I am a professional violin and viola teacher for intermediate/advanced, with over 10 years teaching experience in English, German and Russian.
As well as regular instrumental teaching and ensemble coaching, I’ve led numerous professional workshops, including ‘Music First’ and ‘Music Masters’ in London and taught on the Primary Arpeggione Viola Course and Springgrove Music Competition. I regularly accompany students on the piano, and prepare students for musical and academic exams at all levels, including music theory, aural and sight reading skills. I am currently a member of the European String Teachers’ Association, and have participated in ESTA conferences across Europe.
As a performing musician, I perform as a soloist and chamber musician in venues across Europe, most recently including the ‘Rome Chamber Music’ and ‘Gstaad Menuhin’ Festivals, and have participated in international competitions, notably receiving the Len Lickorish Memorial Prize at the Royal Overseas League International Strings Competition and the Barbirolli prize at the Lionel Tertis International Viola Competition.
A masters graduate with first class honours from the class of Tabea Zimmermann at the Hochschule für Musik Hanns Eisler Berlin, I have had the pleasure of working with numerous renowned artists including Lawrence Power, Ettore Causa and Nobuko Imai. I participated in the International Musicians Seminar at Prussia Cove in 2019 and '22, and in recent years collaborated with composers Garth Knox, Vasilis Alevizos and Thomas Jones on their new works.
I play in a number of ensembles and have twice performed with musicians from the Berlin Philharmonic and clarinettist Matthew Hunt at HellensMusic festival, as well as with Claudio Mehner and Christoph Poppen in Santander, Spain and with members of the ARC ensemble at the Music of Exile Festival in Toronto, Canada.
As a member of the European Union Youth Orchestra 2018, and a member of the National Youth Orchestra GB 2015, I appeared on numerous radio broadcasts and televised BBC Proms, and was involved in the NYO educational outreach programme ‘inspire’ in schools across London, including workshops and interactive performances at the Royal Festival Hall.
I stumbled across the Play with a Pro website last fall when my daughter asked to get back into private lessons. We were struggling to find a local teacher that had openings when we were available. I messaged Toby and heard back later that day. My daughter was skeptical at the idea of online lessons because she said she needed help with her finger work. After one lesson, she was sold. Toby helped her with finger placement on her bow and has helped her learn to play songs by ear. With Toby's encouragement, she even attempted a solo competition. I am so glad that we found Toby to instruct her, and I love to see her grow and develop every week.
Toby is a knowledgeable, friendly and highly musical teacher. His approach to lessons is refreshing with an overriding emphasis on musical expression and sensitivity. Technique is still covered thoroughly but in a subtle and sensitive manner that allows students musical creativity. Toby would be especially suitable for a nervous or self conscious student as he has a relaxed and easy manner.