Professional violin teacher/performer teaching in London with more than 10 years of experience, as well as head of strings.

Find out more about Daniel

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

  1. Funnily enough, the first piece of music I fell in love with, or so I am told, was the national anthem of my country. I used to run around screaming the words, whilst listening to the glorious sounds of the trumpet when I was about 2-3 years old! But my favorite instrument is definitely the violin- I just loved the variety of colors, sounds and characters that it can create, but this is followed closely by the human voice- again for being so versatile!

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

  2. On a loop?! Hmmm.. I think it depends on the occasion! K-pop to hype myself up, Maybe a bit of soft Indie music for a more chill vibe and then some opera for some inspiration! But some big artists that pop up are: Frank Sinatra, Buble (for christmas esp.) and Bruno Mars for when the sun's out.

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

  3. Every student is so different so it's very hard to point out the 'most difficult'. I think the most difficult for any student is overcoming challenges/hurdles that take a long time to really master. Of course, it's my job as a teacher to make sure those challenges meet head on, without having to compromise on the enjoyment of the learning process! I think challenge inspired difficulty is the most motivating and inspirational learning process for children!

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

  4. I would have to say viola if they had to do half the things violinists have to do, but otherwise violin! I think the learning curve at the beginning of learning any string instrument is very steep and the ability to make a good sound is a huge achievement. The coordination/dexterity and strength required to master a string instrument comes at years of dedication- but I really think it's all worth it!

• 5) What are your keys to success?

  5. It's all about finding that goal you're passionate about and carrying on with that goal even when life can get really tough! The success for instrumental learning is enjoying that pursuit to reaching new levels and be open to always learning new things! I think the cherry on top is being able to connect with other people whilst making music together- it's so precious in today's age!

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

  6. I would say Frank Sinatra, Antonio Vivaldi and Luciano Pavarotti- I would watch them have some of the most intense jam sessions along with some very out of the box, creative perspectives on music making. I think it would be a very energizing experience along with an espresso. Great Monday morning.

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

  7. Once, I was playing in a concert at the Barbican and I'd had too much coffee that day. Not only was I over-caffeinated but also the music was very upbeat and fast paced. I ended up being a little too jittery and as I was playing through some very fast passages, my bow flew out of my hand. Takeaway- Never have too much coffee on a concert day.

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

  8. It would have to be my energy! I love to teach and specialize in teaching children so I love to always give a lot of energy and support for them to grow and develop. That and also the number of games, toys, gadgets that I use to teach with! I think my popular one is my wheel of fortune that the kids absolutely love!