I am a violinist and violin teacher based in Redruth, Cornwall. I have considerable experience of quartet, chamber and orchestral playing. I have taken part in concerts from a young age (eight) and continued to perform. Currently, I perform as a string duet, with a cellist or harpist. Also, I am part of the Bowie Lounge - a collective including classical and pop musicians, ballet dancer, artist and photographer.
I moved from London to Cornwall in 2011. I have taught violin to private students in Cornwall for the past five years ranging from beginners, aged seven, to adults.
My violin teacher, Caroline Lamont, who passed away in 2015, taught me from eight to sixteen. She remains my inspiration. I come from a musical family who are also a major influence. My mother is a flautist and flute teacher and my father is a composer and clarinettist.
Recent Performances (including weddings)
2019
Aug 2019, with Alice Wall (harp), two weddings at Nancarrow Farm, Cornwall.
Aug 2019, with Alice Wall (harp), wedding at Gwel an Mor, Portreath
Aug 2019, with Alice Wall (harp), at Powderham Castle, part of Tunes in the Castle Festival, Exeter
July 2019, with the Bowie Lounge, Port Eliot Festival, Cornwall
July 2019, wedding with Alice Wall (harp), Tregenna Castle, St Ives
July 2019, Apollo 50, Goonhilly (part of 50 year celebrations of Apollo Moon landing), with the Bowie Lounge, Goonhilly, (GES), Cornwall.
July 2019, recital with Steph Allen (violin) and Eseld Parker (piano), St Elwyn's Church, Hayle
July 2019, wedding with Alice Wall (harp), Launcells Barton House, Bude
June 2019, wedding with Tim Smithies (cello) and Devoran Quartet, Rose and Nancarrow Farm, Zelah, Cornwall
June 2019, with Alice Wall (harp), wedding, Pendennis Castle, Falmouth
June 2019, with Disco Rococco, Great Estate Festival, Scorrier (BBC Introducing Stage)
May 2019, with Alice Wall (harp), Great Estate Festival, Scorrier
May 2019, with Alice Wall (harp) for wedding at Polhawn Fort, Cornwall
May 2019 with Disco Rococco, Charlies Bar and The Old Auction House, Redruth (EP launch)
2018
December 2018, with the Bowie Lounge, The Performance Centre, AMATA, Falmouth University
September 2018, with the Bowie Lounge, Regal Theatre, Redruth
September 2018, with Alice Wall (harp) at the Gyllyngdune Gardens Tea Festival, Princess Pavilion
August 2018, with Kath Williams (cello), wedding, Cornwall
August 2018, recital with Alice Wall (harp), at the Crantock Chamber Music Festival
June 2018, with Tim Smithies (cello) for wedding, Kea and Greenbank Hotel, Cornwall
June 2018, with Alice Wall (harp) for wedding, St Mawes, Cornwall
June 2018, with Kath Williams (cello), at the Great Estate Festival, Scorrier
June 2018, with the Bowie Lounge, at the Great Estate Festival, Scorrier
2017
September 2017, the Bowie Lounge 3, Phoenix, Exeter
August 2017, for a wedding, Launceston
August 2017, violin/cello duo, Boardmasters Festival, Cornwall
July 2017, with the Bowie Lounge 3, Port Eliot Festival, Cornwall
July 2017, with members of the Bowie Lounge 3 (Keith Sparrow – vocals, Elaine Claxton – vocals and Toby Seth – Keyboard), part of Lit Fest, The Acorn Theatre, Penzance
April 2017, with Tim Smithies (cello) for a wedding of friends, Penryn
April 2017, part of the Bowie Lounge 3 at the Princess Pavilion, Falmouth
Education
MA in Fine Art: Contemporary Practice: Falmouth School of Art and Design, Falmouth University, Falmouth (2011-12)
BA (Hons) Degree, Fine Art: Slade School of Fine Art, UCL, London University, London (1987 – 1991)
A Levels; Practical Music and Art, Seven O Levels: St. Mary’s Convent School, Cambridge (1978 – 1985)
ABRSM Grades
Violin
Grade 1: Merit (126) 1973, July
Grade 3: Distinction (130) 1975, July
Grade 4: Merit (122) 1976, July
Grade 5: Distinction (132) 1977, Spring
Grade 6: Merit (124) 1978, Summer
Grade 8: Distinction (138) 1982, Spring
Viola
Grade 6: Distinction (144) 1984, Spring
Music Education/Ensembles/Orchestras
Attended Mid Herts Centre for Music & Arts (formally Herts Music Centre), Hatfield and Benslow School, Hitchen, Herts 1974 - 6
Won Music Exhibition for Violin/Piano 1974
Quartet coaching from Anne Macnaghten, Macnaghten String Quartet 1975-6
Attended masterclasses with Professor Felix Andrievsky at the Yehudi Menuhin School (currently at the Royal College of Music) 1978
Pro Corda, Leiston Abbey, Suffolk; seasonal courses 1978 - 80. Performances at Leiston Abbey, The Royal Banqueting Housel, Whitehall, London
St Marys School, Cambridge Orchestra – Leader 1980 - 5
Cambridge Chamber Group. Conductor, David Bass 1984 - 5
Royal Orchestral Society, London. 1990 - 1997. Performances at Royal College of Music, Cadogan Hall and St John’s, Smiths Square
Houston Symphonietta, Houston, USA 2001 - 2
Wimbledon Symphony Orchestra, London 2003 - 2010
Music Education/Ensembles/Orchestras
• Attended Mid Herts Centre for Music & Arts (formally Herts Music Centre), Hatfield and Benslow School, Hitchen, Hersts 1974 – 6
• Won Music Exhibition for Violin/Piano 1974
• Quartet coaching from Anne Macnaghten, Macnaghten String Quartet 1975-6
• Attended masterclasses with Professor Felix Andrievsky at the Yehudi Menuhin School (currently at the Royal College of Music) 1978
• Pro Corda, Leiston Abbey, Suffolk; seasonal courses 1978 – 80. Performances at Leiston Abbey, The Royal Banqueting House,
Whitehall, London
• St Marys School, Cambridge Orchestra – Leader 1980 – 5
• Cambridge Chamber Group. Conductor, David Bass 1984 – 5
• Royal Orchestral Society, London. 1990 – 1997. Performances at Royal College of Music, Cadogan Hall and St John’s, Smiths Square
• Houston Symphonietta, Houston, USA 2001 – 2
• Wimbledon Symphony Orchestra, London 2003 – 2010