Introduction

Core Values

At the heart of Hugh’s teaching practice is discipline, curiosity and having fun. Why these three things?

• The discipline to learn a new skill is not something that we’re born with, but is something we can cultivate over time. Learning a musical instrument is a hugely enjoyable and fulfilling thing to do, but also requires - among other things - patience, consistency and organisation.

• A curious mind is an essential part of discovering a craft, as it will allow you to think independently and explore creative avenues outside of a lesson setting. Our curiosity as musicians helps us listen more attentively and try new things outside of our comfort zone.

• Most importantly, playing the cello can be a lot of fun! Cultivating healthy self-esteem, developing a playing technique which allows for physical ease & malleability, learning our physical and mental limits to prevent injury and burn-out, friendly and meaningful collaborations - these are all essential elements to Hugh’s teaching practice which facilitate an enjoyable experience of cello playing.

Hugh will help you develop skills which transfer to many aspects of your creative life, such as time management, good note-taking, and how to steadily practise towards your goals, all while encouraging a positive, inquisitive mindset.

Extensive Experience

Hugh is an emerging young artist in the UK and internationally, with recent successes including concerto performances in Germany with the Bremer Philharmoniker, and performances throughout the UK. With over 14 years of playing experience, Hugh has a rich knowledge of studying the cello to a professional level.

A graduate of St Mary’s Music School and the Royal Academy of Music, Hugh has benefited from years of specialist music education at the highest level. He graduated from the Academy with a Regency Award for Outstanding Studentship and Sir John Barbirolli Memorial Award, marking his notable successes during his studies.

Hugh began teaching as an assistant to renowned pedagogue, Ruth Beauchamp, at St Mary’s Music School with whom he studied himself. During his time at St Mary’s Music School, he taught privately in Edinburgh. As a member of the National Youth Orchestra of Great Britain, Hugh worked with teenagers all over England, leading workshops and ensemble rehearsals. After moving to London to pursue his undergraduate studies with the formidable cellist and teacher, Hannah Roberts, Hugh continued to teach privately and on courses, working with both young people and adults.

Now, after a pause from teaching to pursue other projects during the pandemic, Hugh is taking on a small number of passionate cello students in London.

Personal Development

“I believe that teaching is a reciprocal process - that is to say, I hugely benefit from the experience of teaching as well! Lessons are a setting for collaboration as well as learning, and I enjoy discovering new things from students along the way. As someone who has benefited from a quality music education, I feel a debt to younger students to share what I can to help them on their musical journeys.”

Students

Hugh is looking to take on a small number of enthusiastic students passionate about learning the cello and music in general. Students should already have some experience learning and playing the cello and should be ready to work towards performances. There are no qualifications (e.g. ABRSM exams) required to have lessons, but Hugh is looking to work with students who are already at an equivalent level to ABRSM Grade 8 and above.

There are a number of lesson formats found below which are designed to suit students with different needs. Ideally students should be able to travel to Battersea for their lessons.

Hugh will help you set your goals and guide you on how to achieve them. This might include performances, music exams, preparation towards a course, or even a recording. He can also help you connect with other like-minded musicians for chamber music and concerts.