Information About Athena - Hackney teacher -

(4 reviews)

Personal Description:

I am a graduate from the University of Oxford with a first-class degree in Music, distinction in both piano and violin ABRSM performance diplomas, and distinction in grade 8 singing, theory, and practical musicianship. I have just gained a distinction in my MA in Violin Performance at the Royal Academy of Music, and regularly perform on both piano and violin.

I studied at the Royal College of Music Junior Department for 8 years, studying composition and improvisation in addition to violin and piano, and winning prizes in piano, violin and theory.

Although I am classically trained, I enjoy many different genres of music and am a member of a folk-pop band, playing covers and writing original songs. In my final year at Oxford University, I was Co-President for The Oxford Alternotives, a mixed a cappella group, with whom I performed at the Edinburgh Fringe.

I studied jazz piano for 3 years and enjoy improvising on both piano and violin.

At school I studied maths and science, gaining 4 A*s in Maths, Further Maths, Physics and Chemistry A-Levels. My varied academic background means I am a well-rounded individual and able to help students in multiple ways.

Tutoring Experience:

I have considerable experience in teaching and mentoring a wide range of people. I have been giving one-to-one music tuition for over 5 years, including violin and piano teaching, music GCSE tuition, music theory tuition and aural skills. This past year alone, I worked with a family in Oxford for whom I taught piano, piano and violin, and piano and music theory to their three children aged 6, 9, and 12 respectively, as well as teaching beginner violin to a PhD Physics student in his late twenties.

I was a member of the National Youth Orchestra for 4 years and in my roles as principal 2nd violinist and then co-leader I was responsible for not only leading the section musically but organising activities with the section, mentoring younger or new members and liaising with tutors and staff as well. In addition, I took part in several inspire projects with the NYO, working to promote classical music in schools in disadvantaged areas and with beginner musicians in these schools.

Tutoring Approach:

I am sociable and enjoy getting to know students and finding out what works best for them. Whether the student wants to learn for fun, for a specific event, or is learning to progress through the grades and take exams, I will tailor my approach to each individual. I am very happy to include improvisation skills and other genres besides classical if the student would like!

I believe learning music should be fun, and will encourage students to explore the music they like and come up with pieces they would like to learn, to make it more enjoyable. I understand the importance of all-round musical training and therefore incorporate aural training and sight-reading into the lessons. In addition, I am able to accompany my students in the lessons and for exams, which is especially useful for violin.

I am very happy to be flexible with my timings.