Teaching
I enjoy teaching students of all ages and all abilities, from young children to adults who have retired and have always wanted to learn the violin.
I teach from beginner to diploma level and enter pupils for ABRSM grades where appropriate. I also help students to prepare for all levels of the Duke of Edinburgh Awards.
I tailor my lessons individually for each pupil with an emphasis on good technique and expressive playing whilst incorporating theory of music. I regularly demonstrate techniques and musical ideas in my lessons for my students to gain a better understanding.
My daughter Tallulah has been learning violin with Helen for the past four years, and the experience has been nothing short of exceptional.....supportive, inspiring, and full of mutual respect..... we feel incredibly lucky to have her as a teacher.
~ Anna Taylor, parent
Individually tailored lessons​​
All ages and abilities
Numerous positive testimonials
Many years of professional playing experience
Demonstrations of technique and musical ideas for deeper understanding
Fully insured and DBS checked
One off 'practice buddy' sessions for exams
I started teaching through the Royal College of Music teaching scheme where I was a student in the 1980's and have always taught violin pupils alongside my playing career in both private lessons and for music services. These include Croydon Music Service, Hertfordshire Music Service, Sandwell Music Service, and Junior Conservatoire Birmingham, where I taught individual 1:1 lessons and violin group teaching.
I’ve recently taught students at York University to prepare for their Final Recitals and teach students at The Royal Northern College of Music, online.
I have considerable experience in coaching string quartets, string ensembles and coaching for sectional string rehearsals at state school and private school levels.
Most recently, I have been a moderator for A-level and GCSE Performances and Strings Consultant at King Edward VI Five Ways School, Birmingham and Conductor and Director of the Training Strings Ensemble at the King Edward’s School, Edgbaston, Birmingham.
I currently teach at my home here in Birmingham. I am fully insured by the Incorporate Society of Musicians (ISM) and am DBS checked.