Julie started learning the violin as a complete beginner and has achieved a Distinction at each grade, including Grade 5 recently.

"I'm really grateful having you as my teacher. You are a wonderful teacher and I enjoy the lessons very much! Thank you for everything over the years."

"Imogen can adapt quite easily to the level of her students and to their personality and the way they need to learn. She is clear when she explains about the theory of music, and answers nicely and clearly all the questions I have."

"I started learning the violin from scratch as an adult in September 2014 with Leeds Violin School. I recently decided to join Leeds Folk Fiddle Group, encouraged by my teacher Iveta, although I just reached ABRSM Grade 1 in summer 2015. Leeds Folk Fiddle Group opened new personal and musical dimensions to me."

"After learning Indian classical violin for 13 years in the past, I wanted to learn western classical violin, which was a totally new field for me. After starting in January 2014, I would say that it has been a brilliant journey with Imogen. She is really good at teaching violin, mainly the techniques that she uses. The best part about learning with Imogen is that she makes you practise until you are perfect with particular pieces or scales. Imogen always starts with the simplest piece and gradually increases the difficulty which I personally found helpful as you get to see two sides of the same coin.

Later, after a few months I was entered for my grade 3 exam, which I passed with a distinction. The coaching that I got prior to the exam was really good. Every lesson was utilised accurately. This shows the high level of teaching standard. Having played in a few concerts at the Leeds Violin School, I have gained a lot of confidence in playing

before a large group of audiences. I would personally recommend Leeds Violin School for other students without any doubt!"

"When I retired at the age of 64, one of my ambitions was to learn how to play the violin. I was not able to read music at the time. I enrolled with Iveta for lessons and she was marvellous! Gradually and skilfully she taught me how to read music and how to practise reading music. Every lesson was full of pointers on how to become a better player.

Iveta entered me for grade exams and thanks to her patient preparation I have managed to pass grade 1,2 and 3 all at distinction level, something I would never have dreamed of being able to do. Currently I am concentrating on Irish Fiddle music. This genre interests me a lot and has been opened up for me by Iveta’s patient teaching and joining the Leeds Folk

Fiddle Group which Iveta runs. I know for certain that without my lessons I would not have progressed so quickly. Marvellous patient teacher and lovely person."

"Iveta is a passionate violinist and teacher who has dedicatedly supported me in improving my technique, but never at the expense of finding true psychological contact with the music. Her approach of developing confidence and experimenting with new styles allows skills to develop as a by-product of exploration, rather than strict start- and end- point learning regimes. I have been incredibly lucky to learn under her and hope to develop under her guidance for many more years to come."

Katy was a complete beginner when Iveta started teaching her over 4 years ago. Iveta also teaches both Katy's daughters, aged 14 and 9 years old. All family members have played at many of the concerts organised by Iveta.

"Our family can vouch for Iveta's talent for helping learners of all ages to enjoy progressing from squeaky beginnings to being able to play, perform and achieve exam success. She is an imaginative and committed teacher who is genuinely interested in you as a person and takes care to meet your individual needs. As an adult taking up the violin I've really appreciated her guidance and support to progress well beyond the level I expected to reach. Over the years she has carefully balanced being "rm and flexible to help my busy teenager to stick with it and she's been great at motivating my youngest daughter to love music. She says she really likes Iveta's lessons because she's kind and she doesn't make it boring, she makes it fun! "

"I started learning the violin with Iveta in June this year and can honestly say that out of all the music teachers I have ever had (I learnt the cello and recorder as a child) that Iveta has been my favourite teacher! Iveta is always enthusiastic during my lessons and encourages my learning at a pace that feels comfortable for me – as a result, I always look forward to lessons and feel that I am making progress! Iveta chooses pieces and exercises to suit my interests (mainly folk music!) and she is able to explain musical theory and technique in a way that is easy to understand and to practice. I would recommend Iveta to other students without hesitation!"

"I recently returned to studying the violin after a 16 year break during which the instrument rarely came out of its case. Spending most of my professional life in music, but not as a performer, I wanted to get back into playing the violin, which was the instrument that had gotten me into music in the first place. The pieces and studies that I’ve been through with Iveta have been the right prescription to put me on the path I want to be on. Iveta pushes us to perform in public which is something I thought I’d never do again but has been great fun and something to work towards."

"My daughter had been learning the violin for two years in group lessons and was starting to lose enthusiasm - her progress was slow and she didn’t practise. Lessons with Iveta have changed all that. From the rst lesson she began to practise regularly and within a few months decided to work towards her Grade 1 exam which she has just passed with a Distinction.

Iveta is an engaging and enthusiastic teacher who conveys her passion for the violin to her students, paying great attention to detail while still allowing for enjoyment and fun."

"We wanted to find a violin teacher for our then, 6 year old daughter. There are many instrument tutors who take short cuts, which as you would progress up the grade examinations would need to be "re-learnt" and work hard to x bad habits. After a detailed search, we thought that Iveta would be perfect for our daughter's needs.

There is no-one who could be a better teacher than Iveta. Her enthusiasm and love for the violin encourages everyone to improve and be the best they can be. Organising concerts and violin groups of mixed ages and abilities gives all of her students confidence to perform, and creates an extended family atmosphere. Iveta actively encourages parents to attend their child's lesson (if they wish!). This helps a huge amount with home practice. Knowing the correct techniques ensures that problems are spotted, corrected or highlighting problems in the lesson. Almost as an extension of Iveta herself.

After 2 years of lessons our daughter has turned into a great violinist. She has progressed further than I could have hoped, in such a short amount of time. She gained a distinction in her last exam, and has performed in many concerts at the Yorkshire College of Music & Drama, Leeds College of Music, as well as in her school. All of this has been achieved by a combination of great teaching, tutoring me to supervise practice at home, talent, and of course hard work. Myself, my husband and daughter are extremely grateful with everything that Iveta has done for us."