Meet our music tutors: Gillian Thoday
What makes the teaching at Chetham’s special? Cellist and longstanding Chetham’s tutor Gillian Thoday believes that it starts with understanding – meeting a student ‘where they are’ and tailoring lessons to the individual. The answer also lies in the quality of our tutors. With over 40 years’ experience in teaching and an illustrious career performing with world-renowned orchestras, Gillian is an inspiration to her students, with many staying in touch with her for mentorship as they grow into professional musicians. We asked Gillian about her career highlights so far, what she believes in as a teacher, and what she enjoys about teaching here.
Tell us about your career and musical journey…
“I started teaching here back in the late 1980s. I was a busy freelance cellist mostly working in London at the time. I also started teaching at the Royal Northern College of Music around 2009 so that became a bigger commitment in Manchester.
“The profession itself has changed hugely since I started. I did postgraduate studies in Germany and when I started freelancing in London, three out of the four big independent London orchestras were all male. I remember doing tours where there were three women and 90 men and we weren’t even given a changing room! Students now are moving into a very different world and have so many more career possibilities.
What is your proudest career moment?
“Big question! There have been lots of different achievements at different times in my career. When I first started out, I did quite a lot of solo work including recitals at Wigmore Hall and that kind of thing, which was a big achievement at the time. Being one of the very first women to work with the London Symphony Orchestra was also a real achievement.
“On an individual student basis, I get enormous satisfaction seeing somebody develop and grow and fulfil their potential. That is a highlight every time it happens. To see someone going from the conservatoire to performing on stages around the world is really rewarding.”
Can you describe your teaching philosophy?
“What I try to do is give people the deepest possible connection with their instrument, and that involves making sure that they are physically at ease with how they play – so they ultimately put in the least muscular effort to get the sound they want.
“I also meet each individual person where they are: I don’t begin teaching a student thinking they should do what I think. I see who they are and where they’re at first, then go from there… I could never write a book about my approach to teaching because the journey is very different for each person.
“A lot of my students over the years have stayed in touch with me and it’s fantastic to see them thriving in the industry – I have an extended cello family around the world.”
What do you most like about teaching here?
“I get to teach talented students. That’s the best thing! I work with such talented young people, and I have the time to make a difference. There’s a good collegiate atmosphere between everybody here, and it’s a lovely environment to work in. I think it’s a privilege to be teaching here.”
Find out more about our strings department and how to apply.
