PHOENIX STRINGS

Son of a music teacher I spent my early years steeped in classical music.  I was familiar with all the Beethoven piano sonatas and the Bach Well-Tempered Clavier by the time I left school  - and have since forgotten most of them!   I tried out the clarinet and french horn during my school days but then began to take piano lessons in my early twenties.  I also took church organ lessons for a couple of years about ten years ago and played regularly for my local village church.

I decided to learn the violin about four years ago and was directed to John Foster.  I had had enough of playing and practising on my own in a draughty organ lofts and wanted to play along with other people for a change.  I chose to take up the viola about 18 months ago as I preferred its mellow tone and the instrument fits my hand. 

My latest project is to venture into the world of composition and after having completed a couple of small pieces I am keen to expand my knowledge of theory, composition and instrumentation.