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Mr. Mark Kelly
Violinist, conductor, teacher, composer, Mark Kelly was born in London and began violin studies first with Wendy Griffiths at Newham Academy of Music and later privately with Keith Gurry (RPO, BBCSO) before becoming a student at the Royal College of Music where his professors were Tessa Robbins-Khambatta, Hugh Bean and Catherine Mackintosh (baroque violin). He graduated in 1986 with performing and teaching diplomas and upon leaving RCM he became a London based freelance violinist where his career headed towards that of a performer. During this time he was regularly engaged to play for some of the world's most prestigious ballet companies including the Moscow Classical Ballet, the Bolshoi Ballet, the Ballet Nacional d'Espagne and the Berlin Ballet as well as concentrating on concerto performances, solo recitals and chamber music. In 1988 and in addition to his performing career, he became part time violin teacher at prestigious Bancroft's school and started to gain recognition as a teacher of violin in the area as well as becoming Associate Conductor of Harlow Youth Orchestra. From 1995 to 2003 he held the post of full time Head of Strings at Wellington College, Berkshire. After leaving Wellington, he started writing music for his then pupils, as well as a complete set of books for exam scales grades 1-8 and other articles on violin technique. His tutor books and ensemble compositions have been an inspiration for his students over the years who have enjoyed playing with a happy combination of artistic reward and challenging technical demands for the particular level of skill involved. In 2013 his teaching is at exclusive schools near his home in Surrey and also privately. Mark has a wealth of expertise as a professional violinist having spent those years as a London freelance performer. He knows and understands what a student interested in the violin can do when inspired.
