I started violin lessons aged nine at Belton C of E Primary School with my first teacher, Rita Everett. But the moment that changed everything came when I was twelve.

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My dad took me busking. Standing there on the street with my violin, I met Dr Steve Johnson — at the time the former Second Principal of the London Symphony Orchestra. He stopped, listened, and then took the time to work with me. He made me feel like anything was possible. It's because of Steve that I became the sight reader I am today. When he moved abroad, I was genuinely heartbroken. That's how much of an impact the right teacher can have.

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Over the years I've been fortunate to work with some extraordinary coaches. William Dutton brought a passion and intensity to playing that I'd never encountered before — he was an outstanding player and an exceptional teacher, and when his own path led him to Milan to train as a conductor, I had to find someone new. That's when I found Callum Smart, my current coach, who has completely transformed my understanding of technique, muscle memory, and how the brain processes learning.

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I also trained in improvisation with Mark Ellis, an accomplished jazz saxophonist, which opened up an entire world of musical knowledge I didn't know I was missing — and deepened my understanding of how the brain learns, how muscle memory works, and how to practise in a way that actually sticks.

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I believe the best teachers never stop being students. I still have a coach. I'm still learning. That's what I want to pass on.