Experienced, patient and friendly musician and music tutor near Abergavenny offering one-to-one and online violin/fiddle lessons

Find out more about Tim

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

  My passion for music has been with me all my life. I can't remember there ever being a time when it wasn't part of my life - I started learning the violin when I was in primary school, going through the traditional exams and grades and eventually achieving Grade VIII when I was about seventeen. But this was just the start - it gave me the technical foundation to start wanting to play all sorts of music that moved me. I play a guitar as well, but being a fiddle player always sets you apart and puts you in demand. Singer/songwriters are always keen to add 'some fiddle' to give their song that emotional edge and produce a sound that can tear at the heart strings of both performers and listeners - it's fabulous when it happens. Its therefore my favourite instrument

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

  I wouldn't say there is a particular music type or artist, but often there can be a particular piece of music that gets under my skin. It hits the spot to remind me why I play and listen to music. It creates a moment, a magical spine-tingling moment, that makes us human and captures an emotion perfectly. But this can be a classical piece, an operatic aria, a folk song, a rock song, an emotional ballad, or any other type of music.

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

  The most difficult course to pass is one where the student starts to really understand what playing is all about and starts to take ownership of his/her playing. The technical issues are still there, but the understanding of playing music as a way of communicating emotion becomes understood. Once that point is reached, my job is largely done - the student is now a musician and will take control of his or her playing.

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

  The most complicated instrument to master is your own brain. Any instrument is simply a vehicle for communicating from one person to another. We should ask ourselves: Why do I play any instrument.? What is it I am trying to do? If the answer is 'because I want to play like so-and-so' - it's time to think again. That is not the answer - you need to look for a reason that is more fundamental. You need to be yourself and understand who you are.

• What are your keys to success?

  These days, success is measured by seeing students develop and enjoy playing. I like getting positive feedback, who doesn't? But at the end of the day when I see a student developing and understanding it's the best possible feedback you can have.

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

  This is a difficult one to narrow down. More recently I've been interested in bluegrass music and tuned into the genius of Kenny Baker (who was a fiddle player with Bill Monroe). For me he is up there amongst the greats of fiddle/violin players, but may not be so well known. I love a nice waltz played on a fiddle and he has some superb examples: Roxanna Waltz, Lonesome Moonlight Waltz, Mississippi Waltz, etc.
  
  For the pure joy of playing, I would also like Steve Wickham (fiddle player of the Waterboys). I'm a massive Waterboys fan and Fisherman's Blues is one of my favourite albums.
  
  Finally, the night would be completed if Eliza Carthy were to turn up. I'm a big fan of both her singing and fiddle playing and I've seen her perform with her band on many occasions.
  
  All three exude joy and pleasure in their playing, but the list is much longer than just three for me.

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

  Before the Pandemic struck, going to see musicians perform was something I would regularly do. I've seen a singer songwriter called Boo Hewerdine quite a few times now. He's written songs for many famous singers, most notably perhaps Eddie Reader. Co-incidentally, he was also an old school chum of mine. At the end of one if his gigs he offered a free CD to the best dancer to his final song of the set. As I was his old pal, I was appointed dancing judge. Half way into the song no-one had the nerve to get up and dance - the stage was empty and it was starting to get a little awkward. I had had such a good evening that I thought - to hell with it - I got up and danced for the remainder of the song, on my own. Afterwards someone complemented be for being so game. I thought they had said for being so gay. It was a great night. I never did get the CD.

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

  I play a guitar as well and I'm always willing to record a guitar backing track to play fiddle against. Nowadays I have quite a catalogue, though I'm always adding to these, largely driven by student requests.
  
  Making music should first and foremost be fun. I want to communicate my passion and enjoyment of music to my students. I want them to feel the same way, no matter how gifted or able they are. It's given me a lifetime of pleasure, and nothing would give me more pleasure than passing that passion on.