Cellobabies and Alison

I came across Cellobabies when I received a call from a lady whose son had been given a cello at an “instrument taster day” at the local Saturday music centre, and he was so taken with it, he refused to put it down! At the centre, they don’t accept pupils under the age of 7 and he was only 5, so she was given my details. I agreed with the parent that it would be a terrible shame to make him wait 2 years when he was so keen, so I agreed to take him on.

Having no experience of teaching anyone so young, I frantically googled “cello young children” and discovered Cellobabies. Thank goodness! It has been absolutely wonderful, we both enjoy every lesson and he has learned so much in such a short time. I can’t think of a better way to introduce notation to young children, he picked it up straight away. I have now started using the method with another young pupil who has also responded extremely well to it.

My thoughts on teaching music

First and foremost, lessons should be fun! If the student isn’t enjoying the lessons, they are unlikely to continue. My lessons are designed to develop pupils into rounded musicians, rather than simply giving them the ability to play the cello, right from the very beginning. Each lesson will have some focus on four key elements - Posture, Pulse, Quality of Sound, and Musical Personality.

Musical experience

Alison Wrenn began learning the piano at age 6 and trumpet at age 10, before starting the cello at age 12 under Simon Speare (now a successful composer). She achieved grade 8 cello with distinction at age 16 under Judith Bird, who remained her teacher until she left school. She went on to read music at the University of Surrey in Guildford, where she continued her cello studies under David Burrowes and piano under Clive Williamson, achieving a BMus (hons) degree, specialising in cello performance in the final year.

Alison has always enjoyed participating in orchestras, choirs, and other ensembles, beginning at the age of 7 at Mid Herts Music Centre and working up through the county music groups. She has performed many challenging works including Messaien’s ‘Turangalila’ Symphony, recorded a CD of Rachmaninov’s 2nd Symphony with the County Youth Orchestra, and toured Europe. She has performed at many prestigious venues, including the Royal Albert Hall, the Barbican, Queen Elizabeth Hall and Royal Festival Hall.

At university, she was awarded the Croser-Hughes Chamber Music Prize for a performance of Weber’s Trio for Piano, Flute and Cello in G minor.

Since leaving university in 2003, Alison has maintained her cello playing as a member of local orchestras, string quartets and as principal of the Hitchin-based Hertfordshire Cellists. She has an enhanced CRB check for teaching children.

She is married with one daughter.

Alison on the internet

Alison's cello teaching website

Comments & recommendations

He has just gone downstairs for 3rd practice of the day! Every day he asks me ‘how many more sleeps until Alison comes?’ Thank you so so much!

Lucy Boatswain [parent]

all tutors - other tutors: Kay Tucker, Sara Stagg, Audrey Gullick, Kirsty Hugill, Simon Trentham, Allyxa Ruby, Sally Riddex, Linda Horne, Rebecca Whettam, Hilary Trotter, Melanie Wells, Heather Graham, Ruth Howell, Xenia Kaspar, Rebecca Green, Sheraine Lynsdale-Nock, Christel Stevens, Sheena Ferguson, Judith Rae, Anita Felton, Monica Das, Karen Hubbard, Tom Woolsgrove, Nina Pakenham, Orla Smith, Ann Beresford

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