At what age did you begin learning your instrument? 

I started learning the cello when I was ten. I picked up double bass by osmosis when I was at music college and in my first teaching post in South Wales.

 

Where did you study? 

I gained an Honours Degree in Performing Arts Music at the Royal Welsh College of Music and Drama. I then studied with David Strange and Stephan Popov for a further two years.

 

Who do you currently play for? 

Currently, I freelance in chamber groups but also have performed solo recitals in 2017 and 2019. I have more recitals scheduled for the future.

 

Please tell us more about your music experiences. 

Previous experience includes acting roles and playing in theatre (mainstream, fringe and experimental), solo work with contemporary dance companies, education and special needs projects for both London based companies and Welsh National Opera. Chamber music and chamber orchestras, musical theatre shows. Recordings for TV (The Asylum) and radio (The Duchess of Malfi) and also for corporate video productions in Wales. I have taught both as a peri and privately as well as teaching for over ten years in the Junior Music and Access Studies Dept at The Royal Welsh College of Music and Drama.

 

Apart from music, what other hobbies do you have? 

Painting and upcycling, gardening, sewing, cooking, walking, yoga and meditation.

 

If you had one piece of advice for music students, what would it be? 

Ok, this is a marathon, not a sprint, so be patient with yourself and your instrument. Making mistakes is a big part of learning, so expect to make a lot and lighten up about it. Try to relax and enjoy the journey or process of overcoming difficulties. Mindfully engaging with your learning journey means that what feels hard now, won't in 6 months/weeks/days or even hours. Try and pay as much attention as you can whilst not judging yourself (which is not easy), when you're in a slump go back to music you learned last term or last year and see how far you've come. Experiment/jam/make crazy stuff up and have fun all the time and when you achieve something you didn't think you could, be your biggest fan!