Helen Bell (Violin/Viola)
My name is Helen and I am a violin and viola teacher for Sheffield Music Hub. I grew up in Hampshire and started playing the violin & piano when I was 7 years old. I loved all things music related and performed in choirs, orchestras, quartets, bands and folk groups before receiving a scholarship to study viola at Birmingham Conservatoire. I spent many happy years in Birmingham studying for a BMus (Hons) in performance and a PGDip before graduating. Whilst studying at the Conservatoire I began touring and recording with the folk group ‘The Old Dance School’. We recorded 5 albums and included career highlights performing at festivals such as Celtic Connections. Alongside touring I enjoyed free-lance chamber and orchestral work, and began teaching for Sandwell Music Service. With Sandwell I helped develop a chamber music program and directed the Intermediate String Orchestra. I moved to Sheffield with my family in 2020 and worked as manager of Soundpost (a Sheffield Music Hub partner specialising in folk music education), before taking up the role as Music Leader for the hub, teaching violin and viola and directing Young Sinfonia. Alongside my teaching work I help run Hudson Records with my husband and perform with ‘Jon Boden & The Remnant Kings’.
Quick Fire Questions
- Favourite song/piece of music – Karine Polwart – Rivers Run
- Favourite thing to do outside of work – Gardening & cooking
- Favourite food – Italian food of all kinds!
- Favourite place in Sheffield – Longshaw Estate (almost Sheffield)
- One thing about me that would surprise you to know – I love ceramics and made my first bowl this year
- Email:
Helen.Bell@sheffield.gov.uk - Telephone:
07786453913 07786453913
