Adult
You are a career-focused person aged 20 - 60 who needs a creative outlet. You still play the violin but you are looking for some direction or you used to enjoy playing the violin/viola but life/work got in the way. You wish to express yourself through music and are looking for a creative outlet to boost your enjoyment and confidence.
Because of my own experience of life, work and family I understand the need for flexibility in expectations and structure to achieve clear goals in the most time-efficient way.
I can coach you in order to unleash the emotional /creative part of your life that at the moment is missing or caged. I have valuable life experience and 30 years of teaching knowledge to share with you and I know how rewarding and satisfying it is to be able to express yourself musically.
EXAM PREPARATION
This is for clients aged 8 to 99 who are preparing for a violin/viola exam (ex. ABRSM Grade) and who are looking for some intensive one-on-one coaching in the last 2 months before the exam in order to maximise their chances of success.
Because of my 30 years of experience in teaching, preparing students for exams, auditioning and performing myself both as soloist and in an orchestra I understand the need to be disciplined in practice. More importantly HOW to practice in order to be technically ready but also feel so prepared that you can leave the the worry behind and simply enjoy performing and to expressing yourself.
I use visualisation techniques, not only to overcome nerves but to use them to your advantage when you perform.
AUDITION PREPARATION
You are an amateur or semi-professional player who is preparing for an audition or performance and are looking for an external ear to help you find the tools to unblock those final technical and practise problems to free you to perform.
As string coach to the RSO orchestra http://www.rso.asso.fr/ I know what is expected and working together we will prepare you for the audition, removing the worry so you can perform to your best and express yourself freely
ADULT/AMATEUR ORCHESTRA
You are currently looking to gain technical confidence in order to have to the confidence to join an amateur orchestra or you are currently playing in an orchestra and you are looking for help to tackle technical and practise issues in the scores in order to boost your confidence and enjoy rehearsals and performing on a one-off basis or as a regular session.
ADOLESCENTS
You, or your child, are a 12 - 20 year old violinist/viola player who is struggling with school and typical adolescent issues of focusing and prioritising: you are looking for someone who can empathise and encourage a good work ethic and organisation in their school work and focus on their personal motivation through parallel work on the violin.
​
Because of my 20 years' experience of teaching teenagers at the British School of Paris and my personal experience of being a mother I know how the satisfaction of performing music, the discipline of practice and the emotional outlet of music can be a veritable life-saver for teenagers struggling at school and home.
A teenager often has a great deal of trouble organising themselves and their work. I work with them on HOW to practise, to prioritise, to break problems down to go straight to the heart of the problem, to focus on that and to build it back up again.
​
Working this way on their instrument has a hugely beneficial effect on their schoolwork and their personal lives.
Each individual is different and I base each offer on the person themselves. There is no one-size-fits-all approach but the unifying aspect is music.
​
The one-on-one format gives much scope for individual confidences.
​
​
All of these packages can be in person at my studio in central Paris or online over a video link. However I recommend at least one 'live' session every 3 sessions where possible.
Beginners
You have always wanted to play or your child really wants to start learning. I have 30 years of experience of teaching beginners aged 8 to 78!!
There really is no age limit to begin, only the desire to learn and the will to practise!
I teach on the violin straight from the first lesson and teach theory as we play. Commitment to practise is essential and beginners need to understand that daily practice is the only way to get the muscles trained and so to progress.
Just as an athlete needs to work on their fitness so do musicians
Just as an athlete needs to work on their fitness so do musicians!
I expect beginners to aim to do 10 to 20 minutes of mindful practice a day at first. Each lesson is adapted to yours or your child's learning style and personality.
To achieve the best results I only teach complete beginners face to face
Expectations
No progress can be made without personal practice and commitment, it is the only way to train muscle memory so that you can increase your ability.
Time
Between 30 minutes and 2+ hours of practice per day are needed according to the level and ambition of the musician. No results can be guaranteed without regular personal investment and for children this means that the parents or responsible adults need to be involved in the motivation and accountability of the student.
​
My method is based on HOW to practise in the most efficient way and in the shortest amount of time. Every student is unique and each class is tailored to the specific student and his or her best learning methods; aural, kinetic, visual etc.
I can guarantee improvement if the practice techniques I suggest are properly worked upon.
For working, busy adults the responsibility for personal practice lies with them and their work/life commitments. The more practise you do the more you want to practise!