Information About Victoria - Canterbury teacher -

(1 review)

Personal Description:

I love playing the cello which is why I am still doing it after 35 years! I’m always on the lookout for new talent and for the past 20 years teaching has been a big part of my life.

I really enjoy helping a budding musician develop their skills and passion for music, and I love sharing my experiences and knowledge of this beautiful instrument.

I offer regular weekly lessons, flexible drop-in lesson blocks, monthly subscriptions and short intensive courses. So there’s lots of different paths for you to choose from. I also have cellos available to hire (limited availability).

I’ve always had a passion for education and have taught cello to all ages for over 20 years, both in the UK and abroad. I have always dedicated a great deal of my career to teaching, and adopt the philosophy “if you’re lucky enough to love what you do, you should pass it on”.

You never stop learning as a musician and I’ve found teaching to be the biggest learning experience of all!

Not only do I get huge satisfaction from helping students so they can eventually learn to solve problems for themselves. But by doing so it’s made me a better player too.

I’m very patient and have a responsive approach to students needs, which I hope creates an environment rich in learning and fun, with a great deal of laughter in the mix!

As a soloist I premiered ‘Roundelay’ by Stephen Dodgson with NYGE, have recorded for Peter Howarth, Joe Carabine, composers Daniele Falagone and Montgomery Sadler, released my debut album ‘To The Trains’ with pianist Daniel Hill, and given solo recitals and concerto performances throughout the UK and abroad.

I have also worked regularly with the Philharmonia and Bournemouth Symphony Orchestra, and performed with amongst others English National Ballet, Royal Liverpool Philharmonic and Ballet Rambert. 
And as principal cello with the Guildford Philharmonic, London Soloists and Sinfonia ViVa, with a trial for Principal cello with English Sinfonia. 

West End shows include depping on Guys and Dolls and Sound of Music, as well as performing in Mahabharata (Sadler’s Wells) and the première performance of Berlin.

I've recorded and performed with London **Contact Detail Removed**filmonic Orchestra, Nitin Sawhney, Scott , Damon Albarn, Anoushka Shankar, Jarvis Cocker, Akram Khan and Lisa Stansfield.

Tutoring Experience:

Currently I teach cello at Kent College Junior School in Canterbury and Folkestone School for Girls, as well as privately from my home studio in Canterbury. Previously I have taught in the UK for Croydon High School, Forest School, Southwark Music Service, Barking & Dagenham Community Music Service, Berkshire Maestros, Blackheath High School, Prendergast School and Bexley Academy of Music and Performing Arts.

From 2009 - 2012 I led workshops in primary, secondary and special needs schools across Trinidad and Tobago with the Savannah Quartet. I also worked alongside El Sistema tutors from Venezuela, coaching the National Youth Philharmonic Orchestra of Trinidad and Tobago and regularly coached the National Sinfonia of Trinidad and Tobago, and local instrumental ensembles Birdsong and Divine Echoes.

I have given outreach workshops with the Anghiari Quartet, Live Action Opera, Adriamus Quartet and Stringing Society, and performed in educational concerts with the Bournemouth Symphony Orchestra, Guildford Philharmonic and Sinfonia ViVa.

Tutoring Approach:

I specialise in teaching Ergonomics - freedom of movement, balance and fluency at the cello, as taught to me by legendary maestro Steven Doane, whilst I was a post-graduate Senior Exhibitioner at the Royal College of Music.

I incorporate these techniques into my own unique style, from the very start as a beginner right through to conservatoire standard. And I especially enjoy helping students with pain and tension issues to develop a more secure and relaxed technique.

My goal is that my lessons and supporting materials promote good practice methods that students are easily able to rectify at home, making their practice an enjoyable and fulfilling experience.

“From a relaxed body comes an open mind, and from that great things are possible!”

My style of teaching is all about in-depth technical explanations, imaginative analogies, lots and lots of patience, and an underlying motive that my students feel comfortable and confident in their playing, whatever their level.

I prepare students for both ABRSM and Trinity exams. My track record is pretty good too, I’ve never had a fail, with all my students obtaining merits and distinctions. I also prepare students for public performances, university diplomas, music college entrance auditions and music festivals.

But if students just wish to learn for the pure pleasure of making music without any pressure, I do that too!

My student’s general musicianship is foremost in my mind, so I incorporate music theory and aural skills into my instrumental lessons, and provide separate classes alongside too.

My main goal as a teacher is that my students are having fun! So I always make sure they’re learning music they enjoy. There’s nothing more frustrating than trying to learn a piece you don’t like!

With my vast range of repertoire in my music library and extensive knowledge of styles, there’s plenty choice of musical styles for students to learn.

I have a fully interactive online platform for all my students to tap into. They can message me, time and log their practice and upload videos. And for an extra subscription, there’s access to my extensive music library and my new Video Support Series.
Designed to support both my online and in person tuition, my Video Support series are professional demonstrations of a current exam syllabus pieces, with accompanying technical and musical tips. Currently available in ABRSM Initial to Grade 2.

I’m fully DBS checked and keep up to date with safeguarding training, both online and in-person.

Whatever level students wish to reach, they can learn at their own pace.