Biography

I grew up in a small village just outside of Peterborough, Cambridgeshire. Music has always been a part of my life as my father is a violin maker and repairer, my uncle is a cellist and both of my grandparents on my father’s side are violin and viola teachers.

I began violin lessons at the age of seven and changed to viola aged 17. I was offered a scholarship to study for my bachelor’s degree at the Royal Conservatoire of Scotland. Whilst attending, I studied with Andrew Berridge and Stephen Tees, and had masterclasses with world renowned viola players such as Antoine Tamestit, Garth Knox and Rachel Beeston.

One of the most inspirational moments of my life came in my third year of studies after I
successfully auditioned to be on the BBC Scottish Symphony Orchestra’s apprenticeship scheme, which for that year included a two week tour of India with the orchestra conducted by Sir James MacMillan, with Nicola Benedetti as soloist. This experience gave me an insight into working side-by-side with a professional orchestra, performing concerts broadcast live on BBC Radio 3 across three cities in India.

Since graduating, I have been studying privately with Scott Dickinson whilst working as a freelance musician and teacher. I have performed professionally with the Orchestra of the Swan, including tours to both Mexico and Turkey, and also with BBC Scottish Symphony Orchestra, Rogue Orchestra, Cairn String Quartet and the Argyll String Quartet.

EDUCATION

Royal Conservatoire of Scotland
Glasgow, UK

QUICKFIRE QUESTIONS

What’s on your playlist right now?
The Hollywood String Quartet, Chet Baker, Bonobo, Interstellar soundtrack – Hans Zimmer, Bon Iver, Danish String Quartet, Frank Ocean

What do you do with your time when you’re not playing music?
I love watching films, listening to music, playing Xbox and seeing friends and family.

Tell us something about yourself that might surprise us…
I can solve a Rubik’s Cube in about 90 seconds.