Teacher Info
I graduated from the Royal Welsh College of Music and Drama in Cardiff in August 2017, where I spent two years studying full-time for a Masters of Music in Solo Performance (violin). This course involved extensive orchestral, solo and chamber music performance. I took lessons with Lowri Porter (co-principal violinist for the Welsh National Opera) and have performed across the UK and worldwide, often in iconic venues with world-class conductors. Prior to RWCMD, I also spent 3 years studying full-time for a BA (Hons) music degree from the University of Southampton.
Since the conclusion of my postgraduate studies at this prestigious National Conservatoire, I have worked as an upper strings teacher for Berkshire Maestros, one of the UK’s leading music services and have also performed professionally with an orchestra in Switzerland.
I currently work part-time as a violin tutor for Surrey Arts (an outstanding music hub) and also undertake self-employed teaching in this county. I do also undertake some teaching in Hampshire which is my original home county, where I also spend a lot of time performing with the Havant Symphony Orchestra, Havant Chamber Orchestra and the Solent Symphony orchestra.
I now have ample experience teaching all ages and abilities and love teaching adults and children alike. You will find me to be quite bubbly as a person. I have a high level of teacher and musical training to suit all requirements, including official ABRSM training. I can provide casual tuition/learning for fun as well as preparation for ABRSM and Trinity examinations and will be happy to discuss all learning options with you. I have taught whole class, group and individual music lessons and also have full ensemble/conducting experience. I really enjoyed conducting my string orchestra previously in Windsor. Teaching is my livelihood and the majority of my life and requires a commitment on both sides. Pupils regularly attain Merit and Distinction exam results through learning with myself.
I tend to believe in a more thorough grounding in one instrument, as opposed to learning lots of instruments at a low level. I also believe that a solid musical upbringing or education is crucial for the social, mental and physical progression of children and adults. Many scientific studies have proven the benefits to learning an instrument. Academically, those children who do learn instruments are proven to achieve better grades. Weekly home-time practice will be necessary as part of the learning process, however, the most beneficial thing an individual can do to aid their improvement is to join an orchestra or ensemble. Playing together in this way is hugely beneficial for all learners, and I personally have always played in a variety of orchestras/ensembles throughout the course of my musical education.
In lessons, I will often play along with the pupil to further the experience and believe in a holistic approach involving fun games and activities. Being trained to a Masters/Postgraduate level, I am comfortable teaching advanced level string technique and am aware of how a good technique can make playing your instrument easier. Teaching poor technique at an early stage can take years of hard work to undo. I do not advocate exams as the one and only route for progression – I will always encourage a pupil to enjoy playing as many different styles and genres of music as possible. There is more, much more to instrumental learning than exams alone. I am happy to arrange concerts for pupils who would like further opportunity to perform.
I really look forward to hearing from you as a future pupil!
Music Qualifications & Achievements:
- MMus Solo Performance (Violin) – Royal Welsh College of Music and Drama
- BA (Hons) Music – University of Southampton
- ABRSM violin, piano and theory qualifications
Prices:
Lessons at my teaching space:
| 1/2 hour | £19.50 |
| 3/4 hour | £29.00 |
| 1 hour | £37.50 |
Mobile Music Lessons:
| 1/2 hour | £22.00 |
| 3/4 hour | £31.00 |
| 1 hour | £39.00 |
Location:
I teach my lessons from a teaching space located on New Road, Mitcham, Surrey, CR4 4JN. My full teaching address will be provided upon your first lesson booking. I also offer online and mobile lessons (subject to my availability and your location). For more information about my music lessons simply get in touch.
Contact:
To book your first lesson with me, or to find out more about my music lessons, don’t hesitate to get in touch by emailing me on [email protected].
“As an adult learner who is taking up the violin after a few years rest, I was nervous about starting lessons again. I am so glad I did. I am enjoying my violin lessons with Jessica. She makes the lesson’s fun and explains things clearly. I feel like I have learnt a lot already, even after the first few lessons.”
“With her approachable and enthusiastic manner, Jessica is able to inspire young pupils to achieve. Alice is now enjoying playing the piano and is pleased with her own progress in a short time.”
“Thank you, Jessica, for taking on Ruby’s lessons, we are very pleased so far!…”