Information About Abigail - Hackney teacher

Personal Description:

I am a violinist, vocalist and producer based in London. My performances are influenced by blues, classical, folk and jazz styles, in which I combine live looping with electronic violin and voice. Some of my performance credits include headlining the PHILLTER Festival and opening for Crystal Palace feat. Boyd Tinsley of the Dave Matthews Band.

Born in Florence, Massachusetts (USA), I began playing violin at the age of four, immersing myself in classical and folk music. I was a member of New England Conservatory Prep. School, playing in their orchestras and chamber ensembles. I was also a member of the Boston Youth Philharmonic Orchestra (BPYO), performing in their New York Times critically acclaimed Carnegie Hall debut, conducted by Benjamin Zander. I was a member of the Springfield Youth Orchestra (SYO) as well, serving as concert mistress for two seasons. During this time, I was the winner of both the Rodes Concerto Competition and the SYO Concerto Competition, as well as winning awards in fiddle competitions around the New England area.

As a student at Carnegie Mellon University in Pittsburgh, PA, I began exploring different genres such as jazz and hip-hop. Aside from my own performances and compositions, I was a regular session musician, playing, recording and working with bands such as Ben Folds, Antwon Stanley, Buffalo Rose, and Nevada Color.

Upon receiving my undergraduate degree in Classical Violin Performance, I moved to London to pursue a degree in Jazz Violin from Guildhall School of Music & Drama. Here I have played with Horton Chamber Orchestra, as well as receiving an artist visa from the Arts Council to continue my performance work within the UK.

Tutoring Experience:

I have a wide range of teaching experience that covers several different artistic disciplines. As a teacher's assistant for a summer theatre program at Smith College Campus School, I organised exercises in acting techniques and games for children ages 4-11. I was also the head councillor at Greenwood Music Camp, a month long summer program that focuses on classical chamber and orchestral performances. While I was a student myself at Carnegie Mellon University, I took on several beginning violin students who were looking for both technical and stylistic instruction. I also worked as a student audio technician in the technical team for Northampton High School. We would provide technical assistance for live shows ranging from concerts to theatre productions. I was responsible for training new members of the technical team in how to use the equipment to produce professional results.

Tutoring Approach:

I believe that each student has a different learning style, and it is my job as a teacher to help them achieve all that they can by tailoring my approach to how they learn. Music is an incredibly rewarding artform, but it is not learned overnight. Music takes a lot of time and dedication and I know that because of this, it is easy to feel like you are not progressing. In order to curb this feeling in my students, I balance my lessons by focusing on individual interests and technical work so that my students are getting better overall through what they love doing. Whether it's playing a Mozart Sonata or improvising to Billy's Bounce, I would love to help you get your violin playing to where you want to be.