Master's degree level professional violinist offering Folk, Pop and Rock violin tuition in London & online (All Levels)

Find out more about Iona Catherine

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

  My passion began when I was six, when I first fell in love with playing the violin. I grew up in a culture of folk music, a life coloured by sitting in firelit durgy pubs, and summer and autumn outdoor folk festivals, and so that influence of learning folk tunes by ear on violin and playing in a folk-jam group most weeks has been huge. I later discovered composition, songwriting and music production at college and ended up writing and producing over 500 songs before going on to study those skills at university, achieving a 1st Class Hons degree in Music from Goldsmiths UoL. And now it is my occupation via being a music artist (INCONNIA) and freelancer as well as music tutor which I love as a way to spend my time. (here is my website: https://www.inconnia.com) Music has always been with me. It is the lense that I look at the world through and what my whole life has revolved around so far.

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

  I have listened to and played huge range of music including experimental contemporary to classical, EDM/IDM, heavy metal, alternative pop, noise/industrial, folk/world, and so much more. Some of my favourite artists include Igor Stravinsky, Aaron Copland, Vaughn Williams, Cornelius Cardew, Austin Wintory, Queen, The Beatles, Coldplay, Billie Eilish, Beabadoobee, Iglooghost, Boys Noize… and SO many more. A real range! in fact I have a whole HUGE playlist of my influences that I made a while ago: https://open.spotify.com/playlist/2sHpm6JAWXMdbKUOvY3GU4?si=wtT2B4JxRnmDrQ2mtbVOug I think this combination means I am able to work in a diverse range of genres and pull on a huge pool of infuences as I create to make things that sound really unique.

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

  I like to work 1-1 with my students depending on their violin/music production/songwriting/composition interests and needs, pushing for the best sound and creations in each area. Music is challenging in of itself so no need to make it more difficult, but I like to make the tasks I set my students within reach using big learning curves, plenty of discussions, and interesting practical challenges, that push the boundaries of what they already know but are also achievable with new knowledge that will last a lifetime.

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

  Every instrument has its challenges! Music production is hard because it involves learning software and a whole new way of listening. Violin is complex because it is hard to get in tune and is held in an unusual way. Songwriting and composition involve buckets of creativity that mean idea generation must be practiced. All involve many hours of work. But each is incredibly rewarding right from the very first note and I believe everyone has it in them to make music no matter the difficulty of the medium used.

• What are your keys to success?

  Fun, determination, a willingness to experiment, and a keenness to learn. It is important to have all four of those in equal measures.

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

  Good question! I would say composer John Cage for his philosophical thinking on the meaning of music, music producer Guy Sigsworth for his quirky work with artists such as Madonna and Imogen Heap, and Freddie Mercury for his performative spectacular-ness and talent for songwriting.

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

  "There is no such thing as a wrong note... play it again and it will sound like you did it on purpose"

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

  I ensure that I am empathetic, listening, and full of enthusiasm. I always have words of encouragement to give and ideas to bring to make my students feel heard, supported, and passionate about moving forward with their craft. I regularly send personalised resources and helpful links to my students. I take my duties of care and to teach seriously and I feel that really counts. These touches are what make me a Superprof in music.