LIMITED SPACES REMAINING!!! Professional concert Violist (based in Camden, London) teaching classical Viola/Violin/Beginner Piano and Music theory.

Find out more about Paul

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

  I first developed a real passion for music very early on, when I started to realise it was more than just something I did because I was taught it. It became a way of expressing myself and connecting with people. My favourite instrument is the viola, because I love its warmth, depth, and the way it sits between melody and harmony. It has such a rich, human voice to it, and I’ve always been drawn to that.

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

  I listen to music constantly, and I think that to be a good musician you have to be able to listen to all types of music and bring that into whatever you are working on. I listen to everything from Beethoven to Mahler to Brian Eno, the Gipsy Kings, and opera, and I really appreciate all of it. I think a good musician needs to be open to every kind of music, because it all feeds into your own musical world. I’m also very interested in where electronic music is going in the future, because although it is still relatively new, I think its expressive potential is enormous, especially when you compare it with classical music.

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

  One of the most rewarding courses I could give would be around musical interpretation and musical identity. A lot of students can play the notes, but the real challenge is learning how to shape a phrase, understand style, and bring personality into the performance without losing discipline. I would love to help a student move from simply playing correctly to playing with real character, confidence, and conviction.

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

  I think the string family, especially violin and viola, can be among the most complicated to master because there are no frets and no fixed points for pitch. Everything depends on the ear, the hand, and a lot of coordination between both arms and the bow. The instrument is incredibly expressive, but that also means it demands a huge amount of control, consistency, and patience. The reward is that it gives you enormous freedom once you really understand it.

• 5) What are your keys to success?

  For me, the keys to success are consistency, curiosity, and patience. You need to work hard, but you also need to stay open to learning and be honest about what needs improving. I also think communication matters a lot, especially when teaching, because progress often depends on making things clear and encouraging for the student. And finally, I think success comes from genuinely caring about the work you are doing.

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

  For me, it would have to be David Bowie, Brian Eno, and Mozart. I’m drawn to all three because of their incredible uniqueness and individuality as artists. They each created such a distinct world of their own, and I’ve always found that hugely inspiring. There’s something fascinating about artists who are unapologetically themselves and still manage to influence so many people in such different ways.

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

  One of the most valuable things I’ve learned so far in my journey is that so much of what you do comes down to mental training. A lot of how you play is really tied to how you are organised mentally inside your own head, and I think that is just as important as the technical side. I also remember learning that real progress often happens when you stop trying to sound impressive and start listening more carefully, simplifying things, and being more honest with yourself about what needs improving. That was a very important lesson for me, and it is also something I try to help other musicians with, because I think developing your mental capability is a huge part of becoming a better musician.

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

  I think the little touches are attention to detail, encouragement, and adaptability. A good teacher should notice the small things that make a big difference, like posture, sound production, timing, or even a student’s confidence on a particular day. I also think being calm, approachable, and responsive helps students feel comfortable and motivated. For me, being a strong music tutor is not just about knowledge, but about creating a space where students feel supported and inspired.