20151027-_MG_6915.jpg

Teaching

After studies with David Martin and Frederick Grinke at the Junior Royal Academy of Music, I worked for 5 years with Yfrah Neaman at the Guildhall School of Music and Drama, and went on to spend a year with Wanda Wilkomirska in Germany. In particular my time with Yfrah was very formative as the majority of his lessons were in classes of 4 or 5 students. It was fascinating to watch him at work, and I spent many hours discussing the impact of his advice with my fellow students. So it has been a real pleasure to be able to develop my career as a teacher alongside my performing activities.

At tertiary level I have taught students at the Royal Northern College of Music in Manchester and Trinity Laban in London and Royal Birmingham Conerstvatoire of a period of two decade.. Much of my most enjoyable work is with very advanced younger students including for 5 years at the Junior department at the Royal College of Music. I am currently the Coordinator of Strings Studies at one of the UK’s specialist music schools, Wells Cathedral School, where I also enjoy coaching a great deal of chamber music and directing/conducting the string orchestra.

In recent years I have enjoyed travelling to a number of institutions to share my thoughts with colleagues and students around the world. Memorable experiences have included giving masterclasses in Conservatoires in Moscow and St. Petersburg, and three times in Kazan. In Asia I have taught at the Hong Kong Academy of Performing Arts and Beijing Central Conservatoire, as well as Nanyang Academy and School of the Arts in Singapore. Visits to USA, Poland and Austria are currently planned.

 
yt-chapel-pic-andrew-ruffhead-2009.jpg

Summer Schools and Courses

For a number of years I devised a series of residential courses for advanced students. I have taught on courses such as Cadenza, and Pro Corda.

I am coordinating the Wells Holiday Music courses in strings (at Easter) and Chamber Music in August

Contact Me