Biography

Holly has worked for the Hertfordshire Music Service as a teacher of piano and violin for the last four years, and has been involved with the Hertfordshire County Youth Orchestra for more than seven years, first as a member, and then as a member of staff. She also teaches a variety of instruments privately from home.

Initially trained in violin, Holly has since expanded into the viola and the double bass, and now uses her experience to teach cello too. She played violin for the chamber orchestras and symphony orchestras of the University of Manchester, as well as the Baroque Orchestra and the New Music Ensemble. She takes regular engagements with local orchestras and choral societies as both a violinist and violist. After several years playing first violin for Hertford Symphony Orchestra, Holly has recently switched to the double bass with them.

As a keyboard player she has worked as an accompanist for Hertfordshire music centre concerts, Associated Board exams, and a number of independant concerts and recitals. She also spent a summer working at the Finchcocks Musical Museum as a public demonstrator of early keyboard instruments.

A self-taught saxophonist, Holly spent a number of years playing alto and baritone saxophone for semi-professional swing/big band, Swing City Big Band. In University she held the position of principal alto saxophone and then baritone saxophone with the BASBWE Gold Medal winning Manchester University Wind Orchestra. With playing now limited by a jaw injury she now teaches saxophone and clarinet from home.

Holly regularly collaborates with a local flute and piano teacher to put on concerts for her private students to perform in. Recent student success stories include the acceptance of one of her young violin students into the Junior Department of Trinity College of Music in London.