Growing the Entire Musician
"The great art of learning is to understand but little at a time"
- John Locke
North-West Strings was an idea born from the desire to see the next generation of musicians grow to be as well-rounded as possible.
We believe that many things work together in order to create a good musician, from good technical ability, to a deep understanding of the music they are playing - its context, its composer, its musical message, and how to speak that message through their playing.
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We aim to provide opportunities for students to deepen their knowledge in these areas, creating an environment that fosters growth at every turn.
About Us
Just like every musician, we've had our own musical journeys to travel.
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Here is a short summary of our stories so far.
Amy McMurdo
Cello and Theory
Amy is a recent graduate from the University of Canterbury with her Bachelor of Music.
Under the wing of well-known cellist Tomas Hurnik, she learned much about the physicality of playing, understanding the context of music, and even picked up a year's experience playing the baroque cello.
Now she devotes her time to extensive research into teaching methods, practice methods, theory, and music history. Alongside a wide range of orchestral and chamber playing experience, she has a passion for the expressivity of music and a desire to share her knowledge with other people.
Andrew Robinson (BMus Hons)
Violin and Viola
A former student of Stephen Larsen, one of the best, and well known Violin teachers in New Zealand, I now dedicate myself to my students and my practice. Working hard to provide for them the best education I can.
Teaching Colour strings method to my young students and Simon Fischer pedagogy to my older ones I hope to not only be a great teacher, but also an inspirational player as well. I teach ABRSM grades for those who want them and provide opportunities through various organisations such as CSM and CSO.
As well as teaching, I am currently a member of CSO, do various solo and chamber concerts, and occasionally concert master for a few amateur orchestras in Christchurch.
