Our Teachers, Instructors and Assistants
- BrianFounder/DirectorBrianFounder/Director
Dr Brian Cope
Brian studied music at the University of Edinburgh. He is a composer, music educator and consultant with a particular interest in issues of inclusion in music education. He has worked as a Specialist Music Advisor to Creative Scotland and has travelled extensively as a music consultant and trainer for the international humanitarian organisation, War Child Holland where he worked on psychosocial music projects with children affected by the wars in Bosnia, Kosovo, Chechnya, Abkhazia, and Sierra Leone in West Africa.
He worked for six years as the Artistic Director for Drake Music Scotland, an organisation that uses innovative music technology and teaching methods to enable people with physical and learning disabilities to play and compose music independently.
His composition work spans a wide range of activities including film music, theatre and concert works. He recently completed his PhD in Musical Composition at the University of Edinburgh where he also taught harmony and counterpoint.
Some fun facts about Brian:
- The strangest food he's eaten is Ostrich burger
- If he was an animal he'd like to be a bear
- The next instrument he'd like to learn is the violin
- His favourite children's book is Charlie and the Chocolate Factory
Brian teaches drums and percussion
- AlmaCo-founder/Saturday ManagerAlmaCo-founder/Saturday Manager
Alma Cope
Alma co-founded the music school with husband Brian in 2005 and for the past 12 years, in addition to maintaining a full-time career, has dedicated her every Saturday morning to the smooth running of the school. Alma's sunny and engaging personality has helped foster a real sense of community in the music school, creating a safe and welcoming environment for children to thrive.
Alma is available in the main waiting area from 9.00am until 1.00pm and can help with all enquiries relating to music school matters.
A few fun facts about Alma:
- Alma is from Albania and is often mistaken for being Spanish
- 3 scoops of ice-cream: raspberry ripple, pistachio and Ferrero Rocher
- She loves to sing
- She speaks Abanian, English, Italian and French and will pretty much have a go at any language!
- HollyBaby & Toddlers and Musicianship TeacherHollyBaby & Toddlers and Musicianship Teacher
Holly Carter BA (Hons)
Holly studied music at the University of York and then Trinity Laban Conservatoire of Music and Dance in London. During her career Holly has sung with many choirs including the National Youth Choir of Scotland, Edinburgh University Chamber Choir, the Scottish Chamber Orchestra Chorus and the vocal quartet Dolcezza. She performs regularly in both solo and choral performances and weddings in the UK and abroad and has performed roles in Operas such as Susanna in the Marriage of Figaro, Zerlina in Don Giovanni, Cissy Woodger in Albert Herring.
Holly has worked with children since graduating in 2005. She has held positions such as a Kodàly Instructor in schools in Aberdeenshire and an Early Years Music Leader of baby and young children’s music groups and of music classes in nurseries. In addition, Holly has worked as an Assistant Director and Musicianship Instructor for the National Youth Choir of Scotland in several of their area choirs.
A few fun facts about Holly:
- If she was an animal she'd like to be a monkey.
- Her favourite children’s book is Angelina Ballerina.
- 3 scoops of ice cream: Salted Caramel, Cookie Dough and Turkish Delight!
- Her favourite day out in Edinburgh is walking her dog around Arthur’s Seat whilst making him do tricks with his frisby and then going to the Fudge Kitchen on the way home!!!
- Favourite performance: Singing with NYCoS and Christina Aguillera at the MTV awards or getting to eat lots of real cakes on stage whilst playing Cissy in Albert Herring!!!
Holly teaches creative music classes for babies and toddlers and musicianship classes.
- SimonViolin TeacherSimonViolin Teacher
Simon Rawson
Simon found a violin at home when he was eleven and with a bit of help from his dad started playing. He was inspired listening to Alfredo Campoli playing Bazzini's La Ronde des Lutins and it wasn't long before he knew what he wanted to do. He studied the violin and viola at the RAM and after a couple of years playing in the English Chamber Orchestra left to freelance with most of London's great orchestras until moving to Edinburgh to join the Scottish Chamber Orchestra which he played in for 25 years. Simon joined the staff at Sistema Scotland in Glasgow nine years ago and has enjoyed teaching for many years including beginners to professional players.
Some fun facts:
- Simon has played in over 40 countries. Highlights include Iguazu in South America, a tour of India and a tour of Israel.
- He also played in the mountains of Brazil where lots of children came wanting to carry his violin case.
- He's played on over 100 CDs.
- Simon has played with these great violinists: Gidon Kremer, Pinchas Zukerman, James Ehnes, Isabelle Faust, Alina Ibragimova, Jaime Laredo, Joseph Swensen, Isaac Stern, Henryk Szeryng and many others.
- Hobbies include birdwatching, learning ancient Hebrew and Greek, reading and walking.
- MeganFlute TeacherMeganFlute Teacher
Megan Porter BMus (Hons)
Born in West Lothian, Megan first began flute at Broxburn Academy and in 2020 graduated from Edinburgh Napier University with a first class Bachelor of Music degree
Megan teaches both at Portobello music school and George Heriots School as well as teaching privately. Megan studied teaching methodology while at university and continues to attend online courses to develop her teaching practice. She takes inspiration from the Paul Harris Simultaneous Learning method and believes in creating a teaching environment where students learn and progress through having fun.
Megan regularly performs in a variety of ensembles and chamber groups and is a permanent member of Scotland’s Tinderbox Orchestra. Some of her performance highlights include, premiering a sight-specific piece in Le Corbusier’s Ronchamp Chapel in France, premiering Kenneth Dempster’s Song of Songs at the Usher Hall and performing with Tinderbox Orchestra in a sell out fringe show at Edinburgh Central Library.
Megan is extremely passionate about new music. She loves collaborating with composers and performing contemporary music. She aims to play a diverse repertoire of music by composers from minority groups, and those often underrepresented in the classical world.
Some fun facts about Megan:
- Her favourite video game is Tetris.
- If she were an animal it would be an octopus.
- Her favourite season is Autumn
- Her favourite country that she has visited is the Netherlands.
- NikiDrum TeacherNikiDrum Teacher
Niki Dunne BMus (Hons)
Since graduating from Edinburgh Napier University with a Bachelor of Music with Honours, specialising in Percussion, Niki has been carving out a career in music. Highlights to date include playing to an audience with the Dali Lama; performing the main stage at The Kelburn Garden Party 7 years running; working with young people across the East of Scotland to realise a connection and creative outlet through music and the arts; having fun and making lots of friends along the way!
Niki is an accomplished performer and has played with various original musical projects as drummer and percussionist including Tinderbox Orchestra (experimental orchestra), Kite and the Crane (indie folk), Supa & Da Kryptonites (ska/hip-hop) and The Shandoneers (scottish folk) traveling to play at venues and festivals around mainland UK, the Highlands and Islands. Niki is the drummer and co-manager of Dr Reelgood Ceilidh Band with guitarist Sam Lowit and fiddle player Rab Taylor. Watch out for us busking in and around Edinburgh!
Bringing all of her training and talent to fruition whether managing projects, teaching or performing, Niki has spent her time most recently applying her skills within community arts settings. An accomplished instrumental teacher, Niki has enjoyed working within the Tinderbox Collective’s music hub based in North Edinburgh and is currently a drum tutor with Brass Blast based at Edinburgh College Cre8 base. An experienced project manager and youth arts facilitator Niki has facilitated and developed the Champions project within Tinderbox Collective and the Young Artists programme at Artspace in Craigmillar.
Niki is an accomplished instrumental teacher experienced in giving both individual and group lessons. Since achieving first class grades in Instrumental Teaching at Edinburgh Napier University she has gone on to teach individual and small groups lessons in East Lothian for Lamphouse Music, Mansfield School of Music and Hendy Music alongside private pupils in and around Edinburgh.
Some interesting facts about Niki:
- If I were animal would probably be a cat of some sort.
- My 2 scoops of ice cream would be triple chocolate and coconut.
- I like to sing sometimes in my Ceilidh Band and play Piano, Violin and Viola.
- I have a puppy called Milo and he is the cutest wee doggie in the world.
- ValentinGuitar TeacherValentinGuitar Teacher
Valentin Danisevicius DEM, DipABRSM
Valentin is a classically trained guitarist from Paris, France, where he obtained his DEM in June 2020 at the 13th arrondissement Conservatoire, under Benjamin Valette (Quatuor Éclisses) and Atanas Ourkouzounov.After winning a scholarship in the Royal Conservatoire of Scotland (RCS), he moved to Glasgow in September 2020 to start his Bachelor in Classical Guitar Performance. He is currently studying under renowned teachers Matthew McAllister and Allan Neave.He also holds a degree in Musicology from the University of La Sorbonne in Paris.Valentin is a dedicated teacher who has been giving lessons for 5 years now, both private and in conservatoires.His teaching focuses on developing a strong technique and a good knowledge of the repertoire, in a dedicated and kind atmosphere. He is also keen on helping his students be more attuned to their body sensations and posture, an approach which he has refined through working with physiotherapists and through his own practice of mindfulness meditation.Valentin has also been refining his skills over the years by attending many masterclasses, workshops, or private lessons with famous guitarists such as Judicael Perroy, Marcin Dylla, Thomas Viloteau, Paul Galbraith, Rémi Jousselme, Olivier Pelmoine and Natalia Lipnitskaya.Some interesting facts about Valentin:- I love boardgames, my favourite is Everdell
- I used to play lead guitar in metal bands
- I studied Opera singing as a tenor for 3 years
- I could eat curry almost every day!
- PawelClarinet TeacherPawelClarinet Teacher
Pawel Jaworski BMus, MMus
Pawel Jaworski was born in Swidnik, Poland. He started his musical education at the Wilkomirski’s Family School of Music in Swidnik and continued at the Karol Lipinski School of Music in Lublin. Then he enrolled to the Academy of Music in Gdansk, Poland.
Pawel graduated from the Royal Conservatoire of Scotland where he achieved a Bachelor of Music degree with Honours (2017) and Master of Music Performance degree (2019). He was awarded an RCS Trust Postgraduate Scholarship to commence his Master of Music degree. He also won a Help Musicians UK Postgraduate Award.
During his time at RCS, Pawel successfully auditioned to participate in apprenticeship schemes with Royal Scottish National Orchestra and Scottish Chamber Orchestra. In 2016, he appeared as a soloist with RCS Wind Orchestra. After winning RCS Classical Concerto Competition 2018 he featured as a soloist with RCS Clarinet Choir in 2021. He has performed Mozart’s ‘Gran Partita’ with Scottish Chamber Orchestra Winds, which was broadcast by BBC Radio 3 as part of the ‘Scots in Glasgow’.
Pawel’s professional freelance engagements include performing with Royal Scottish National Orchestra, Scottish Chamber Orchestra, Scottish Ballet, Ulster Orchestra and Musical Theater in Lublin, Poland. Furthermore, he regularly performs with Clyde Opera and Bearsden, Paisley and Helensburgh Oratorio Choirs. Pawel has appeared at many festivals, such as Edinburgh International Festival, St Magnus Festival, Cumnock Tryst Festival and Sound Thought Festival amongst others. In 2019 he had the pleasure to perform with the RCS Symphony Orchestra at Prince’s Foundation Gala at Buckingham Palace. As a chamber musician, Pawel performed with ensembles such as Mr. McFall’s Chamber, Red Note Ensemble and Stevenson Winds. He also gave several solo recitals in various UK venues, including St. Giles Cathedral, Greyfrairs Kirk and Chetham’s School of Music. He performs regularly with his clarinet quartet “Silver Keys”.
Pawel has worked as a clarinet tutor at the Harrogate Summer Clarinet Course 2016 - 2019. Currently, he works as a clarinet and piano tutor at Borders School of Music in Galashiels. He also teaches clarinet at Portobello Music School.
Some fun facts about Paweł:
- Favourite food: definitely pizza! Could eat everyday.
- If he wasn't a musician he would have been a football player
- Favourite movie: Lord of the rings
- He loves spending time with his family and cooks a lot!
- RebeccaPreschool Music TeacherRebeccaPreschool Music Teacher
Rebecca Di Rollo BMus (Hons)
Rebecca is a drummer, tutor, and community musician. Rebecca also creates sound art for immersive theatre productions. Growing up in a working-class family, Rebecca’s first experience with music began with free tuition provided by her high school. Once she discovered her love of music, Rebecca worked her way through college and university, graduating with a First-Class Honours degree from Edinburgh Napier University. Rebecca has since worked both in formal education and in the wider community, facilitating music workshops for children and young people, with an emphasis on early years music and accessible techniques. Rebecca firmly believes everyone can play music.
Some fun facts about Rebecca:- If she was an animal, she would like to be a Sun Bear.
- Rebecca loves horses and will say “ooooh, horses!” every time she sees one. She will also ride one given the opportunity.
- Every year Rebecca voluntarily jumps into the Water of Leith for the Stockbridge Duck Race as a Duck Warden to raise money for charity.
- DominiqueGuitar TeacherDominiqueGuitar Teacher
Dominique Boeynaems BMus MMus
Dominique started his practice of the classical guitar at the age of 8. After several years of private lessons, he attended De! Kunsthumaniora, high school for the arts in Antwerp, Belgium, where he graduated with distinction. In 2017, he completed his undergrad at the Royal Conservatoire of Ghent in guitar performance, where he studied with Johan Fostier and Yves Storms. He recently graduated with a Masters Degree in Performance at the Royal Conservatoire of Scotland, where he received classes with Scottish guitarist Matthew McAllister.
Dominique is very passionate about teaching guitar and music in general to the next generation. He also enjoys being involved in chamber music as well as working with other musicians, and is always looking towards new projects to take on. One project that Dominique is currently leading is the second season of the Glasgow Guitar Nights, giving a stage to young and upcoming guitarists.
- EricGuitar TeacherEricGuitar Teacher
Eric Thomas BMus (Hons) MMus
Eric is a lutenist based in Edinburgh. He studied music at Edinburgh University, dividing his time between performance, composition and musicology, and gained a BMus (Hons) degree. He went on to pursue his interest in early music, completing an MMus in Historically Informed Performance Practice, with the aid of a Carnegie-Cameron postgraduate bursary, jointly at The University of Glasgow and the Royal Conservatiore of Scotland, under the supervision of John Butt, receiving lute tuition from Jamie Akers.
Eric continued his studies at the Conservatorium van Amsterdam, studying lute and theorbo with Fred Jacobs, and also attended the Urbino Early Music Festival to study with Paul O’Dette and Dartington International Summer School for lessons with David Miller. Eric is currently a Ph.D candidate at the University of Southampton, under the supervision of Elizabeth Kenny and Laurie Stras, being awarded a Vice-Chancellor’s Scholarship to research the role of improvisation in early 16th century Italian lute music.
Eric has played with the Kellie Consort, and has appeared in concert with Dame Emma Kirkby, as well appearing regularly with recorder player Annemarie Klein as part of Musica Mundana. This year Eric was selected to be apart of the Britten-Pears baroque orchestra conducted by Christian Curnyn. Eric is also a committed guitar teacher and enjoys teaching pupils of all ages!
Some fun facts about Eric:
- The next instrument he would like to learn is the oud.
- If he was an animal he would be a tortoise.
- His favourite food is curry.
- His favourite country visited so far is the Netherlands.
Eric teaches guitar
- JackDrum TeacherJackDrum Teacher
Jack Saxelby-Smith BA MSc
Jack attended the Berkshire Maestros Music Centre where he achieved grade 8 by the time he was 17. At this centre, he also had the opportunity to play in various orchestras and percussion groups, including the Berkshire County Percussion Ensemble. In the latter, he performed at venues including Windsor Castle, and was awarded most improved player.
Jack began teaching drums after leaving school, whilst also performing in indie/rock groups. He later performed in a band on the BBC Introducing Stage at Reading and Leeds festival, and also had the opportunity to play in recording environments. This has included recording drums for a promotion project for leading audio technology company Solid State Logic.
Since moving to Edinburgh, Jack has immersed himself in the thriving music scene, and plays regularly with a neo-soul/Jazz group. He has played at events such as Hidden Door Festival and as part of Glasgow's Broadcast Central Belters lineup, whilst also works with the group in recording studios.
Jack is passionate about working with young people and the next generation of musicians. With over a decade of experience teaching drums, he has taught students of all ages and abilities, both privately and as part of an after school club, and focuses on reading and performance skills. Being dyslexic, drums has become a useful outlet for Jack over the course of his education, and has helped him to discover unique methods using rhythm to process information - He hopes to continue to better understand the effects of drumming on additional educational needs and apply this to his teaching.
Some interesting facts about Jack:- He is currently trying to learn Spanish and how to play the piano.
- He loves hiking, visiting the Pyrenees once a year.
- His favourite snack is a carrot - Often found eating one before gigs!
- LouisePrimary 2 Music TeacherLouisePrimary 2 Music Teacher
Louise Martin MMus, PGCE, BA (Hons)
Louise spent eight years as a high school music teacher before running away with the circus, where she branched out from classical cello and piano into rock, punk, ska, country, theremin, musical saw and stilt-walking. Following postgraduate MMus study in Ethnomusicology, and Music in the Community, she settled back in Edinburgh.She now works as a freelance musician in a variety of contexts: she has led creative music projects for East Lothian and Highland Councils, the BBC Scottish Symphony Orchestra, Scottish Ensemble and Royal Lyceum Theatre; has taught Music in the Community at Napier University and (currently) the University of Edinburgh; has been privileged to study djembe techniques at Alla Leake Percussion (The Gambia); has organised education work for the Scottish Chamber Orchestra; works with adult leisure-time musicians as Musical Director of the Merchant Sinfonia (Glasgow) and Stockbridge and New Town Community Orchestra (Edinburgh); and has led community choirs for the Royal Lyceum Theatre and Stellar Quines theatre company. Alongside her freelance work she is Director of Access, Engagement and Participation with Scotland’s exciting contemporary classical music group Red Note Ensemble.
A few fun facts about Louise:
- If she was an animal she'd like to be a Friesian cow – just mosey-ing along, grazing all day. Mmmmoooooo!
- Her favourite day out in Edinburgh a walk along the River Almond walkway, ending up at the ice-cream van at Cramond harbour
- 3 scoops of ice-cream: Belgian chocolate, blackcurrant sorbet, raspberry sorbet
- She started to play the Recorder when she was 8
Piano when she was 9
Violin when she was 10
Cello when she was 11
Musical Saw when she was old enough to know better!
- FolkePrimary 1 Music TeacherFolkePrimary 1 Music Teacher
Folke Wiemann BA MSc
Folke is a music therapist and teacher who has moved to Scotland from Hamburg, Germany, in 2020.
Folke has a Bachelor’s degree in Musicology and a Master’s degree in Music Therapy. She has worked with people in all stages of life, facilitating music groups in schools, care homes, hospitals and working privately with adults. She has decided to specialise in working with children and young people after her finishing her Master’s programme at Queen Margaret University. In this work, she facilitates one-to-one music therapy sessions for young people struggling with their mental health.
She has worked alongside other teachers to create psychoeducational music groups in which children can develop their relationship with themselves and each other through engaging in music. She is passionate about every child getting the chance to engage in musical expression and embrace their creativity through music making in a group, for themselves, through exploring instruments and lyrical expression.
Folke has also worked as a piano tutor and is a freelance musician and songwriter committed to her own creative process, and has been lucky to be part of many creative projects, including a recent fringe production, throughout her career.
Some fun facts about Folke:
- I am a passionate runner and have explored most places I’ve visited through running for hours.
- I have been vegan for four years, my favourite recipe to cook is a vegan lasagna soup.
- My friends and I send each other podcast-length voice messages dissecting all sorts of philosophical and sociological questions and topics.
- The next thing I want to learn is how to surf.
- MariannaPiano TeacherMariannaPiano Teacher
Marianna di Costanzo, MMus, PGDE
Marianna started playing the piano when she was 4 years old, using the Yamaha method. She studied at the Conservatory of Music in Aosta, Italy, and graduated with honours in 2017. During her studies at the Conservatory, Marianna focused on chamber music and piano accompaniment for singers and instrumentalists. She performed at several venues and events throughout Northern Italy, in a piano-clarinet duo.For 3 years, she was a piano accompanist for the CantoLeggero choir, providing accompaniment for numerous concerts and seminars, as well as for dance lessons and exams through the UK-based Royal Academy of Dance. In 2017, Marianna took part in the Festival Suoni d’Abruzzo, an international chamber music and orchestra festival, where she attended the chamber music course held by clarinettist Andrea Massimo Grassi.
To further her professional studies, Marianna earned a MMus in Piano Accompaniment, and a PGDE in Music, both from the Royal Conservatoire of Scotland. She has gained valuable experience as a music educator both in a classroom setting, and teaching private piano lessons to children of all ages.With dedication and passion, Marianna brings an open-minded approach to children’s piano education. Her lessons include focuses on improvisation, aural-training, and singing, to engage and support the student’s learning development.
A few interesting facts about Marianna:- Marianna speaks English, French and Italian.
- She loves baking and her mission is finding the best bakery when visiting new places.
- Her first piano teacher discovered that Marianna has perfect pitch.
- She would love to learn how to play the Harp.
- LukePiano Teacher
Luke Hunter BMus (Hons)
Luke studied music at the University of Edinburgh and graduated in 2022, focusing on composition, having written a concept album based on George Orwell’s 1984 as his final project.
He attended Musselburgh Grammar School where he was a part of the rock ensemble, jazz band, guitar ensemble, orchestra and helped lead and accompany a choir of pupils from Whitecraig Primary School. He was awarded the Mansfield Music Prize in his final year. He played the lead role in the school musical, Back to the 80s, in 2016 but never managed how to properly dance so he moved to the pit band for the next production and played the guitar for School of Rock! During his time at high school he also achieved an HND in Music Technology in a self-taught environment.
But before even attending high school, Luke was a pupil at Portobello Music School for a number of years, attending musicianship, guitar, singing and piano classes.
Luke has been performing in and around Edinburgh and East Lothian for over ten years as a solo artist but has now built a band around him to perform his original compositions in the indie-pop genre. He also performs as part of pit bands for musicals, playing in shows such as Legally Blonde, RENT, Footloose, Jesus Christ Superstar and Shrek, on guitar, bass and piano.
Here are a few fun facts about Luke:
- His favourite food is Turkey Korma.
- If he was an animal he’d like to be a dog - either Cavapoo or a Golden Retriever!
- The next instrument he’d like to learn is the trumpet.
- His favourite children’s book series is CHERUB by Robert Muchamore.
You can listen to Luke’s music here
- JoannaClassroom AssistantJoannaClassroom AssistantJoanna began studying music at age 4 in the Primary 1 Creative Music Classes at Portobello Music School where she went on to study violin at age 7. At age 14, she worked closely with the University of Edinburgh and friends at St Cecilia’s hall and Music Museum. This is where she began performing music and where she met, worked with, and played with many great musicians from across the UK.In 2022, she began working at the music school as a classroom assistant and finds working with the children to be such a great experience. In addition to playing the violin, she also plays guitar, piano and saxophone, but would someday love to be able to play every instrument in the orchestra!
- FinlayClassroom AssistantFinlayClassroom Assistant
Finlay has been drumming since he was 18 months old and ever since has had a dream to pursue it professionally. He started attending Portobello Music School at age five to learn the basics, and began drum lessons aged 7 where he started working through the grades. At age 11 he successfully auditioned for the City of Edinburgh Music School, where he currently studies drums, percussion and piano. Over time he developed his technique in funk and soul, and in the last few years has become passionate about jazz, which he plans to pursue further.
- AilsaClassroom AssistantAilsaClassroom Assistant
Ailsa started playing violin at Portobello Music School when she was 7 years old. She is now studying for a Music Undergraduate Degree at Edinburgh University and has reached Grade 8 in Violin. Ailsa enjoys playing in groups and was in Edinburgh Secondary Schools Orchestra and her school orchestras, and now plays in the Composer’s Orchestra at Edinburgh University which features music written by some of the students – some of which will probably never be heard again! She also plays piano and trumpet. She enjoys playing folk and classical music, and is thinking of becoming a music teacher in the future!
Some fun facts about Ailsa:- Her favourite animal is a penguin, but she thinks if she was an animal she’d probably be a sloth or a panda!
- She once had to play a piece where the conductor had to fake death and was carried out by the orchestra!
- Her favourite food is pizza.
- The next instrument she would like to learn is Viola.
- HavinClassroom AssistantHavinClassroom AssistantHavin has been a piano student at Portobello Music School since age 7. She is currently working towards Grade 5 piano performance and Music Theory, and works as an assistant in our Musicianship Classes.A few intersting facts about Havin :
- She is of Kurdish descent
- She speaks 3 languages which are English, Kurdish and Turkish, and is currently learning Spanish at school
- Her favourite subject at school is history