Gillian Townsend

I began playing the Viola aged almost 14 when a fabulous free Music scheme was under way at my local school. This inspired me to go on to study the Viola in Newcastle with Robin Benefield, during which I was given the opportunity to play alongside members of the Royal Northern Sinfonia. I moved to London to study with Fred Riddle (Principal Viola, Royal Philharmonic Orchestra) whilst studying with The National Centre for Orchestral Studies for my Postgraduate Diploma (Passed with a Distinction for my thesis on authenticity in Baroque performance). I have freelanced with London Orchestras through Julian Morgensterns Agency and played for events and recordings including Spring Harvest, Green Belt and for songwriters Graham Kendrick, Chris Rolinson, John Pantry and Dave Fellingham. I have also played for theatre productions in London, the North East and Kent. I currently play Viola with Asaph Ensemble, The Cuckmere String Quartet, All Souls Orchestra and the Dove English Orchestra. I began teaching Violin and Viola at Chistlehurst and Sidcup Grammar School in 1985. I currently teach Singing, Piano, Violin and Viola in schools and privately in Kent. Throughout my career I have prioritised encouraging children in their lifetime love of Music, in order to achieve this I have continued my professional development through undertaking many courses and have recently trained to become a Music Examiner. As a songwriter I have published songs for Kings Pre Preparatory School where I worked as Singing Teacher and Class Music Teacher; and for the musical 'Bridesong'. I am a member of The Independent Society of Musicians (ISM).