Lesley Smith

I am a passionate violin and piano teacher with an Honours degree from the Royal Northern College of Music in Manchester having won an Associated Board of the Royal Schools scholarship for Africa at the age of seventeen. I was so fortunate to grow up in a culturally diverse and musical family, my mum and brother being professional musicians. My devoted parents were both passionate teachers and inspired me greatly.

I did my initial training up to Grade Eight in violin, piano and theory -Bulawayo Zimbabwe.

I am currently living in Cape Town.

I have had over thirty years performing and teaching experience of both children and adults. I have taught one to one and groups of students successfully. I teach both jazz and classical music and I also have done many arrangements for Edujazz ensemble. I directed and conducted this group in many concerts including the International Jazz Festival in Cape Town.

My teaching is aimed both for the aspiring amateur and professional musician. I believe magic really happens when making music with others. Music opens great doors of opportunity, heals emotionally and changes one's mood and thus the world. It is the most powerful force in the universe in my belief. A person is never too old to learn an instrument.

My teaching is suited to specific individuals depending exactly what they would like to achieve.

I do however believe in teaching the basic technical skills accurately for optimum results.

I try to inspire students by performing for them and giving them diverse repertoire to learn.

I love the Paul Rolland method for strings.

I also use Carol Barratt method for pianists.