Cello lessons in Rochdale

Hello. My name is Catrin. I work at Opera North as an Instrumental tutor for ages 8-14. I have a music degree from Manchester University. I currently play for fun with Lancashire Sinfonia in Bolton. I have previously played in the NYOW and the Manchester Philharmonic Orchestra. Outside of classical, I play in two folk singer songwriter bands in Manchester- cello is just a diverse instrument, and I love being able to show it off in all settings!I will be following classic beginner books such as cello time joggers (runners, sprinters) and ABRSM/trinity/MTB grade styled teaching. However, I will accept suggestions from students and parents to ensure the best for my students. You do not have to go through the classical route if you wish to explore other ways of expression! I love all types of music so please feel free to explore options with me. I will be available to teach Friday-Monday.My teaching is very gentle. I understand the importance of challenging mental boundaries, increasing confidence in playing, and ensuring enjoyment and creativity. I have studied and explored Alexander Technique and the Feldenkrais method, and try to implement them in my own teaching. I want to make sure that technique is always implemented into my teaching, increasing the importance of posture, body awareness and mental clarity.

Andrew is a freelance cellist and cello teacher based in Manchester. As a recent graduate of both Chetham’s School of Music in Manchester and the Royal College of Music in London, Andrew is an experienced performer and has given solo recitals around the country. He recently made appearances with the BBC Philharmonic Orchestra at The Bridgewater Hall in Manchester and Victoria Hall in Hanley, and he has given numerous concerts as an orchestral player in Manchester, London and his home county of Norfolk. Andrew’s recent achievements include reaching the final of the Royal Northern College of Music’s Sir John Barbirolli Prize for Cello, his 2017 performance of Elgar’s Cello Concerto with the Wymondham Symphony Orchestra and being featured in the Norfolk County Music Festival’s ‘Rising Stars’ concert. He is currently completing his Master’s Degree at the Royal Northern College of Music where he studies with Nicholas Trygstad, the Principal Cellist of the Halle Orchestra. Music Qualifications & Achievements: First Class Bachelor of Music with Honors from the Royal College of Music in London

Enthusiastic collaborator, educator, and cellist with 14 years’ experience, I’m passionate about sharing both technical skills and a creative musical mindset. I have performed as a soloist, orchestral, and chamber musician, and currently play in a Manchester-based string quartet focused on new music and collaboration. My orchestral experience includes serving as principal for the National Youth Orchestra of Scotland (2019–22). I’m open and curious across musical styles, with a particular interest in folk, jazz, and improvisation, which I encourage students to explore as part of a well-rounded skill set. Drawing on my regular yoga and mindfulness practice, I aim to create a learning environment where students feel comfortable, supported, and able to enjoy making music. /// Ruaraidh Williams is a Scottish cellist, composer and improviser whose practice spans contemporary classical performance, chamber music, free improvisation and cross-genre collaboration. A BMus (Honours) graduate of the Royal Northern College of Music, Williams has a flexible musical voice that explores connection between notated repertoire and spontaneous creation. As a chamber musician, Williams is a founding member of The Valette Ensemble and the Voluta String Quartet (winner of the RNCM Hirsch Chamber Prize for Beethoven 2025), performing across England and Scotland. His orchestral experience includes appearances with the RNCM Symphony Orchestra, BBC Symphony Orchestra musicians at Maida Vale Studios, and six years with the National Youth Orchestra of Scotland, serving as Principal Cellist in both its Senior and Symphony Orchestras. Williams’ work is characterised by a strong commitment to collaboration and new music. Projects have included performances of Indian classical music, live improvised film scores, community performances of Terry Riley’s In C, and work with MIUAWGA Ensemble, a collective dedicated to freely improvised and jazz-influenced music. Recent projects also include The Silver Chamber, merging classical chamber music with progressive metal, and Sound of Prana Trio, creating live meditation music in healthcare settings. As a composer, Williams’ music is performed and recorded at the RNCM and beyond, with recognition including short-listings for BBC Proms Inspire and the Philip Bates Prize for Composers and Songwriters. His creative development has been supported by organisations including Sound and Music and Creative Scotland, as well as numerous scholarships and trusts. Alongside performance, Williams has led workshops on performance wellbeing and has worked with young musicians both locally and online.