About Iliana

“Music is the language of the heart without words.”

Shinichi Suzuki

Iliana began playing the violin and piano at age seven. She began learning both instruments through the Suzuki Method in Cambridge, and went on to do her ABRSM Diploma in Violin Performance at the age of sixteen. She has also performed in a variety of musical ensembles over the years, and taken leadership roles in orchestras.

Iliana’s interest in music teaching began when, encouraged by her teacher, she took her first piano pupil at the age of fifteen. After completing a master’s degree in literature and culture, Iliana began her training as a Suzuki violin teacher. Iliana now has a lively young practice, teaching violin and piano from her home in Chesterton, Cambridge. She also coaches at local children’s string ensembles. Iliana feels inspired on a daily basis through her work as a music educator.

Iliana is a member of the European String Teacher’s Association, the British Suzuki Music Association, the Musician’s Union and the European Piano Teacher’s Association. She also has an Enhanced DBS and up-to-date training in Safeguarding.

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My Approach

I believe that every child has the potential to excel at a musical instrument. With the Suzuki Method, the student learns a new skill with each piece, whilst playing repertoire they find enjoyable and motivating. Parents of young children attend the lessons, in order to lead practice sessions at home.

In my lessons, I break each new skill into a series of comprehensible and achievable steps. This ensures that the student feels motivated and sees progress each time. As the student progresses with their instrument, I incorporate elements of music theory and work on developing musicianship.

I continually seek to develop my pedagogy, and I am always eager to find new and imaginative ways to teach. Positivity, kindness and enthusiasm are at the heart of my teaching.

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