My musical education started at a very young age with Cello lessons from my mother. When I was 15, I took up the Double Bass, which soon turned into my main instrument. Though self-taught at the time, I achieved Grade 8 distinction in 2 years. After studying Double Bass at Huddersfield University and the Royal Northern College of Music, I went on to play as an extra with various professional orchestras. One particularly memorable experience was playing at Glastonbury in 2004 as part of an ensemble from Royal Liverpool Philharmonic Orchestra. As a soloist, I have played Double Bass concertos with 2 orchestras. Now I play in a variety of concerts and musicals in the North of England and have been principal Double Bass of Slaithwaite Philharmonic Orchestra since 1998.
I was Cellist in a Wedding Quartet for about 14 years before I became a mother. Amongst the various other instruments that I play, you may occasionally see me with a French Horn at school concerts.
I started teaching Lower Strings in 2003, alongside my playing commitments. Now, I enjoy a happy balance of teaching and playing which enhance each other. I have been the Lower Strings tutor at Abbey Grange since September 2013. I offer beginner to advanced tuition on Cello and Double Bass. For those seeking to obtain music qualifications, I teach to ABRSM Grade 8 and above.
As an Extra Curricular activity, I run the school orchestra where I arrange the music to suit the standards of the individual player.
