exam. They don't have to!) I have a 92% success rate. I also teach Music Theory.