Guildhall Graduate, highly experienced, fun and energetic teacher of all levels. DBS checked.

Learn more about Nathanael

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

  - When I was 6, I began piano lessons, however, I did not enjoy them. I kept going though and also picked up guitar and trumpet. I began enjoying showing off my skills, however, I wasn't passionate about the music. I began playing the cello at 11 since my best friend played it, and after two years I began lessons with an amazing teacher - Sue Lowe, who showed me how to properly communicate emotions and character in music. From this I started to develop a huge passion to pursue the art and ended up studying for 6 years at conservatoire.

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

  Not really. All genres, composers and performers eventually drive me crazy. I have to keep listening to different types of music. Having said that, it is very difficult to get bored of Bach.

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

  I believe that the character and story telling of music is what makes music so interesting. Throughout all my teaching, I hold the music itself as most important. I believe that the bow use of the bow is the main tool we can use (as a string player) to really communicate character and emotion. The ability to control the bow to create many different types of sound is critical to convey character, emotion and storytelling.

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

  To play any instrument to a high level is extremely difficult. I wouldn't say that it is more complicated to master the organ than it is to master the cello since both have very different challenges.

• 5) What are your keys to success?

  Know what the next most important thing is and do that first.

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

  The great cellist Rostropovich - he had such a massive character and was full of life. He had such passion for music and was simply a genius.
  Steven Isserlis - he seems like an hilarious guy. His philosophy on why we make music is fascinating.
  Jacob Shaw - founder of Scandinanian Cello School (SCS). He combines nature and music, showing that one needs to be in nature in order to create music. I love nature and grew up in the countryside, so I would love to meet and talk to him about how he has been able to set up SCS.

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

  Playing music is not like performing surgery; if something on stage goes wrong it doesn't matter. What matters is that you commit to the character and storytelling of the music. It's an entertainment sport.

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

  I believe it is very important to teach every student with a very individual and unique approach. As humans, our brains are wired up so differently, it is important to understand how the students brain works and accommodate that as you teach them.
  I treat the character, emotions and storytelling of the music as number one priority.
  I don't cut corners when progressing with my students.