Kate Sherwood

Discovering the cello in her mid-teens, following tuition on violin and piano, Kate rapidly attained grade 8 ABRSM before leaving high school. After a break to study nursing and start a family, on moving to New Zealand in 1990, she continued her cello studies with James Tennant in Auckland. She moved to Nelson in 1996 and established a busy and successful teaching practice.

Her particular interest is in teaching children and she has attended classes and workshops with national and internationally acclaimed teachers and has had former students accepted for the Pittman Academy for gifted young string players, the NZ string quartet summer school, and as principal cellist for the NZ secondary schools symphony orchestra.

Kate performs regularly with local groups, artists and performers.

Kate’s principal aim is to impart a love of the cello and music making, to enable students to carry music and its enjoyment through their lives. She aims to develop sound technique to enable students to explore a variety of musical genres as their interests and abilities develop. Students are offered individual lessons, ideally weekly, and are actively encouraged to participate in cello groups which she runs in conjunction with these. Students can also participate in the various orchestras and chamber music ensembles on offer.

Kate is experienced in preparing students for internationally recognised ABRSM exams from beginner to grade 8 and has a 100% pass rate. However, participation in exams is definitely not a prerequisite!