News of Past Pupils

Orchestra for Hallam Choral Society

The Milsom School now regularly provides upper strings for orchestras accompanying choral works. Recent performances with have included Beresford King-Smith's Psalm Symphony (conducted by the composer) and Faure's Requiem (scored for violas and lower strings only).

On April 3rd 2009 we are playing in St Marie's cathedral, accompanying Haydn's 'Little Organ' Mass under Pete Taylor's baton. We are delighted to welcome back for this event some of our students who are now studying at various universities but still playing their instruments: Matthew Field, Narthana Ilenkovan, Hannah Jessop and Fran Lightbound. Amy, David, Lucy and Ruth will also be playing. (Mar. '09)

Sam Castle

Sam (8), who has had lessons with David since 2004, recently auditioned and was accepted for the Pro Corda North summer strings' course at Sedbergh School. (Mar. '09)

Charlotte Simons

We are very proud of Charlotte – one of Michelle Potter's students – who has just sailed through her Grade 8 flute exam with a very well deserved Distinction (136 marks out of 150). With her previous success on the violin, she is our first student to obtain this result on two instruments. Congratulations Charlotte! (Feb. '09)

Sarah Noyce

Congratulations to Sarah, who has been accepted for a coveted Oxford University Choral Scholarship. (Oct. '08)

Harry Castle

Violin student with David Milsom, 2004-08

We are delighted that, after four years of committed study with us, Harry has gained a coveted place at the Junior RNCM in Manchester. Harry has made regular contributions to our end-of-term concerts and it has been wonderful to chart his progress over his time with us. (Sept. '08)

Update: Harry (11) is getting on very well at jRNCM and was recently one of four children selected to have a lesson with Paavo Pohjola from the Sibelius Institute, Finland. (Mar. '09)

News of Past Staff

Amy Finch

Violin & Viola

In January, 2010, Amy Finch decided to stop teaching for us in order to concentrate on her final university exams. Amy has been a resourceful and enthusiastic teacher and we are very sorry to see her go. We are very pleased to announce that Gavin Usher, recently returned from his music studies at the University of Hull, has taken her place. Read about Gavin here. (Mar. '10)

Victoria Moran (Vicky)

Piano & Violin

Having gained an excellent musical education in her home county of Northamptonshire, Vicky completed her dual-honours degree in Music and English at Sheffield University in July 2008. Her performing ability has been recognised during the course of her degree, as she won the Julian Payne Recital Prize in 2006 and 2008.

Vicky made a valuable contribution within the Milsom School for two years, teaching violin and piano as well as encouraging pupils to take part in concerts. Her friendly, methodical and business-like approach helps learners to make consistent progress and master the fundaments of technique to support their musicianship.

We wish Vicky well as she now takes a well-earned gap year. (Aug. '08)