My fascination and love for the piano began at the age of just four when my parents bought me a mini keyboard for my birthday.  The different sounds it produced intrigued me greatly and I just wanted to explore the instrument more!  That curiosity only intensified when I saw a piano in the living room and it was from that moment on that my journey of musical discovery took hold as I started piano lessons and quickly progressed through the grades.  I also got a taster of the ‘Suzuki method’ with several Suzuki-style lessons (a Japanese method of learning piano that teaches you to play by ear rather than reading the notes). I distinctly remember having to memorise the whole book and recite the pieces off by heart for which I obtained a certificate for. I’m not sure I’d be so cruel to do this to my pupils, but there’s definitely something to be gained from learning to use one’s ears effectively before reading the music!

At the age of six, I took up the violin and my first musical ‘milestone’ would have to be passing Grade 5 with a high Distinction on both instruments. This was thanks to my private teacher at Eton College. I then found out I had got into the National Children’s Orchestra of Great Britain which was a feeling that no words could describe. Once word got around that I was also a Pianist, I was asked by the conductor to accompany them in works such as Shostakovich 5th Symphony and Lietenant Kije by Prokofiev amongst others. We performed these at prestigious venues including The Queen Elizabeth Hall, Royal Festival Hall and Birmingham Symphony Hall. I also participated in the Tsunami Appeal recording for those affected in Thailand – this was recorded with the famous ‘Sting’ at Abbey Road Studios in London.

Following this, another big milestone came at the age of 11 when I had the choice of going to grammar school or music school.  Luckily for me it wasn’t a case of ‘daddy or chips’ (i.e. tv advert!) as my passion and dedication to music made it an easy decision.  The hard part came when deciding which of the three Music schools I had won scholarships for to go to! In the end, it was decided I would attend the Purcell Music School in Hertfordshire.

While at the Purcell School I received lessons from some of the worlds’ leading piano and violin teachers and Heads of Music.  I also participated in a number of concerts, inside and outside the school, both as a soloist and as part of chamber groups. When my time at the Purcell School came to an end, I was ready to move onto the next stage in my career: continuing my education up to degree level, alongside music lessons at the Guildhall School of Music in London.  This included completing my Music A-Level, for which I was awarded full marks for my performance pieces.

Having finished University in 2013, I then spent a few years working for different companies, but never let go of the fact that my true passion was Music.  I think classical music connects with me on such a personal, emotional level, in a way that nothing else can and it is this connection that I try to inspire and nurture in others.  On that basis, I embarked on a career as a private Piano & Violin teacher, teaching at the Chiltern Music Academy and at client’s houses throughout Buckinghamshire and Berkshire.  Now, as of April 2018 I have set up my own teaching business in Verwood, East Dorset where I reside. I also perform when I can, as I realise that being a good teacher means being a good player oneself and keeping one’s own skills in check!

My main goal going forward is to share my love of music with as many people as possible in Verwood and beyond.  I want to educate people about music, by inspiring talent, igniting passion and bringing joy and value to people’s lives though my lessons – all with the view that future generations of budding Pianists and Violinists can go on to achieve their hopes and dreams, just like I am doing!