facebook
from64.00GBP/ h

Improvisation for String Players - Unlock your creativity!

Learn to improvise, jam and create your own music.

I am a cellist, composer and improviser specialising in working with string players to unlock and devlop creative potential. I will work with you to deveop a bespoke course to help you develop skills in improvisation.

Areas covered:
Jazz improvisation - Blues, Standards, Harmony, Bass Lines, Finding Chords, Building and Creating Solos, Elarnig repertoire.
Baroque Imrpovisation - Ground Bass, Partimento realisation and developing cadenzas for classical repertoire
Free/Folk and other styles - we can explore any styles of improvisation, and discuss how to develop your skills.

I am a professor of Imrpovisation at the Royal Colege of Music in London, and a composer and performer of my own music internationally.

Location

At teacher's location: The Avenue, London E4 9RP, UK
Online via webcam

|
Use ⊞+wheel to zoom!
+

General info

Age:
Teenagers (13-17 years old)
Adults (18-64 years old)
Seniors (65+ years old)
Student level:
Intermediate
Advanced
Duration:
45 minutes
60 minutes
90 minutes
The class is taught in:English

About Me

Hi, my name is Shirley.
I'm a cellist, composer and improviser.

I specialise in helping people develop creative skills in improvisation, composition and collaborative music making,
I have a very wide musical background which incorporates classical music, jazz and various traditions from North Africa and the Middle East, giving me a broad knowledge base and range of perspectives to draw on to help students explore their own interests.

I have developed a method of practice strategies for improvising, which can be applied across various genres, and help students to think creatively on the instrument, building understanding as you go along.

Everyone is different, and has different interests, strengths and weaknesses, so my teaching style reflects this in that I work with each student to develop a programme to support their personal development.

As a performer, I also practice what I teach, leading my trio, sextet and other projects in London. I've toured the UK and Europe with my trio and currently working on our second album.
I've also released several albums of free improvisation, and am working on a new [piano trio project combining classical repertoire with imrpovised works.

Education

I trained under Raphael Wallfisch at the Guilldhall School of Music, and Janos Starker in Paris before moving to Jerusalem, where I remained for 10 years, studying and performing a wide variety of musical traditions from the North Africa, Turkey and Middle East. Whilst in Jerusalem, I also became highly active on the jazz scene, working with artists including Avishai Cohen, Omer Avital and Yasmin Levy. Since returning to the UK, I have also worked with many leading jazz and world music groups, including Antonio Forcione, Mulato Astatke, Gilad Atzmon, Neil Cowley, Julian Ferraretto, Robert Mitchell, Maya Youssef and Alice Zawadzki.

Experience / Qualifications

I am a Professor of Musicianship and Improvisation at the Royal College of Music in London, and also teach at Trinity Laban Conservatoire, and RCM Junior Department.

I have taught for various Music Services in the UK, and also given workshops for Chethams School of Music, Guildhall School of Music and Drama, National Youth Jazz Collective, Royal Academy of Music and Drama, Royal Northern College of Music, and the Universities of Huddersfield, Kent, Manchester and Surrey.

I am also currently completeing a PhD in Musicology exploring issues of cross-cultural musical performance and authenticity.

Ask a question

Send a message explaining your needs and Shirley will reply soon:
The more detail, the better.
Ex. "Hi, when are you available to meet for a lesson?"

Availability of a typical week

(GMT -05:00) New York
MonTueWedThuFriSatSun
0              
1              
2              
3    Tuesday at 3:00  Wednesday at 3:00    Friday at 3:00    
4    Tuesday at 4:00  Wednesday at 4:00    Friday at 4:00    
5    Tuesday at 5:00  Wednesday at 5:00    Friday at 5:00    
6    Tuesday at 6:00  Wednesday at 6:00    Friday at 6:00    
7    Tuesday at 7:00  Wednesday at 7:00    Friday at 7:00    Sunday at 7:00
8    Tuesday at 8:00  Wednesday at 8:00    Friday at 8:00    Sunday at 8:00
9    Tuesday at 9:00  Wednesday at 9:00    Friday at 9:00    Sunday at 9:00
10    Tuesday at 10:00  Wednesday at 10:00    Friday at 10:00    Sunday at 10:00
11    Tuesday at 11:00  Wednesday at 11:00  Thursday at 11:00  Friday at 11:00    Sunday at 11:00
12  Monday at 12:00  Tuesday at 12:00  Wednesday at 12:00  Thursday at 12:00  Friday at 12:00    Sunday at 12:00
13  Monday at 13:00  Tuesday at 13:00  Wednesday at 13:00  Thursday at 13:00  Friday at 13:00    Sunday at 13:00
14  Monday at 14:00      Thursday at 14:00  Friday at 14:00    
15              
16              
17              
18              
19              
20              
21              
22              
23              
from £64At teacher's location
from £64Online via webcam

Good-fit Instructor Guarantee


If you are not satisfied after your first lesson, Apprentus will find you another instructor or will refund your first lesson.

Online reputation

  • Instructor since October 2024
  • Google connected

Availability of a typical week

(GMT -05:00) New York
MonTueWedThuFriSatSun
0              
1              
2              
3    Tuesday at 3:00  Wednesday at 3:00    Friday at 3:00    
4    Tuesday at 4:00  Wednesday at 4:00    Friday at 4:00    
5    Tuesday at 5:00  Wednesday at 5:00    Friday at 5:00    
6    Tuesday at 6:00  Wednesday at 6:00    Friday at 6:00    
7    Tuesday at 7:00  Wednesday at 7:00    Friday at 7:00    Sunday at 7:00
8    Tuesday at 8:00  Wednesday at 8:00    Friday at 8:00    Sunday at 8:00
9    Tuesday at 9:00  Wednesday at 9:00    Friday at 9:00    Sunday at 9:00
10    Tuesday at 10:00  Wednesday at 10:00    Friday at 10:00    Sunday at 10:00
11    Tuesday at 11:00  Wednesday at 11:00  Thursday at 11:00  Friday at 11:00    Sunday at 11:00
12  Monday at 12:00  Tuesday at 12:00  Wednesday at 12:00  Thursday at 12:00  Friday at 12:00    Sunday at 12:00
13  Monday at 13:00  Tuesday at 13:00  Wednesday at 13:00  Thursday at 13:00  Friday at 13:00    Sunday at 13:00
14  Monday at 14:00      Thursday at 14:00  Friday at 14:00    
15              
16              
17              
18              
19              
20              
21              
22              
23              
from £64At teacher's location
from £64Online via webcam

Good-fit Instructor Guarantee


If you are not satisfied after your first lesson, Apprentus will find you another instructor or will refund your first lesson.

Share

You are here


Philip
Enthusiastic, personable and award-winning cellist to guide you on your journey. I am skilled at teaching people of all ages!
My passion for your enjoyment and improvement is genuine! I'm a highly trained, long-time professional with hundreds of private students over the years and scores of appearances as an invited teacher. I look forward to your lesson to discuss your wishes and next steps on your cello journey! I have two solo discs online: the Suites of J S Bach for Solo Cello and "Bragatissimo" (tango). I'm featured in solo performances on YouTube and other platforms. My master's degree in cello is from a top US music conservatory, and I was for decades exclusively in the role of Principal Cellist with outstanding, well-known orchestras that made dozens of recordings and international tours.

Ashlin
Learn guitar, Guitar classes, online guitar for every one. Learn Violin, Online violin for all the ages. LearnUkulele Online ukulele classes
Guitar, Violin, Ukulele, Piano is a world of fun. Join with me to play, experience And explore your Favourite Songs. I have More than 10 years of experience in Guitar,Violin, piano and in Ukulele. And Im having 5years+ experience in teaching Online. I can make your Instrumental learning in an easier way. The method I follow is easier to understand. Let's see in class.

Erika
Découvre le violon et l'alto à Anvers / Ontdek de viool en altviool in Antwerpen
Cours personnalisés pour tous niveaux, de l'initiation au perfectionnement. Ensemble, nous explorerons les nuances de la musique, développerons votre technique et ferons vibrer votre instrument! Altiste avec expérience au sein d'orchestres nationaux et internationaux, je propose des cours d'alto et violon pour tous niveaux. Actuellement en fin de master en Belgique, j'ai eu l'opportunité de jouer en tant qu'altiste avec des orchestres tels que l'Orquesta Nacional de Cataluña, Belgian National Orchestra, Janáček Philharmonic Orchestra, l'Orquesta Simón Bolívar, et d'autres ensembles renommés en Europe. Je vous propose une pédagogie personnalisée basée sur : La technique : acquisition d'une gestuelle précise et efficace. La musicalité : développement de votre oreille et de votre sens du rythme. La lecture : déchiffrage et interprétation des partitions. La pratique : travail régulier et méthodique. N'hésitez pas à me contacter pour plus d'informations et pour organiser un premier cours !

Steve
Improvisation for beginners and intermediates (any instrument)
For many people improvisation is a scary word and having to improvise in a group or band is an alarming prospect. However, this really does not need to be the case. As long as you have a basic knowledge of how to play your instrument you will be able to improvise. Once you know the principle of how chords are formed you will soon be improvising with ease. If you play a keyboard instrument you will be able to improvise your own pieces and be able to entertain your friends at a moments notice. On the other hand if you play in a band or a group you will be well equipped to do a real 'jam' session. Whether you play a single line instrument (flute, saxophone, trumpet, violin etc.) or keyboard instruments, this class is for you.

Aleksandrs
Guitar, acoustic/electric, jazz guitar, music theory
Hi, i'm Sasha and I've been actively teaching music for the last 10 years. I'm very passionate about music and guitar in particular and it brings me a lot of joy to be able to share this passion. I enjoy being able to explain a musical topic well, working on it together with a student and seeing them grow into musician they aspire to be. I don't think everybody who is a good musician can be a good teacher and I had some bad teachers in my life so I put a lot of effort in being on the top of my game. It is important for me to have a comfortable and friendly atmosphere during lessons, set individual goals based on musical tastes and have a structured, personalised approach. This class is meant for students of different age groups and playing levels. From absolute beginners to more advanced players. The approach is individual and we will discuss the desired goals in advance and build the learning process around those. Some topics that are usually covered are rhythm guitar, being able to accompany yourself while singing (in different styles and techniques), lead guitar, improvisation (from basics to advanced), general knowledge of the fretboard and technique. There will very likely be some degree of music theory during guitar lessons as I am a firm believer that you have to understand the thing you're learning to fully master it, but no worries - it will only be as much as is necessary to have the control and understanding of the instrument in a chosen style (and if you are into music theory I will be more than happy to nerd out together!).

David
(LIVE or ONLINE!) Piano, improvisation, composition and music theory lessons
I am a Spanish pianist and composer (MMus graduate from Codarts Rotterdam in both directions) with many years of teaching experience, and also very active in performing in various contexts. I give private piano lessons for all levels and styles (classical, jazz, Latin, new age, pop...), as well as music theory, composition and improvisation lessons. My lessons are distinguished by their dynamics, practical approach and adaptation to the needs and interests of the student. The lessons (live or online) take place in my studio next to the Maastunnel, where I have a premium stage piano and a top-quality webcam setup. I speak Dutch at an intermediate level, which is improving every day. (SCARY) I am a Spanish pianist and composer (MMus graduated from Codarts University in both fields) with several years of teaching experience, and also very active in performing in various contexts. I give private piano lessons for all levels and styles (classical, jazz, Latin, new age, pop...), as well as music theory, composition, and improvisation lessons. My lessons are distinguished by their dynamism, practical approach and adaptation to the student's needs and interests. The lessons take place in my studio next to the Maastunnel, where I have a premium stage piano and a top-quality webcam setup. I speak Dutch in an intermediate level, which is improving day by day.

Laura
Cello lessons for everyone! Learn how to play cello or improve your musical skills!
Hi, I'm Laura, I'm a cellist and I love to share my musical knowledge with other people. I have experience with students of all ages and I believe that there is no right age to start learning to play an instrument. I adapt my lessons to the objectives and tastes of each student. We can learn classical music, but also other styles such as pop. I also offer lessons focused on music theory if that is what you are looking for! If you want to learn to play the cello or improve your skills do not hesitate to write me!

Pietro
Professional Viola Player and Experienced Music Teacher offers Violin and Viola lessons for all ages and levels
Have you ever wanted to learn how to play an instrument but you never had the time to enroll in a music school? Are you currently studying the Violin/Viola and you want some tips on how to practice more efficiently? My lessons are meant for every age and level, every lesson is tailored to the needs and peculiarity of each student. You will find a relaxed and stimulating environment in which I will guide you towards the achievement of your learning goals. The lessons last 1 hour long and will take place at my house or yours. Online lessons are possible but preferably only as a backup every once in a while.

Mariam
Violin lessons online, from beginner to professional level
I am a Liszt academy Master's graduate, specializing in violin performance, teaching for 6+ years, and enjoy sharing knowledge and experience with anyone interested in this beautiful instrument. In these classes, you will learn the practical and theoretical parts of playing the violin from level 0, as well as how to develop your skills with the highest musical, technical, and interpretation levels. My goal is to make learning music fun, enjoyable, and interesting. I am looking forward to meeting you in my class.

Renata
Personalized cello lessons (cello, cello)
Custom instrument classes. We can start from scratch or also work on new techniques and advance your level. In addition, we can prepare the music that you like the most, beyond the preparation exercises. Since I am a composer, I can adapt the music or song that you like the most to our instrument! We will use different study methods. I will also help you understand reading and writing of scores so you can investigate on your own!

Andrea
Cello lessons for everybody! Learn and improve your skills with me.
One of the most wonderfull string instrument is the cello. If you want to learn how to play cello or just to continue improving your skills do not hesitate to contact me. I have a lot of experience teaching cello and for me, the most important thing in my lessons is learn well and enjoy. Ussually, my lesson programme is start with a short warm up (technique exercises) to continue with different cello pieces chosen by the students. I have a lot of pop and actual music cello pieces for all levels. In addition, I'm familiar with methods like ABRSM, Suzuki, Feuillard, Duport, Popper and Piatti.

Mehrad
Bass Breakthrough: Transforming Players into Pros - Unlocking Your Musical Potential
Dive into the world of bass mastery with my comprehensive lessons! From mastering the groove to honing technique, delving into theory, harmony, and rhythm, and even mastering music reading and fretboard note names, these sessions cover it all. Drawing from years of experience, I've finely tuned the curriculum to suit every learner, ensuring a paced and organized approach that guarantees progress. But beyond just playing notes, the ultimate aim is to empower you with the knowledge of how music truly works. Together, we'll unlock the secrets of crafting your own basslines and solos, fostering creativity and musical independence that extends far beyond the confines of any lesson.

Meric
Learn how to sing jazz/pop, Improve your vocal technique
Singing lessons offered from experienced singer/vocal coach for every level. I am Meriç and I hold a bachelor and a masters degree in Jazz voice. If you want to learn how to sing in various styles or to improve your vocal technique. I am that person you are looking for :)

Francesco
MUSIC as you wish! DOUBLE BASS, BASS, THEORY / HARMONY
Musician since the age of 14, I have been giving lessons for more than 8 years as a private teacher. I focus on your desires, whether to improve your vocabulary (jazz or other modern genres), or learn the basics of double bass and electric bass. I pay great attention to the practical application of theoretical notions. Personalized itinerary according to the student's needs and wishes. non-exhaustive list of what we can see: - basic techniques for beginners - learning songs of your choice -develop your knowledge of the neck (scale, arpeggios, triads) -develop your ear and improvisation -develop your sense of rhythm and music theory -musical theory, composition and arrangement

Ester
Private violin lessons, Music Theory, Technical and Musical Skills
My goal is to make people of all ages and levels learn not only playing an instrument but how can music help them in their everyday life. I am an Albanian violinist, with a Bachelor degree in Classical Music (Violin) and Musicologie in Sorbonne University. Over the years, my experiences with different youth and professional orchestras all around Europe have made me understand that music is important not only for professional musicians but also for everyone. I can teach in English or French and of course in my mother tongue Albanian.