MEET THE MENTORS
of Music Scholarhip Success
Rodney Smith MA, ARCM, LGSM (mentor and coach) studied the saxophone with Stephen Trier and clarinet with Colin Courtney at the Royal College of Music.
After an extensive period of freelance playing at home and abroad, he concentrated on a teaching career. Rodney moved to West Sussex in 1986 to take the post of Senior Instrumental Teacher.
Christine Danagher-Smith Bmus(hons), CertGSMD (coach) studied violin at the Royal Welsh College of Music and Drama with Matthew Jones, Richard Crabtree and Nick Whiting. She was heavily involved in orchestral and chamber music, performing with the Beaman Trio and the Salieri Quartet.
Christine teaches the violin and piano at a number of local independent schools and has a thriving private practice. She maintains a busy performing career playing with a wide range of ensembles performing works ranging from symphonic to musicals and opera.
Deirdre Danagher LRAM, LLCM(TD), ALCM (mentor and coach) studied the violin at the Royal Academy of Music with David Martin and Derek Collier. She has a flourishing teaching practice with students from both the state and independent sectors whose age range from 5 to 18 years.
Deirdre and Rodney have four children all of whom held major music scholarships at local independent schools.
Robert Tuson Bmus(hons), PGdip (coach) completed his Postgraduate with Jon Thorne and Alex Thorndike at the Royal Welsh College of Music and Drama. During his studies in Cardiff he was the Principal Viola of The Symphony and Chamber orchestras, the String Ensemble and Opera Orchestra.
Rob dedicates much of his time teaching the viola and violin at a number of independent schools and has experience directing string ensembles for all ages. He also maintains a busy performing career.
