Former Pupils

When I first started on my teaching journey, one aspect I hadn't anticipated was how it would be when pupils move on to Conservatoire and University. There are always a few tears as I wave them off; some have been coming for lessons since they were 6, but I needn't have worried. I have now realised that things get even better!! I get invited to fantastic concerts and productions; we meet up and they share the highs and lows of student and early professional life. Some drop into the studio to encourage my current pupils or just to observe me teaching. Some are now beginning to take on pupils of their own; it is totally heartwarming to watch things come full circle. I have always said a viola pupil is for life... not just for Christmas.

Abby Bowen - Viola

Abby is a London based violist who particularly enjoys playing in smaller ensembles and has performed with the English Chamber Orchestra, 12 Ensemble, Britten Sinfonia, Sinfonia Cymru and the London Mozart Players.

She also performs with the London Philharmonic Orchestra and was the violist for the LPO Future First’s in 2020-2021.

During her time at Academy she was principal of the RAM Sainsbury Soloists Chamber ensemble, RAM Symphony Orchestra, and RAM opera.

She also performs on the West End production of Hamilton and Dear Evan Hansen, and has recorded for the Small Island Installation at the National Theatre, as well as appearing alongside artists such as Lewis Capaldi and Sam Smith.

Abby studied at the Royal Academy of Music with Martin Outram, where she graduated with a 1st class and as the recipient of the Maurice Loban Viola prize.

She then completed her masters as a full scholar at the Guildhall School of Music and Drama, where she studied with David Takeno.

Isobel Doncaster - Viola

Isobel Doncaster is a violist and singer, based in London. Currently studying for a Masters at Guildhall School of Music and Drama, her studies are generously supported by a Guildhall School schorlarsip and an award from the Stephen Bell Charitable Trust.

She studies with Gary Pomeroy (Heath Quartet) and has previously studied with Matthew Jones, Lucy Nolan and Vanessa Gaidoni.

Feeling equally at home as a chamber, solo or orchestral player, she has played with ensembles such as Britten Sinfonia, London Mozart Players, Orchestra for the Earth, and the Guildhall Symphony and Chamber orchestras.

As a singer, she was part of the award winning Acapella group the Guildhall Conchords and also sings with Guildhall Vocal Jazz Ensemble. She regularly performs as a guest soloist with Hitchin Chamber Orchestra.

Isobel teaches both viola and violin and has worked as a workshop leader for Aldeburgh Young Musicians several times, tutoring on courses varying from chamber weekends to exploratory composition weeks.

Emily Clarke - Viola

Emily currently attends the Royal Academy of Music in London on a scholarship, studying with Martin Outram and enjoying everything a leading conservatoire has to offer.

She was a member of the National Youth Orchestra, where she was chosen to be one of their string leaders.

She is freelancing in London and has taken on her first violin and viola pupils.

Grace Ramsey - Viola

Grace is a finalist at the University of Oxford, studying Music at Jesus College. She was awarded the Elton Davies scholarship in both 2021 and 2022 for academic excellence.

She is currently writing her thesis, which explores the musical responses of the Russo-Ukrainian War, looking at both identity politics and the role of mediation. She has shaped her degree to specialise in the relationship between music and politics.

Grace has taken up many opportunities to play her viola during her time at Oxford University. She is a member of the Jesus Four String Quartet who play at balls and weddings in and around Oxford and she performs in multiple orchestras, including the Oxford Alternative Orchestra.

Now in her final year, she is looking forward to joining a Graduate Scheme as she takes the first steps toward a new exciting chapter.

Jemma Starling - Musical Director

Jemma Starling is a current student on the MA Musical Direction and Coaching course at the Royal Academy of Music.

She previously studied music at the University of Cambridge, where she graduated with a BA (Hons). At university, she musical directed Dogfight (Brickhouse Theatre Company, 2021), assistant musical directed of My Fair Lady (ADC Theatre, 2019) and assistant musical directed and co-orchestrated of the Cambridge University Musical Theatre Society’s gala showcase – ‘I Got Rhythm’ (2022). During her undergraduate studies, she was involved in productions of new writing, such as Survival Strategies (ADC Theatre, 2020, co-musical director) and Living With Sin (musical director), which was taken by the university to the Edinburgh Fringe in 2022.

Additionally, Jemma has played violin in productions such as Company (ADC Theatre, 2022), Rapunzel (CUADC/Cambridge Footlights Pantomime, 2021) and NYMT’s A Little Princess (2018, The Other Palace).

During her time at the Academy, she has co-orchestrated Colored Lights: The Songs of Kander and Ebb (2022) and is currently musical directing a project of Sweeney Todd.

Jemma also held the role of an orchestral pianist for two years in the National Youth Orchestra of Great Britain, where she performed at the Royal Albert Hall in the 2019 BBC Prom season.