Resume

Qualifications

Graduate Artist Certificate - 2008, University of North Texas, USA

Student of Igor Borodin

Master of Music (MM) - 2006, University of North Texas, USA

Student of Igor Borodin

Bachelor of Music (BMus) with First Class Honours - 2004, University of Leeds, England, with year of study at University of North Texas, USA

Student of Igor Borodin and Raimonda Koco

Associate of Trinity College London Recital Diploma (ATCL) - 1999

ABRSM Advanced Certificate - 1997

Performing

As well as performing solo recitals in Cambridge, I am an active orchestral and chamber musician, regularly performing across the region with ensembles including The Hart Piano Trio, East Anglia Chamber Orchestra and The Medlock Ensemble.

Whilst in Texas, USA, I was employed as a permanent member of Richardson Symphony Orchestra for four concert seasons (2005-09) in the positions of Assistant Principal Second Violin and No. 4 First Violin. I also worked on a freelance basis with other orchestras throughout the North Texas region including East Texas Symphony Orchestra, Las Colinas Symphony Orchestra, Irving Symphony Orchestra, and Abilene Philharmonic, and spent a summer in Colorado playing with the Crested Butte Festival Orchestra. I gained experience of playing a variety of styles, ranging from leading the Denton Bach Society orchestra in 2008, rehearsing with Mariachi Aguilas in 2005 and performing with LeAnn Rimes and Sheryl Crow to stadium audiences of 65,000.

As an experienced chamber musician, I received the Judges' Commendation at the WRR Chamber Music International Competition in 2006 and was selected to play in the University of North Texas Center for Chamber Music Studies' Graduate String Quartet in my final year of postgraduate study. I have played in chamber ensembles for many special events, such as weddings and galas, both in the USA and in England.

Teaching

I am passionate about teaching and elected Education as the related field of my Master of Music degree. From 2015 to 2017 I taught at schools across the county and ran the Ely String Project for Cambridgeshire Music, having previously worked for the Denton Independent Schools District in Texas, USA. From 2015 to 2021 I directed the Cambridge Area Music Centre, an orchestra for young people that rehearsed on Friday evenings and presented a concert each term.

Having taught children of wide-ranging ability levels and speeds of learning, I understand that every student is different and requires teaching methods and approaches that are tailored to suit their learning style. I place a significant emphasis on teaching my violin students how to practice: as they only receive instruction once a week it is paramount that they learn how to work independently and efficiently on the other six days in order to maximise their progress. Motivation to practice is especially important for beginners so I set small goals that are achievable each week, as well as long term goals, and I reward my students’ efforts. Effective communication skills enable me to explain concepts clearly. I identify which areas of a student’s technique require attention and then choose appropriate repertoire. Along with establishing good technique, I strive to make learning fun and to encourage creativity. Students are prepared for practical and theory examinations, and I am able to accompany them on the piano. I take an interest in every one of my students beyond their musical development, and am approachable and friendly.