Hi, I'm Ryan, a violinist from Perth, Western Australia. I completed my Bachelor of Music (Honours) at the UWA Conservatorium of Music under Shaun Lee-Chen, and I've also studied with Masao Kawasaki of The Juilliard School at the Aspen Music Festival and School. I performed regularly with the West Australian Symphony Orchestra and ensembles such as Australian Baroque, Perth Symphony Orchestra and Cygnus Arioso.

I've taught violin for several years at schools including Methodist Ladies' College, Christ Church Grammar School and Perth College, and I've coached string quartets, trios and orchestral sectionals at WAYACHAMP. I'm Suzuki-trained and have prepared many students for AMEB and ABRSM exams, youth orchestra auditions and school music exams, with students achieving A+ AMEB results, places in the West Australian Youth Orchestra and music scholarships at Methodist Ladies' College. My students have ranged from five-year-olds holding a violin for the first time to advanced teenagers working on concertos, and I especially enjoy working with adult beginners.

I believe every student learns differently, so no two of my lessons look quite the same. I build a strong technical foundation of posture, bow hold and intonation from day one, because good habits early make everything later easier and more enjoyable. I put a big focus on relaxed, tension-free playing. Learning to let go of unnecessary tension in the shoulders, arms and hands leads to a freer sound, better intonation and more comfortable, injury-free playing over the long term. I also make sure students play music they love alongside their exam pieces and studies. I set clear, achievable goals so progress feels real from week to week, and I like explaining why we're doing something, not just what to do, so students learn to practise well on their own.

All my lessons are online, which makes it easy to fit violin into a busy week, with no travel and no rushing across town after school. Lessons are scheduled around Australian after-school and evening times, and all you need is your violin, a stable internet connection and a phone, tablet or laptop set up so I can see your bow arm and left hand. I've adapted my teaching to work well on screen with clear demonstrations, close attention to posture and tension, and practice notes after each lesson. Many students find they become more independent and attentive listeners learning this way.

As a person, I'm friendly, patient and encouraging, and I care a lot about making music feel welcoming. In Perth I set up a community concert series that created paid performing opportunities for young musicians, and helping others grow is a big part of why I love teaching. Whether you're picking up the violin for the first time, coming back after a break or preparing for a big audition, I'd love to help you reach your goals and enjoy the journey.