Violin/Viola Tuition

Violin was Pippa's first instrument, which she began playing at the tender age of four and which sparked her life long love of music. Pippa learnt Suzuki Method, which is primarily based on playing 'by ear'. She still finds it very useful to teach 'by ear' so that this skill set can develop and in order that beginners don't get 'stuck' by theory. However, she also introduces theory in the early stages of lessons so that it can be learnt gradually in manageable tasks that apply to the music the student is learning. 

Pippa started playing the viola at the age of 12 and studied at the Junior Royal Northern College of Music as a principle study viola player whilst a teenager. She attained her Grade 8 at the age of 17 and went on to work professionally as a freelance viola player when she left school, primarily working for the Southdene String Quartet. Since then Pippa has worked as a string player for pop projects, her latest project was writing and performing string parts for trip-hop producer Framework's E.P. 'Vanish', which was published by Five Missions More and released by First Word Records. You can hear the E.P. here.

Pippa teaches classical technique on the violin and viola. Students can cover classical or popular repertoire and teaching can include amplified string playing for playing within bands. Pippa enters students for exams with the London College of Music or The Associated Board of the Royal Schools of Music, depending on which style they study. She also enjoys working with those students who prefer a more relaxed, exam free approach to learning. Each student receives an individual program of study determined by a mutually agreed plan of 'Aims and Objectives' discussed in the first few lessons, which is followed up by regular (informal) 'Achievement Reports'.

Pippa teaches beginner to intermediate level violin and viola. She enters violin students who would like to study grade exams for grades 1-5 and viola students who would like to study grade exams for grades 1-6.

In order to take up violin or viola lessons you will need your own instrument to practice on at home. This needn't be expensive and can be discussed in the first lesson. 

Please don't hesitate to get in touch via the contact page to ask any questions you may have and to book your first lesson!