Sue:
‘‘It has been my absolute privilege to witness my daughter blossom in her viola playing under Carmen's tutorship, particularly given that my daughter has additional learning needs which Carmen has accommodated effortlessly. She has been so lucky to be taught by Carmen during her individual lessons for the past 5 years, and also in ensembles, both string ensembles and full Orchestra, from younger novice groups to more senior advanced groups, during her years as a student at Guernsey Music Centre. Carmen always has a calm, empathetic, motivating personality. She has firmly encouraged good technical playing, and also enjoyment in playing, and has been able to guide my daughter into choosing individually suitable pieces for exams and performances while she has progressed through the grades. With Carmen leading, her ensembles always sound so polished and entertaining, again with suitably chosen pieces, it has been difficult to believe the young age of the instrumentalists. Carmen has always been keen to discuss my daughter's progress with me, when my input has been required to guide home practice, and also offered guidance in choosing a replacement viola, appropriate for my daughter's playing level, when the current one was outgrown. Guernsey's loss is definitely Scotland's gain, and while my daughter and I are very sorry she will not to be able to continue studying with Carmen, we are confident that Carmen will deservedly remain a very popular, sought after teacher!’’ we create to the way each session flows.
Michelle:
‘‘Carmen was my son’s violin teacher for 3 years. She has all the skills to develop technique, build repertoire and help fulfill a student’s needs in a professional manner. A very kind, supportive and encouraging teacher with passion for teaching to many levels. My son loved his lessons.’’
Angela:
“We are so grateful to Carmen for the amazing start she has given Jayden in learning to play the violin. She is always patient, positive and encouraging and has gone above and beyond to accommodate our son’s additional learning needs. We are so proud of the progress our son has already made, and particularly that he has just given his first performance during a school assembly. What an amazing achievement!! A highly talented musician and teacher.”
Vicky:
‘‘Carmen/Miss Grew taught my two children violin from the age of 7. They found her to be a great, very engaging teacher who is extremely knowledgeable, patient and passionate about music. She helped them both achieve grade 8 Distinction in their early teens. My daughter is 17 and plans to take her Diploma this year. My son’s skills earned him a place at Junior Guildhall School of Music every Saturday, in the National Youth Orchestra and now leader of the Oxford University Orchestra. We highly recommend Miss Grew’s tuition which helped them gain the confidence and skills to make them the musicians they are today.’’
Kathleen:
“Just yesterday, I told my husband I can't believe how lucky I am to have found Carmen! This is the third time I have attempted as an adult to learn this instrument and I have got so much farther than before because of Carmen's skilful approach to teaching. We have so much fun. The combination of theory, practice and playing together suits me perfectly. Carmen is encouraging and supportive and adds just the right amount of challenge each week so that learning cello at 83 is a constant joyful adventure.”