About me

 

My name is Edwina Tolhurst and I have been involved in music all my life. My mum grew up playing violin but it wasn't until she became an adult that she discovered the revolutionary Suzuki method and inspired by its philosophy became a violin teacher. Not only is my mum a violin teacher but so are my sisters, my aunties and in fact all of my relatives play instruments, so from a very early age I have been surrounded by music.

 

When I was four I started learning how to play violin and piano being brought up through the Suzuki method which aims to nurture students into not only musicians but human beings.

The method also focuses heavily on ear training and as a result of that I am able to pick up my instrument and play in any situation without requiring music, a valuable skill for a musician.

 

While still in high-school my school orchestra needed a viola in the string section but having no one in the school who played the instrument I picked it up to help fill the slot. My Suzuki training allowed me to make this transition easily so at age sixteen I also picked up the guitar and vocals.

 

Soon after picking up these extra instruments I started applying my skills by perfroming around my community and songwriting. I became a regular at open mic and jam nights, songwriters nights etc, I would take any chance I got to perform.

 

This eventually led to my becoming an accomplished musician, achieving success as a performer.

I have worked as a session musician at recording studios, played on albums of country artists such as Shaza Leigh and Wanita Queen of Honkytonk, performed at many major music festivals such as Airlie Beach Music Festival (on main stage), Tamworth Country Music Festival, Mitchell Creek Rock and Blues Fest and so on. Other accomplishments include appearing in Country Capital News magazine, performing on radio, and being flown overseas to compete in a worldwide singing competition where I placed 5th in the world. I have played with many well known artists such as Grant Walmsley (Screaming Jets), Afromoses Baidoo, Bob Spencer (The Angels) and many others.

 

Years down the track I am still playing and filling my life with music. I have started to get involved in performances in the community and will continue to play for enjoyment as well as a career choice. While I still aim to achieve success as a performer in my own right I have also found teaching an enjoyble career, passing on my passion for music. The delight children take in learning a new skill is so charming and I enjoy nurturing their ability so that they can themselves achieve great things.

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I started my teaching journey at the Gunnedah Conservatorium providing tuition for violin, piano and musicianship. I taught there many years before moving to Charlestown and opening my own studio where my teaching services have branched out to include guitar and vocals. 

My students perform in studio concerts every term and also participate in a string group held every fortnight, helping foster a nurturing community for all our young musicians.

 

Music is my passion, it is my whole life and now I aim to teach others the valuable skills I have learnt and make music an enjoyable experience.

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I hope you will not hesitate to contact me with any queries or expressions of interest and I look forward to hearing from you.