My name is Helen and I am a 24 year old Royal Northern of Music Graduate Violin Teacher originally from South West Scotland.

I love teaching the violin and viola to people of all ages. I teach privately, and during the Covid-19 pandemic I have moved to online teaching where my students have continued to strive through their progress. Previously, I have also taught at Forsyth's Learn to Play Days where I met people of all ages keen to learn, from beginners to people who just wanted a refresher lesson.

I am a fun, kind, patient, encouraging teacher who is keen to help students learn to the best of their ability, at their own pace. I have a bubbly personality and I love teaching people of all ages. Proper technique is extremely important, and I won't let a student move on with any improper technique habits.

About Me

Having started violin at young age, Helen gained a place at the prestigious Chetham's School of Music aged 12 studying with Kristoffer Dolatko. After 6 years she gained a place the Royal Northern College of Music studying with Gina McCormack, where she graduated with an Honours Degree. 

During Helen’s time at Chetham’s, she had the opportunity to perform in many different chamber music series with different quartets. The highlight of her chamber music at Chets was performing in Jersey with her string quartet performing the first movement of Mendelssohn’s string quartet in F Minor as well as joining the Jersey Youth Chamber Orchestra in their programme. 

Having been a member of various orchestras through Chets and the RNCM she has gained much orchestral experience. She was also a member of the National Youth Orchestra of Scotland for 4 years having previously been a member of the National Children's Orchestra of Scotland and Great Britain as well as the National Youth String Orchestra of Scotland. Moving onto the RNCM she became a member of the Piccadilly Symphony Orchestra playing in different projects.  

In 2015 thanks to the National Youth Orchestra of Scotland, Helen was part of the tour to China where they played in 3 fantastic concert venues in Shanghai, Tianjin, and Beijing. In 2016 she was fortunate enough to play in the BBC’s Proms through NYOS, where the programme included Stravinsky’s Firebird ballet. 

As a Graduate of the Royal Northern College of Music, Helen is experienced in playing many different genres of music. From Session to Classical, from Baroque to Chamber she has a wide portfolio already with many more exciting ventures to explore. Since graduating, working as a freelance violinist has been very exciting for Helen. She has been involved in working with various Musical Theatre Productions around Manchester and Chester including at the prestigious Hammond School for their BA Musical Theatre Students since 2017. Their shows include Miss Saigon, Jekyll and Hyde, Beauty and the Beast. Other shows around the Manchester area include Guys and Dolls, West Side Story and The Sound of Music. She has also been the violinist for medley shows with previous actors of the West End show, Joseph and the Techni-Coloured Dream Coat in various locations such as The Princess Alexandra Auditorium in Yarm, the Theatre Severn in Shrewsbury, the Cast Theatre in Doncaster, the Prince of Wales Theatre in Cannock and the Epstein Theatre in Liverpool, . 

Helen has performed on stage with Britain's Got Talent Rob King at the prestigious Lowry Theatre in Manchester, in 'An Evening with Rob King". This event was a show of different songs from various different musicals and show songs. 

Alongside playing for Musical Theatre Shows, Helen has appeared in the Gatecrasher Classical shows in London, Liverpool, Birmingham, Coventry, Bournemouth, Sheffield, Newcastle and Scarborough. 
 

Services

Violin and Viola lessons available for students of all abilities, levels and ages.

30 minutes £20

45 minutes £25

1 hour £30

1.5 hours £40