The Ascot Violinist

23/08/2024

As a member of the British Suzuki Music Association, it has been an honour to attend teacher trainee workshops this week.

21/08/2024

Practicing my Suzuki violin bow at the London Suzuki Group Bryanston summer course, whilst being reminded of my 4 year old self!

What a wonderful tradition between performer and audience to take a bow.

03/03/2024

🎼Yesterday was magical. I got to observe Suzuki violin teacher trainees at Suzuki Music Association Hq and what an inspiring day it was. I even got to join in on a violin tonalisation class with Helen Brunner, the pioneer of European Suzuki violin/student of Dr Suzuki. And what a small world it is, as it turns out she is friends with my childhood Suzuki violin teacher! 🌎

I learned these violin songs at age five and hadn’t played most of them in over 30 years.
Yet, I still remembered them 🎻

02/12/2023

What a fantastic opportunity for our youth. Deadline to enter is 12 January 2024. The new competition structure will make this a much more accessible and inclusive experience (keep breaking down those barriers 👏🏻).

Who can enter BBC Young Musician 2024?

There are three things that make you eligible to enter BBC Young Musician 2024.
🎹You must be 18 or under (you must be born on or after 1st September 2005)
🎹You must live or study in the UK
🎹You must not be closely related to anyone involved in running BBC Young Musician

Am I good enough?
⭐️ We are keen to hear all the best young musicians in the country - the minimum standard is typically Grand 8 or equivalent, but you no longer need to provide evidence of this. If you want to have a go, please do!

bbc.co.uk/youngmusician
[email protected]

30/11/2023

This music therapy charity is absolutely amazing. Their training videos and in-person sessions “making music with send children” are something I would highly recommend for any individuals or carers, interacting with special needs children. Please do consider donating.

09/11/2023

Prepping piano hymns for a Remembrance Day service. The Lord’s my Shepherd and I Vow to Thee My Country seemed very fitting.

We will never forget. We will remember you.

04/11/2023

Aren’t these balloons gorgeous? I just finished playing the violin at a gender reveal party. Absolutely stunning party and decorations. Congrats to the wonderful couple and their loved ones!

01/11/2023

I’m not a pianist but I can try! All Saints’ Day 2023 Mass done and dusted. And with a bespoke piano mash-up of Pachabel Canon in D and Seek Ye First….I wonder if anyone noticed my cheeky infusion of classical music. 🎼 Every little experience is a learning opportunity for our children! 🎵

31/10/2023

Christmas Grams / Bespoke Violin Carols

🎅🏻 🎻NOW TAKING BOOKINGS🌲🎻

Good Morning Ascot People,
🌲 🎻 Give the gift of live, in-person, violin music this Holiday season, with a Christmas Carol themed Music-Gram. 🎼

Your chosen recipient will receive an in-person visit with a personalised message from you, followed by a serenade of Christmas carols played on the violin.

I will work with you to create a bespoke song-set to suit your needs and budget. Recipients must be based within the Ascot area .

As an accomplished American music scholar/violinist and as an ex-member of the New York Philharmonic Young Member’s Committee, I’ve performed as a violin soloist, at a variety of renowned international venues.

I am taking bookings for holiday festivities, weddings, parties, engagements, celebrations, corporate events, receptions, memorials, etc.

Please do get in touch via messenger to discuss.

- Kat Hoolan