Information About Calyssa - Richmond upon Thames teacher

Personal Description:

I earned both my Bachelors and Masters degrees on scholarship from the Royal College of Music studying both Violin Performance and Composition for Screen.

As a professional violinist, composer and arranger, I have written and recorded solo violin for numerous BBC TWO and BBC FOUR series and documentaries, recorded solo violin for several adverts, video games, podcasts and LIFETIME movies that have aired worldwide, and have arranged orchestral tracks for Grammy-award winning artists.

Tutoring Experience:

I have 15 years of experience teaching all ages, both privately and in school, which has included preparing students for ABRSM and Trinity examinations, teaching music theory classes and mentoring students for their A-Level compositions.

I currently hold teaching posts at three well-respected schools in South Kensington, Hammersmith and Richmond offering 1:1 and small group lessons, as well as ensemble coaching and music theory tutoring.

Tutoring Approach:

From my own experience, I understand the importance of balancing the teaching of technique, while also bringing the inherent joy of music-making to the forefront.

My approach to each lesson truly depends on the pupil's personal goals and how I can help them achieve them. I firmly believe that each music lesson should be different as each student is different. I use my experience, technique and enthusiasm to give each of my students the tuition that will benefit them the most.

During this pandemic, I have also been able to adapt my teaching to fit the needs of the online spectrum including creating backing tracks for my pupils to practice along to, arranging songs for ensembles to work on over Zoom, and hold performances so that pupils, despite being at home, can still work towards an end goal each term and share it with their family and friends.

I have my own recording studio at home with equipment that allows me to write, record, orchestrate and arrange, which has proven to be a positive aspect to bring into my teaching as well. My ability to adapt a piece of music to fit a school or a pupil's needs has been incredibly beneficial for my students, as not all arrangements available are suitable for certain abilities in schools, ensembles, and/or individuals. My knowledge of the ABRSM and Trinity syllabuses of all grades has also allowed me to re-arrange pieces of music to match the standard of grade the pupils are working towards, furthering their individual progress and improvement.