Kim Mackrell

Kim has been a London freelance player for many years, and alongside her chamber music commitments has regularly worked and toured with the LSO for 20 years. Her studies at the Guildhall under Leonard Stein led to two years abroad, first working for the Yehudi Menuhin Foundation and then as principal cellist of the Las Palmas Philharmonic. Six years as a member of the BBC Philharmonic followed before a return to her native London. She runs a busy teaching practice, and in 2008 her successful Chamber Cellos courses for adult amateur players came into being.

Describe your approach to teaching
Teaching ensembles on a weekend course inevitably requires a different approach to teaching one to one weekly, but what does not differ is my desire to create possibilities for the student and to work with their enthusiasm for playing. Most importantly is to help them have an understanding of how to practise. For busy adults who find it hard to find time, clear and informed practise as opposed to lengthy inefficient practise can reap great rewards.

What inspires your own work?
After many years as a professional, I am still learning, and I’m regularly delighted by the benefits and enjoyment the tiniest revelation can bring. When these are a discovery as part of an ensemble it is one of the greatest joys of making music.