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Deryn Cullen - Professional Cello Teacher in Leeds

Deryn Cullen Gold Member

Leeds (LS15) View on map
Last Logged In: 19 May 2012
Sex: Female
Web site: www.cellostudio.co.uk

Contact Me

B MUS (HONS) - South African College of Music
PLM - University of Stellenbosch
Full, enhanced
Musician's Union, PRS
References are available upon request
I'm on LinkedIn

Subjects

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Cello £30.00/hr
Music Theory Exams £30.00/hr

Musicianship £30.00/hr
Piano £30.00/hr

Personal Message: Whether your ultimate goal is to pursue a career in music or simply to be able to play "The Swan" by candlelight in your living room I am passionate about getting you there.
Which subject(s) do you teach?: I teach the following disciplines: Cello beginner to advanced (post-Grade 8), Piano beginner to intermediate (Grade 6) and Music Theory and Practical Musicianship elementary to advanced (college level). I also offer composition appraisals and lessons. Please contact me for further information and fees for the latter.
Tell me about your qualifications.: I studied music at the Conservatory, University of Stellenbosch (South Africa) where I obtained a Performers Licentiate in Music in 1998. I obtained a B Mus (Hons) from the South African College of Music (University of Cape Town) in June 2000. I studied both cello and piano at performance level. Prior to my university studies I achieved grade 8 with distinction in cello and grade 7 with distinction in piano.
What kind of experience do you have?: In addition to running an over-subscribed music teaching studio I am a professional composer, cellist and writer. I run a music composition partnership called Entropik Music with my husband: we compose and produce music for film, TV and media. I gained a wealth of professional orchestral and session experience during and after my studies and continue to work as a recording artist for Striking Media Music.

I have been teaching for 14 years and draw on my performing, orchestral and composition experience to give my students a broad perspective on their studies. I contribute teaching articles to Strings Magazine (String Letter Publishing, USA) and Music Teacher Magazine (Rhinegold Publishing, UK). I recently wrote a method for adults returning to the cello called Restart Cello (published by Music Sales Limited).
How much do you charge?: Detailed fee structure for cello lessons:

1 x 30 minute: £18
4 x 30 minute: £60

1 x 1 hour: £30
4 X 1 hour: £100

1 x 45 minutes: £25
4 x 45 minutes: £80

1 x 30 minutes: £15
4 x 30 minutes: £60

1 x 1.5 hours: £40
4 x 1.5 hours: £140
Where do you teach?: I teach at my home in Halton in a relaxed and pleasant musical environment. I have a Yamaha Arius digital piano - an excellent instrument to learn on with great tone and natural touch.
When are you available?: Please contact me for availability as my schedule varies. I teach during the school holidays but may be away occasionally in which case I will give plenty of notice. Lesson cancellations must be made AT LEAST 24 hours in advance or they will be CHARGED AT THE FULL FEE.
Which ages and levels do you teach?: I teach students of all ages and ability and am happy to take on beginners with no previous musical training. Adult beginners and re-starters are also welcome. I also offer short term lessons to those looking for additional input for their exam or audition preparation..
Which qualifications do you prepare your students for?: I do not consider exams an essential element of learning music - they are not for everyone! However, I am happy to prepare students who wish to be examined for the ABRSM or Trinity-Guildhall syllabi.
Do you have an up-to-date CRB (Criminal Records Bureau) disclosure certificate?: I have an up-to-date enhanced CRB disclusure certificate.
Describe your arrangements for online tutoring.: If you’re looking for a “second opinion” on a technical issue, additional input on your repertoire or exam preparation or just have a few cello-related questions you’d like answered, online lessons are a great solution. With the amazing advances in video conferencing through Skype and Google Chat amongst others, all you need is a webcam, microphone and speakers or a *Skype-enabled laptop.

Lessons and consultations are charged (in GBP and USD) as follows:
15 minutes: £10/ $15

30 minutes: £15/ $25

45 minutes: £25/ $35

60 minutes: £30/ $45
Do you belong to any professional organisations?: MU
PRS
MCPS
Where and with whom did you train?: I studied cello with Dalena Roux (University of Stellenbosch), Michael Haller (Univeristy of the Free State) and Arend Brink (Free State Musicon).
My piano teachers were John Antoniadis (University of Stellenbosch) and Brigitte Botha (St. Michael's School, Bloemfontein)
Cello Master classes:
Mark Drobinsky
Torleif Thedeen
Maria Kliegel
Anna Shuttleworth
Tell me about some of your current students.: I currently have 23 students who range in age from 5 - 75 and ability from beginner to post-grade 8. Many have played exams and passed with merit or distinction. A couple have gone on to become professional or semi-professional musicians.
Do you have a personal message for students?: Teaching music is not a hobby or a means of supplementing income for me. It is an integral part of my career. I take the musical development of each of my students very seriously, which means I expect a certain level of commitment to practising and attending regular lessons - without this you will gain very little from your lessons. As your teacher I will always do what I can to help you establish an effective practise regime. However, those who are ultimately unwilling to put in the necessary work will have their lessons terminated.

My Articles

Simultaneous Shifting and String-Crossing

String crossing and shifting are two fundamental techniques that present stumbling points on their own. Put them together and they can become an unfortunate blemish in an otherwise good performance. Without the necessary co-ordination between the left and right sides which are performing different physical tasks and a thorough understanding...

The Race to Grade 8: a Cautionary Tale for Teache

I was browsing a forum for classical music students the other day. My eye was caught by a thread entitled something like this: “What is the shortest time you can take to get to grade 8?” At first I was annoyed at the silliness of such a question. I was about to write an admonishing response, telling him how ridiculous he was to be so...

My Files

Cello ensemble composition by Deryn & Dan Cullen. Cellos played by Deryn Cullen.
File Size: 4.37MB
Uploaded: 26/05/2010

Student and parent testimonials
File Size: 40.5KB
Uploaded: 03/08/2008