Iona

I am a violin / viola teacher and have recently relocated to Edinburgh (originally from Aberdeenshire). On leaving music college I was appointed the first Principal Viola of the Southbank Sinfonia many years ago and this took me south of the border. I am now happy to be back and have availability for some private students in the Bruntsfield / Tolcross / Morningside area of Edinburgh. I enjoy many styles / genres of music and teach mainly classical and folk music. My lessons are fun (I hope!) with a strong focus on establishing good technique and always tailored to the individual student.

I have 20 years teaching experience across the UK and have enjoyed a wide and varied career as a freelance musician too playing with orchestras including RSNO, Scottish Opera, RTE in Ireland, English Symphony Orchestra, RPCO, Oxford Philomusica, Bristol ensemble.

Tutoring Experience

Teaching experience:
Currently - Violin / Viola teacher at Big Noise Wester Hailes.

Previous experience:

Music Director of Superstrings Wiltshire. (10 years)
Teaching strings and coaching chamber music (age 5 to 16). Running music courses, workshop and masterclasses for strings across the county.

Wiltshire Music Service - Violin / viola / folk music.

Camden Music Service - Violin and Viola (age 5 to 10)

Pinewood Secondary School - violin and viola. Age 11 to 16
Sevenoaks Secondary School - violin/viola/chamber music.

Lead of Wells Cathedral School Junior Violin Scheme - Somerset. (5 years)
Also teaching violin / viola /chamber music age 7 to 18. Specialist music school.

Somerset Music Service. Violin / Viola.

Coach for Frome Symphony Orchestra viola section - adult orchestra.

Tutoring Approach

I draw on many methods in my teaching having experience observing and learning from many hugely experienced teachers in my early teaching career.
Sheila Nelson / Suzuki method / Kodaly / Mary Cohen. I use the Vamoosh teaching repertoire especially with early years learners. Always adapting to the individual student. I teach both classical violin / viola and folk. Often I incorporate folk or other styles that I think the student will enjoy to enhance the learning experience and develop a good ear.
A strong focus on developing a good technique whilst always being fun and engaging.

30 min lesson - £22.50
Blocks of 10 lessons per academic term usually.

Availability on Mondays and Tuesdays between 3:30 and 6:30pm.
Earlier in the day may be possible - just drop me a line.

If you would just like to learn folk fiddle this is also possible , just drop me a line!