James Woodrow
Manchester Violin Teacher
Arrange your lesson today
Arrange your lesson today
I am an experienced violin teacher based in Manchester, teaching all ages and abilities. I am very willing to suit the needs of individuals and keen to encourage enjoyment of playing. For those wishing to prepare for exams as part of their overall development, I encourage preparation for ABRSM grades.
Although I primarily teach one to one violin lessons, I am also experienced in teaching viola, piano, tutoring small ensembles and conducting youth or amateur orchestras. I can provide piano accompaniment to students of all instruments, for ABRSM exams.
Recent achievements of my students include: a high proportion of merits and distinctions across all ABRSM grades, a successful entry into the National Children's Orchestra, music scholarship offers to Manchester private schools and successful Junior RNCM applications.
Fully DBS checked.
James Woodrow combines a varied performing career on both modern and baroque violins with a strong dedication to teaching. In addition to teaching privately, he teaches violin at William Hulme's Grammar School and previously at Solihull School.
James studied violin at the Royal Northern College of Music, principally under Steven Wilkie, gaining a first class honours degree. During his studies he was awarded the Roger Raphael, Schubert and Nossek prizes for chamber music.
James’s interest in orchestral playing developed during his two years with the National Youth Orchestra of Great Britain. He has played with the Royal Liverpool Philharmonic Orchestra, Skipton Camerata (regularly as principal second violin) and with Manchester Concert Orchestra amongst others. He has played on over a dozen commercial recordings as an orchestral player, including several recordings with the Royal Liverpool Philharmonic Orchestra.
Solo recitals include St Martin-in-the-Fields, Bradford Cathedral, Sheffield Cathedral, Whitworth Art Gallery and St Ann’s, Manchester. He has recently performed the Bach Double Violin Concerto with both Skipton Camerata and the Piccadilly Sinfonietta.
On baroque violin, he has performed with Manchester Baroque, Baroque in the North, Charivari Agréable, English Haydn Festival Orchestra, Fiori Musicali, Hanover Band, 18th Century Sinfonia, Eboracum Baroque and the International Baroque Players.
Rebecca (Parent)
James is an experienced and enthusiastic violin teacher. He is very organised, patient, and always punctual for lessons. He chooses teaching materials according to Emily’s needs and helps her establish a good practice routine. Emily is a quick learner, so he always makes sure she gets challenged but without pressure. Last Summer, before her 10th birthday, she passed ABRSM grade 6 with distinction. Her quality of playing has improved amazingly, and she is currently preparing for her grade 7 exam. Emily is playing more and more confidently, and always leaves her lessons with a smile!
Jan (Parent)
My daughter has been having violin lessons with James for the past 2 years. She started as a complete beginner aged 8 and under James’ guidance has achieved a Distinction in Grade 2 ABRSM violin exam. She is currently preparing for Grade 3 Violin exam. Clearly amazing progress for 2 years of learning! James is able to explain technical musical terms in a simple manner that my daughter can easily grasp. He is very patient with student children. As a teacher, James is very professional and always punctual. My daughter always looks forward to her violin lessons.
Megan (Adult Student)
I met James when he came to stand in for our conductor at The Lowry String Group. I was so impressed, that he was my first choice of teacher when I needed to change. He’s extremely professional, friendly, knowledgeable and thoughtful. As a result I believe my playing is improving immensely. I really look forward to my lessons and feel very fortunate to be taught by him.
Anne (Adult Student)
James is a great teacher. I returned to lessons after a long break at about grade 5 standard and he has really helped me improve my technique and playing in general. He is always encouraging and supportive and is great at identifying solutions to any difficulties I’m having and suggesting the most useful ways to practise. I was very happy to achieve grade 8 violin last year and now have more confidence playing in a group and learning more advanced pieces. I really enjoy lessons and would highly recommend James as a teacher.
60 minutes
£36
40 minutes
£24
20 and 30 minute lessons, and piano accompaniment fees, available on request.