Toby Cook

Hi there, my name is Toby Cook and I'm a professional violin and viola teacher for intermediate-advanced students based in Berlin and can teach in English, Russian, French or German.

I teach in person at students' location, at my location and online. I charge €25 for 45 minutes, €35 for an hour and €50 for 90 minutes.

As well as extensive instrumental teaching and ensemble coaching, I’ve led numerous professional workshops, including ‘Music First’ and ‘Music Masters’ workshops in London and was an assistant on the Primary Arpeggione viola course and Springgrove music competition. I teach in English, Russian, French and German and am trained in a variety of methods, including Suzuki, regularly preparing students for music exams at all levels. I am currently a member of the European String Teachers’ Association, and have participated in ESTA conferences across Europe.

I also regularly accompany students on the piano, and work on music theory, aural and sight reading skills for exams, including on grades in theory and academic exams across all stages.

As a performing musician, I've played as a soloist in venues across Europe and participated in several international competitions, notably receiving the Barbirolli prize at the Lionel Tertis International Viola Competition 2019. I was a member of the European Union Youth Orchestra in 2018, and a member of the National Youth Orchestra of Great Britain from 2014-2015, appearing on BBC Radio 3 broadcasts and a televised BBC Prom, as well as being involved in the NYO outreach programme ‘inspire’ in schools across London, including workshops and interactive performances at the Royal Festival Hall.

Testimonials:

Tatyana M.
Toby is a fantastic teacher. He is very reliable as he is consistently organised and punctual. I constantly see progress in my child’s music skills because every lesson Toby delivers is effective and well-structured. I highly recommend him to all who wish to learn or improve on their music skills.

Jacques D. R.
Toby is an excellent tutor with top teaching skills..he teaches music theory in a way my 12 year old son understands the lesson easily; Toby is very attentive to my son's needs

Pamela B.
Toby is really a great teacher, who teaches pieces well and teases out the feeling while playing. We particularly liked that. Good technique is one thing, but feeling the music is such an important element in music and in learning a piece of music. He also teaches theory very well!

Hanna S.
Toby can explain things very well and understandably, is patient and friendly and easily adapts to the level of the student

Anne Z.
Very personable and very effective lessons!

Peggy B.
Toby is very patient and very pleasant, our first exchanges are very positive

CV

(excerpt)

HIGHER EDUCATION

Masters degree (first class)
Hochschule für Musik Hanns Eisler, Berlin
2019-2022
With Prof. Tabea Zimmermann

Bachelors degree (first class)
Royal Academy of Music, London
2015-2019
With Prof. Juan-Miguel Hernandez

EXPERIENCE

Private individual and ensemble teaching
June 2011-present

Chamber music coach in Finchley, London
September 2013-July 2019
Assistant to Jacky Woods

Primary Arpeggione Viola Course
October 2015-July 2019
Assistant to Jacky Woods

Springgrove music competition
March 2016-July 2019
Assistant to Jacky Woods

European String Teachers’ Association annual international conference, Malta
2018

European String Teachers’ Association event, Bern, Switzerland
2018