Information About Laura - Highbury teacher

Personal Description:

I am a professional violinist, and violin, piano and music theory teacher. I was a recipient of a scholarship to the Hampshire Specialist Music Course at the age of 16, and went on to study at the Royal Academy of Music, London.

As well as freelancing with some of the UK's top orchestras, I have also worked in the Middle East, where I played with the National Symphony Orchestra of the United Arab Emirates. I have also trained as an actor, going on to work as professional actor-musician with the Hampstead Theatre, Royal Court and BBC Radio Drama.

Tutoring Experience:

I have experience teaching a range of abilities, aged 4-60, in groups, and privately. Having worked for Hackney and Haringey Music Services, several International schools in Dubai and Abu Dhabi, and privately in the UK and the Middle East, I am comfortable with all abilities, and highly adaptable. A strong believer in ensemble playing from the very beginning, I started several junior ensembles in schools in the UAE, and conducted an orchestra in East London for children of disadvantaged backgrounds. This was an outreach project of the Royal Academy of Music, and we performed termly concerts.

Former pupils of mine have gone on to study at the Junior Conservatoires in London, and, once they reach the appropriate standard, I encourage audition to the Junior Conservatoires as an excellent supplementary musical education.

Tutoring Approach:

I always ensure that a strong technical foundation of playing the instrument is in place, and cover a range of challenging and enjoyable repertoire. Lessons are always pupil-focussed, addressing all technical and musical difficulties as they appear.

My warm and caring nature, coupled with my charisma and strong communications skills, ensure enjoyable and productive lessons. We work through the ABRSM examinations, and I support the playing work with music theory study. I expect hard work and dedication from my pupils, with regular practice.