"I had long wished to take 'cello lessons and finally took the plunge last September at the rather unsuitable age of 50. I searched the web for teachers and approached Deryn partly as the result of reading her very helpful article on teaching adult beginners.
Deryn responded immediately and seemed completely unconcerned that I was starting from scratch so late in life. She has continued this positive attitude during our weekly lessons which I have thoroughly enjoyed. Deryn is very professional and rigorous in her teaching method but she is always aware of the need to match the pace of learning to the individual student's ability. As a result, I have kept my spirits up at times when, with a less calm, skilful and sympathetic teacher, I might have despaired of mastering even basic techniques.
I can, without any hesitation, recommend Deryn to anyone wishing to learn the 'cello."Clive Lane - adult student
"I made the decision to start learning how to play the cello last year, Deryn has been there for me every step of the way. From giving me advice about how to buy an instrument to helping me prepare for Grade 4 her friendly attitude and wonderful teaching technique has made the process enjoyable and easy. Her ability to analyse any problems I am having and work on particular areas has made my progression much faster than I would have ever expected. I look forwards to each and every lesson and see Deryn not only as a fantastic teacher but also a great friend. "
Briony Yorke - adult student
After wanting to learn to play the Cello for a number of years I was finally allowed the opportunity. I began researching many Cello teachers from around my area and trying to rent out an instrument of my own. Nearly all of the Cello teachers advertising on various websites either did not reply or did not want to teach a complete beginner. Out of all of the tutors I contacted Deryn was the one who's reply was the most prompt and detailed. She explained about her prices, her lesson structure and her expectations of me as a student, plus her ability to rent me a quality instrument which took this difficult task off me. I was very impressed by her dedication to her tutoring. After my first lesson with Deryn I was convinced that I would be happy studying under her for a long time learning this beautiful instrument.
Her relaxed lessons are based on learning the instrument to a standard I want to learn, rather than just primarily preparing for musical exams. Her teaching methods are inspiring. Her stance on intonation is very strong. Making you always aim for correct tuning. I find this approach excellent as it has made me strive for higher levels than I thought I could before meeting Deryn. I currently have fortnightly lessons with Deryn for an hour, and I have covered a lot in the last few months with her, and from complete beginner to studying for grade 3 is; in my opinion great progress and a credit to her teaching skills.Jody Beaumont - A-level student
"I'd spent some time playing Bach on electric bass before deciding to do the thing properly and buying a cello, at the age of 54. Deryn was the only teacher I contacted who wasn’t fazed by my dark electric secret. Some were very straitlaced and sniffy when I mentioned even electric cello. Rock to baroque, metal to tango, it’s all music to Deryn and it was the breadth and depth of her musical tastes and experience that made me feel sure we’d get on.
I loved my fortnightly hour with her. Deryn’s very strong on the physical basis of playing the instrument, posture and relaxation from feet to head, before playing a note. She takes an undogmatic view on some areas (if a bow hold works, that’s fine), but she’s uncompromising about tuning and intonation. I found her high musical standards very demanding, but very inspiring.
Deryn looks for commitment from her pupils, and hard work, but there’s lots of laughing too. We covered a lot of ground in the year I was with her and I got a solid foundation in elementary cello playing. I wish she hadn’t left London. I’m a very long way from playing Bach, but I always went away from my lessons feeling better about my cello playing than when I arrived. What more can you ask?"Geoff Beetles - adult student
"Deryn Cullen has been employed by me as a cello and music theory teacher since March 2002. During this time, she has given private cello and music theory lessons to two of my children, Barrett and Elizabeth Downing, ages 16 and 18 respectively.
Deryn has built wonderful rapport with both of my children and has greatly enhanced their appreciation and enjoyment of music. As a teacher, she pays exceptional attention to detail, and is always prepared to put in extra hours where necessary.
She has succesfully prepared Barrett for two ABRSM examinations at grade 6 and 7 level and is currently preparing him for his grade 8 examination. Due to her thorough approach, Barrett passed both of the aforementioned exams and achieved Merit for his grade 6 exam. Barrett enjoys his lessons, and values her highly as a teacher.
Elizabeth, who also plays the piano and violin to grade 8 standard, started cello lessons with Deryn 8 months ago. She has made rapid progression despite the fact that she is currently focusing on her A Level examinations and has very limited time to practice her cello. She too has expressed her appreciation of Deryn’s dedicated and inspiring approach to teaching.
All in all, I am delighted with the impact Deryn has had on both my children's musical education, and have no hesitation in recommending her as a cello and theory teacher."Onja Downing - mother of 2 students
