Amy - Didsbury - Violin

Find out more about Amy

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

  I started learning the violin when I was 5 but it wasn't until I was 15 that I realised I wanted to do music professionally. I went to a summer music course on chamber music every year and it's there that I grew to love the feeling of making music with other people.

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

  I love variety so I wouldn't want to listen to anything on a loop for too long!

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

  I wouldn't want to give any of my students anything too difficult on purpose, learning a musical instrument should always be fun, even when you're preparing for exams.

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

  I think the violin is one of the most complicated instruments to master, most people don't realise that even just learning to hold the bow is a massive challenge in itself. But I also believe it's one of the most rewarding instruments to learn.

• What are your keys to success?

  A good work-life balance.

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

  I was actually lucky enough to be mentored by one of my favourite musicians of all time - Peter Cropper. He had the most amazing way of speaking through his violin playing, and through the music he played. And he made everything sound brilliantly spontaneous.
  If I could go back in time I'd love to meet Beethoven, and see what his infamous temper was like. And it would be interesting to see Pagannini play some of his own compositions!

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

  When I was 17 I got the opportunity to play the Brahms Piano Quintet with some professional musicians and I learnt so much from just listening and performing with them. Sometimes the best way to improve is to work with someone above your level, if you're observant you can learn a lot.

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

  My lessons are not pre-planned and set in stone, I tailor everything to the individual needs of all my students. Everyone's different, and there are different teaching methods that work for different people. This is one of the reasons I really enjoy teaching!