Strings

Graduating with First Class Honours from the Royal Northern College of Music in Manchester, Mollie Wrafter has been fortunate to experience a diverse range of musical opportunities and has shared the joy of teaching with others. Throughout her time at RNCM, she earned recognition for her violin performances, including notable achievements like the Norman George Violin Competition and the Nossek Prize for Chamber Music.

A substantial portion of Mollie’s journey has been dedicated to nurturing and fostering young musical talents, with teaching posts including Aura Music Academy in Manchester, ‘Little Maestros’ for 4-6-year-olds and St. Peter’s High. She finds it truly rewarding to assist students in preparing for exams and exploring a variety of musical genres, ranging from classical to folk and pop. Mollie has been instrumental in establishing the MiSST program at The Radclyffe School, providing violin lessons to over 200 Year 7 and 8 students and inspiring a broad spectrum of young musicians.

Beyond her teaching endeavors, Mollie’s musical journey has taken her to stages across Ireland, the UK, America, and Canada. As part of the Treske Quartet, she has had the privilege of collaborating with emerging composers, contributing significantly to the evolution of the string quartet repertoire. Her musical accomplishments extend to being featured on Manchester Collective’s inaugural album, ‘The Centre is Everywhere’, and earning recognition as one of Golden Plec Magazine’s ‘PlecPicks’ in 2021. Mollie looks forward to her continued growth and learning as she embarks on a new chapter by joining the Hallé Orchestra for the Advanced Orchestral Strings Programme. Mollie embraces these opportunities with eagerness, and her intention is to continue sharing the beauty of music and the joy of learning, while honoring the rich legacy of classical music and embracing the endless prospects for personal and artistic development.

Matthew began to study the cello at the age of 13 and within 5 years of playing was awarded national prizes by the ABRSM for his high scores. He was subsequently accepted by the Royal Birmingham Conservatoire in 2018 as a scholarship student. Matthew is currently studying for a Post Graduate degree at the Royal Northern College of Music.

Matthew is a freelance cellist, who has a wide experience of performing as a solo, orchestral and ensemble musician. After initially studying with Barbara Grunthal in Manchester, Matthew commenced his studies at the Royal Birmingham Conservatoire with Ulrich Heinen before studying with Ben Davies and Peggy Nolan. Matthew currently studies with Jennifer Langridge.

As an orchestral player, Matthew has performed with ensembles including the BBC Ariel Orchestra, the London Shostakovich Orchestra and the London Musical Theatre Orchestra. Matthew performs regularly with Nicola Benedetti in The Benedetti Foundation Orchestra.

Matthew is passionate about teaching and currently teaches cello for the Wolverhampton Music Service, The ARCO Project and as a Senior Lead Ambassador for the Benedetti Foundation. Matthew has worked closely with students at the Royal Birmingham Conservatoire Junior Department, conducting ensembles and coaching chamber music. Matthew frequently runs workshops in primary schools for the Cheltenham Festivals Musicate programme. Matthew teaches students from across the globe including Macau, Paris and Johannesburg.

MA (Cambridge), MA (Durham), PGCE (Cambridge), Dalcroze Professional Certificate

Alison grew up in West Yorkshire, and studied music at St John’s College, Cambridge and Durham University.  Whilst working as a cello and piano teacher, Alison was struck by the creativity and intuitiveness of the Dalcroze approach to music teaching, which explores music through movement, singing and improvisation.  This led her to study for the Dalcroze Professional Certificate.  Alison is currently studying for an advanced qualification in Dalcroze Eurhythmics, the Dalcroze Licence.

Alison enjoys working with young people of all ages.  She has taught Dalcroze Eurhythmics at YYM since 2010, initially on the Leeds programme, and now at the Hull centre.  She works with primary school teachers for the Voices Foundation, and has previously taught in various settings for Opera North.  Alison’s latest musical adventure is as music teacher for Coram House, the Junior school at Ackworth School, Pontefract.