Christine Foote

Christine studied violin at the Nelson School of Music in the 1970s. She graduated with a BA from Otago University and from Christchurch Teacher’s College with a Diploma of Teaching. She also has an LTCL in violin performance. She has worked as a secondary school music teacher and an itinerant teacher of violin and other instruments in both secondary and primary schools, as well as private teaching and professional performing.

In 2011 she returned to Nelson where she is now teaching the violin and viola, and playing with the Nelson Symphony Orchestra.

Christine teaches violin, viola and theory of music from beginner to diploma level. She has devised a method of violin teaching with an accompanying tutor book, which goes from beginner to Grade 2 level. Her particular focus at this level is teaching the correct techniques of basic violin playing such as bowing, fingering and reading of music.

At more advanced levels, Christine works with the student on interpretation of music as well as continuing with further technique.

Christine is also interested in group performance and has conducted and directed many young people’s orchestras and other ensembles. Music groups are the ‘team’ for musicians and bring a social focus of being part of a larger whole which can be very inclusive and inspiring for young musicians.