Information About Hugh - Stroud teacher -

(3 reviews)

Personal Description:

Recent solo violin footage from the Bristol Ensemble At Home concert series in 2020 includes: Aram Khachaturian Sonata-Monologue, Nicola Matteis Alla Fantasia, **Contact Detail Removed**mann Fantasia No. 2 in G Major, J.S. Bach Sonata No. 2 in A minor BMV 1003, Biber Passacaglia, Eugène Ysaÿe Sonata No.2 Op. 27, **Contact Detail Removed**mann Fantasia No. 1 in Bb Major.

Hugh ’s musical development began in Watford where he was introduced to a wealth of musical experiences at a young age. He has especially fond memories of playing in numerous orchestras which helped to cultivate a team-spirited approach to performance. The happy combination of study at Watford Grammar School for Boys and the Royal Academy of Music, Junior Dept, led to the decision to read music at the University of Leeds where he continued to relish various roles of responsibility. Particular highlights include performing Prokofiev Violin Concerto No. 2 with the LUUMS Chamber Orchestra, conducting the LUUMS Symphony Orchestra for two years, and playing with LS2, a contemporary music ensemble. During an Erasmus Exchange year at the Conservatoire de Region de Strasbourg Hugh enjoyed working with a diverse range of chamber groups which ignited a passion for music-making on a smaller scale.

Hugh completed his MMus degree with distinction at the RNCM in 2011 earning The Roger Raphael Prize. He learnt with Thelma Handy and Yuri Torchinski, and has since taken inspiration from Maciej Rakowski. During his time at the college he led the Concert and Symphony Orchestras in numerous projects. A particular highlight was a leadership role in the RNCM String Ensemble tour to China. He received regular chamber music coaching from a broad range of institutions including an ECMA session in Lithuania, the International Academy of String Quartets Aldeburgh, Kings Place ChamberStudio, and Music Works. Until recently Hugh enjoyed playing principal of the Florian Quartet performing regularly throughout the UK.

As a professional freelance violinist Hugh enjoys working with the Bristol Ensemble, Manchester Camerata, Royal Northern Sinfonia, RLPO, BBC Phil, Hallé, Ensemble Deva, Northern Chamber Orchestra, and Manchester Sinfonia. He has lead Sinfonia Cymru on numerous occasions. He enjoys doing solo and quartet recitals locally in Stroud.

Hugh’s conducting experience highlights include directing the LUUMS Symphony Orchestra for two years, and directing string sectional rehearsals for the LUUMS Chamber Orchestra. He learnt with Peter Stark, Royal Academy of Music; Kirril Karribits, Conservatoire de Region de Strasbourg; and Eno Koco, University of Leeds.

Tutoring Experience:

Hugh has experience teaching pupils of all ages from youngsters aged 5-6, to mature students. Recently he taught violin and music theory at Fulneck School in both group and individual lessons. He has experience directing orchestras and teaching conducting.

Tutoring Approach:

I believe in tailoring my teaching according to the needs of each individual student in order to inspire self-confidence, musicianship, and creativity. I have been brought up through an array of techniques including the Suzuki Method and ABRSM Exams, and have been exposed to a variety of approaches having had Russian, French, Albanian, and English teachers. This has made me aware that a successful technique is one that is flexible and approached with an open mind.

I am happy to work with students towards grade examinations, auditions, recitals, and concerts, or simply just for the joy of learning the violin. Any form of music is welcome to be brought - chamber, orchestral, solo etc. In lessons I like to play with the student as imitation can play a vital role in development. This may involve demonstration of technique, bowing, fingering and passagework as well as combining to play pieces as a violin duet. I believe playing together is important as often interaction with other musicians can be overlooked in the process of learning solo repertoire.

Technical studies that I have found to be successful in the past include Cevcik, Mazas, Dont, Kreutzer, Rode, and Carl Flesch.