In a Nutshell...

 

PLEASE NOTE THAT I WILL BE LEAVING THE UK AT THE END OF MAY (2024) AND SADLY CAN NOT ACCEPT ANY NEW STUDENTS!

Hello and thank you for visiting my website. 

I'm a well-established and experienced violin teacher/ performer/ composer based in Kew ( South West London) where I have been teaching the violin for the last 25 years (I have been playing the violin for 44 years). I welcome anyone (from the age of five) who is willing to learn and practice regularly. I have a real passion for transmitting my love of music and I have a very creative, playful and holistic way to work with people in general. I also play the piano and very often use it for aural training or simply to accompany my students. I do believe that music is not just for grades or exams but a skill for life that can bring tremendous joy and fun along the way. Learning an instrument is also a great way to foster different qualities such as patience, presence, resilience, discipline, deep listening and the wonderful ability to express and share our emotions while discovering wonderful music.

Although I was trained classically in Belgian Conservatoires and did a CPD course at the Guildhall School of Music, I do like to teach a variety of music that is not just classical and I often encourage my students to compose or improvise freely. In the last two decades, I have led many youth orchestras and violin workshops and worked for many years in different schools in the Borough of Richmond upon Thames ( I used to work for the Richmond Music Trust for many years). I'm happy to prepare you or your child for the ABRSM grades or take a more creative path.

I regularly play with the Kew Sinfonia orchestra and have a lot of experience playing solos or chamber music and other non-classical groups such as folk, klezmer, tango, and world music. 

I'm a member of the European String Teachers Association and the Musician Union. I also hold an enhanced DBS certificate and I'm a fully qualified violin teacher from the Belgian Conservatoire ( Bmus. and premier prix de violon).

Please note that I do not normally travel to people's homes although there may be some rare exceptions.

 

Testimonials

“I had violin lessons with Raphael for 12 years, from absolute beginner all the way through to grade 8. I loved learning to play because he was great at balancing laughing and having fun in lessons with knowing when to challenge me. I always came away feeling that I could play a little bit better. Raphael taught technical skills thoroughly, but I also learnt how to play musically, by considering how to shape each piece to make it my own. If you're looking for a violin teacher, I really couldn't recommend him more highly!” Helena

"Raphael is a passionate and enthusiastic violin teacher who is very positive while maintaining real attention to detail and encouraging true musicality rather than just teaching to an exam. Highly recommended!" Rachel

"Raphael has been my violin teacher for the past 10 years; he has a very malleable approach to teaching allowing him to support me through the ways in which I learned best. We have had many a laugh in our lessons which really helped me to feel comfortable. As I have a passion for Jazz and Duets, Raphael has found the time to look outside of the ABRSM syllabus to find tunes that suit my interest in music for me to learn and play. I thoroughly enjoyed all my lessons and would highly recommend him." Rohan

"Our young son has been very happy with Raphael as his violin teacher. Raphael is very adaptable according to my son’s age and ability. His choice of music is varied and appeals to both his playful character and more advanced skills. Every summer he puts on a lovely concert for his students which the whole family enjoys. We have been very fortunate to have found such a kind and patient teacher." Christina

"I learnt violin as a child but was eventually put off by my teachers. Since taking it back up again (25yrs later!) I could not be enjoying it more. Raphael is a kind and thoughtful tutor with a great sense of humour. He is understanding when I do not always have as much time as I would like to practice. Lessons are fun, but I also feel challenged. I could not recommend him more highly." Anthony

"After having Raphael for over a decade, I can say with certainty that he is a fantastic, kind and lovely teacher – patient yet challenging me to progress in all areas of the violin. I always enter and leave the lesson with a smile on my face, thanks to Raphael’s charisma and humour, which, along with his masterful teaching, helped me achieve a distinction in my Grade 8 Violin. Will always remain my favourite teacher of all time – could not recommend anyone better to teach the violin!" Callum