Strings

• From your very first term here you’ll perform and create, in solo, chamber or orchestral projects. You’ll explore different stylistic approaches, supported by specialised teachers.
• Our string faculty includes some of the greatest names in solo, chamber and orchestral playing. No other college offers a more exciting range of professors.
• We are the only UK conservatoire offering sting placement schemes with both opera and symphony orchestras. Partnering with Welsh National Opera (WNO) Orchestra and BBC National Orchestra of Wales, we offer placements, side-by-side experiences and mentoring with leaders and section principals, most of whom teach and coach here as well. Our students do end up getting extra work with both orchestras.
• You’ll learn in small workshops and masterclasses and take part in tailored, one-to-one coaching from industry professionals in a highly personalised approach that allows you to develop as a versatile and employable musician. 
• You’ll be taught by internationally-renowned visiting artists, all with contemporary careers performing at the highest level, from all kinds of professional backgrounds including orchestral leaders, chamber musicians and soloists, covering genres from early music to jazz.
• Your chamber music ensembles, will be mentored by one of the many chamber musicians on our staff, alongside regular coaching from, and performing with, our two brilliant ensembles in residence, the Carducci Quartet and the Fibonacci Quartet.
• Our wide range of orchestral projects, including musical theatre, opera, acting showcases, as well as symphony orchestra and string ensembles, means that you’ll be involved in orchestral projects every term.

Today's music profession demands broad experience and adaptable skills. 

Our unique approach to string education means that every student has a rigorous training in a variety of styles, ranging from baroque to contemporary, jazz and folk, electronic and acoustic. Students will play in string ensembles alongside leading professionals, they will be mentored in the chamber music by some of the UK's top ensembles, and they will perform in musical theatre, opera and symphony projects, including side-by-sides with Welsh National Opera players. 

There will be opportunities to perform with harpsichords and fortepianos alongside specialists such as Jonathan Manson and Rachel Podger, and chances to take part in Jazz, Folk and Klezmer sessions with leading specialists. 

All violinists will be offered a chance to learn viola which they can explore in solo, chamber and orchestral projects. Being historically aware and informed is a key part of a string players portfolio today, and every student gets the chance to play a baroque instrument and to take a taster lesson on the viol. For those that wish, this can be taken as a free extra study.

Dr Simon Jones, Head of the String Performance, is an acclaimed violinist who has performed and recorded internationally as an orchestral leader and chamber musician for nearly 40 years. He has also taught, lectured and led projects at conservatoires and universities all over the world for nearly 30 years, and is both a senior fellow of Advance HE and one of the few people to be awarded a National Teaching Fellowship for his work developing string mentorship projects.

His professional experience as a leading performer and as a conservatoire-level teacher, has allowed him to develop an exciting and diverse programme that equips students with the skills to become inventive, adaptable and employable musicians.