I began the piano aged 5, and the violin 2 years later, going on to study at the Junior School of the Royal Northern College of Music, Wells Cathedral School, the Guildhall School of Music and Drama, and the Utrecht School of the Arts, where my teachers included Mark Knight, Yfrah Neaman and Keiko Wataya. After leaving music college I also had lessons with Simon Fischer.
I have performed with Glyndebourne Touring Opera, English Touring Opera, and the Dutch Radio Chamber Orchestra as well as many other orchestras and ensembles, but my first love is quartet playing – I was a founder member and violist with the Fiorini Quartet, and also play regularly with Sounds Interesting, the Astaria Quartet, Fortune Strings and others.
I have taught violin, viola and piano for many years, I worked for about 7 years as an examiner for ABRSM, used to run Bromsgrove Amateur Strings, and have self-published my own series of books and pieces for violinists and string groups: Hey Presto! and Top Ten. As well as the violin and viola, I also enjoy playing the piano, and work as an accompanist from time to time.
As well as music, I am also interested in other languages – some years ago I took a break to study Chinese and gained a degree from Oxford University. I also very much enjoy walking in the Shropshire countryside where I now live!