Diploma Violinist and Teacher with 5+ years' experience teaching violin, piano and music theory to wonderful students! Any age from 4 years. 100% ABRSM Pass rate.

Learn more about Scarlett

• When did you first develop a passion for music and your favourite instrument?

  If you can believe it, at 6 years old when I first picked up the violin, it became a passion of mine. My lucky family had the joys of hearing me practice at 7am every morning, because having an inspiring teacher gave me all the motivation I needed! Being immersed in different styles of violin playing, from classical to gypsy jazz, meant I had a whole host of musical inspiration from a young age.

• Is there a particular type of music or artist that you listen to on a loop without it driving you crazy?

  The first style of music that made me feel adrenaline and excitement was Romantic orchestral music, specifically Rachmaninov Symphony 2 and Rimsky-Korsakov Scheherazade. Playing the violin in orchestras is what truly ignited my passion and I would always recommend ensemble playing to my students.
  
  However, if you want to hear a modern musical masterpiece, I will point you towards Sammy Rae & The Friends. Popular music has been stripped down to its bare bones, but Sammy Rae does the hard work and creates a unique sound of funk, folk, rock, soul, jazz all in one. Take a listen!

• Explain to us the most difficult or riveting course you could personally give to a student of music.

  As a teacher, it is my joy to support and introduce students to the world of expression and emotion in musical performance and practice. However, it is difficult to teach or direct in any way such a personal aspect of music, all I can do is try and find ways to help my students access the means of expression in order to connect their hands and their heart and truly enjoy the art of playing. It is riveting to learn how my students interpret music differently, to have these discussions, and see them fall slightly more in love with their instrument.

• What do you think is the most complicated instrument to master and why?

  Any instrument is complicated to master, each with its own difficulties and allowances, but I can confidently say the feeling of mastery is worth it. However, if you don't take that answer, I'm sure the organ is in a league of its own!

• What are your keys to success?

  Without hesitation, enjoyment is the first key to success. In the words of Albert Einstein, "I know that the most joy in my life has come to me from my violin".
  
  Dedication and practice - it seems simple, but often overlooked.
  
  Goals, whether it's wanting to learn your favourite song or piece, or playing for 20 minutes a day, having a goal is the backbone of your advancement.

• Name three musicians you dream of meeting in your favourite bar in the early hours of the morning. Explain why.

  Joni Mitchell - "Bows and flows of angel hair and ice cream castles in the air and feather canyons everywhere, I've looked at clouds that way. But now they only block the sun, they rain and snow on everyone. So many things I would have done but clouds got in my way." Need I say more?
  
  Of course, Beethoven, the genius. However, I'd love to put him and Mahler in a room together. They are often compared to each other, with their luscious Romanticism, and I like to imagine them in support of each other's compositions.
  
  Stravinsky, the godfather of 20th-century music, with unmatched musical imagination.

• Provide a valuable anecdote related to music or your days at music school.

  A story I love to tell my students is one of putting yourself out there because often, you will never regret it. I was 11, had been playing the violin for 5 years, and had just started singing. I saw an advert on CBBC (life isn't all work, no play) asking for young musicians to sing at the Queen's Diamond Jubilee. I auditioned, was successful, made my way down to London for rehearsals, and as one of 40 children in the UK to sing this specially commissioned piece in front of the Queen at her Jubilee. I had to push myself out of my comfort zone, and that one experience is the backbone of everything I do now. Who knows where I would be no if I didn't go for it!

• What are the little touches that make you a Superprof in music?

  My violin has been my left hand for 16 years, I have grown up with it, it has been my hobby, my therapy, my pride and my job. I have a relationship with my instrument that has provided me with so much, that I will never only teach you the notes and how to play, I will teach you how to feel at one with your instrument, how to find your niche and how to have fun - unless you tell me no!
  
  I would like to hope that every single one of my students/their parents agree that they gain a friend, and a person whom they trust completely, in me. I truly care about my students, their relationship with music, and their well-being. I do not want students to feel lectured, I want them to feel supported, enriched and celebrated!
  
  Also, my extensive tea collection - there's no lesson that isn't made better with a tea!