"Some fifteen months ago I approached Deryn with a view to discovering whether I, aged 73 with mild arthritis in both hands and shoulders, could try to learn to play the cello from scratch and expecting a flat refusal. Deryn, who, I quickly found, is always positive thought otherwise and offered a trial lesson after which we agreed a programme of weekly lessons. Trying to play the cello has been a struggle even with Deryn helping as much as anyone possibly could. Without her help and constant encouragement I should probably have given up some time ago.
The right hand is something of a problem in that I have to use a Baroque or similar bow hold for lack of feeling in the third and fourth fingers of that hand. The left hand is so stiff that I have to move the hand reach a whole tone and sometimes to reach a semitone from third to fourth finger or vice versa, because the fingers close up as I start to bend them. Getting the left arm and wrist into anything like the "correct" position is also a continuing problem, so progress, though not non-existent, is extremely slow and that will continue. I now have a clear idea of what to work on, and with Deryn's guidance, including bespoke exercises, how to set about it.
There is no doubt at all that Deryn's patience and consideration, her willingness to try new techniques to overcome individual problems, her thoroughness, her constant perceptiveness, her never failing good humour and sense of fun, her wide knowledge and perhaps most of all her encouragement have kept my cello playing efforts going. There are early signs that all that is beginning to show some results against all the odds and to hold out a modest but realistic hope for the future.
As a bonus Deryn's blog, has a wealth of information about all sorts of cello matters including lists of books and methods broken down into categories.
It seems almost redundant to add that Deryn has my wholehearted recommendation."Stephen Cockroft - adult student
"I have been coming to Deryn for cello lessons for just over a year. I originally started playing the cello when I was 7 years old and progressed through to grade 6 standard by the time I hit Sixth Form, various things got in the way from my pursuit of A level music (namely distractions such as rock music and guitars) and I ended up selling my cello when I came to University. Now eight years after graduation, I am playing the cello again, and loving it. Since coming to Deryn for lessons, I have vastly improved, to the point where I think I may nearly be back where I was all those years ago when I stopped playing. Deryn's lessons are THOROUGH - She is extremely articulate and takes a holistic approach to music, very much focusing on the learner's strengths and any barriers to development. My particular issues have been around confidence and technique and posture. Deryn employs the use of Alexander Technique in her lessons and has really changed the way I approach my instrument.
Deryn is on hand remotely if you require assistance, and will always offer advice on any aspect of playing an instrument from practice and theory lessons through to buying and selling a cello.
I would whole heatedly recommend Deryn as a teacher and most importantly, a musician."Jenn Chubb - adult student
"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
