I began the violin at the age of 11 in Scotland, already at the Grade 5 level on the piano. I rapidly progressed to Grade 6 at the age of 14. At the age of 15 I began lessons with Peter Mountain, the head of strings at RSAMD. I was accepted as a student at the age of 17, on 1st study piano, as Id already achieved Grade 8 distinction on the piano at 16, but I re auditoned the following year and was accepted as violin 1st study. I achieved my BA performance degree with Merit then came to London do the NCOS course as I loved orchestral playing. I again passed the practical and theory Diploma post grad course with Merit. I stayed in London and built up a teaching and freelance career, including tours with Scottish Ballet and New Sadlers Wella orchestra. I also toured in an improvising capacity with a band for the singer/songwriter Graham Kendrick, and other artists later on including Stuart Townend. This involved recording sessions for various albums, both in fixing ensembles, solo playing and improvising. I enjoy playing by ear. I moved to Brighton with my husband (maiden name is Kent) in 1989 and began teaching at Lancing and Brighton College, later on at Roedean as a violin/viola teacher (amongst other schools) along with experience of playing and leading quartets, ensembles and orchestras, including the Worthing Philharmonic for 2 seasons, and a variety of shows in the wider Sussex area. I have also performed 2 Bach concertos and Vivaldi 4 seasons. Also performing with piano and string trios. I inter dispersed my work with bringing up 3 children. I have recently moved nearer to London and I am open to finding some suitable freelance work in the wider London area or South East/Kent area.
