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I'm Toby and I am a professional viola and violin teacher based in Zurich. I have taught for over 10 years and teach in English, German and Russian - at students' location, my location or online.

As well as regular instrumental teaching and ensemble coaching of all age groups and levels, I’ve led numerous professional workshops, including ‘Music First’ and ‘Music Masters’ in London and taught on the Primary Arpeggione Viola Course and Springgrove Music Competition. I regularly accompany students on the piano, and prepare students for musical and academic exams at all levels, including music theory, aural and sight reading skills. I am currently a member of the European String Teachers’ Association, and have participated in ESTA conferences across Europe.

As a performing musician, I perform as a soloist and chamber musician in venues across Europe, most recently including the ‘Rome Chamber Music’ and ‘Gstaad Menuhin’ Festivals, and have participated in international competitions, notably receiving the Len Lickorish Memorial Prize at the Royal Overseas League International Strings Competition and the Barbirolli prize at the Lionel Tertis International Viola Competition.

Masters: first class, Tabea Zimmermann, Hochschule für Musik Hanns Eisler, Berlin
Bachelors: first class, Juan-Miguel Hernandez, Royal Academy of Music, London 

** Reviews **

Stephanie W.
Toby is an outstanding instructor and works with children very naturally. My 11 year old son has been taking lessons with Toby for over two months and is eager for each lesson. Toby is extremely talented, but beyond that, he engages my son deeply with the music itself, fundamental techniques, music theory, and even the interpretation of the music. Toby is kind, encouraging, and works with students at a level that is appropriate. He has allowed my son to chose music that if fun and interesting to practice, even though the pieces are challenging. In fact, I often sit in to listen to the lessons, as they are so good. My son has had a couple of lessons with Toby while company has been over, and everyone has commented on how amazing Toby is as an instructor. I can not recommend Toby enough and hope to continue lessons with him for a long time.

Pamela B.
Toby is really a great teacher who teaches the pieces well and brings out more of the feeling in the playing. We particularly liked that. Good technique is one thing, but feeling the music is such an important element in music and learning a piece of music. He also teaches theory very well!

Tatyana M.
Toby is a fantastic teacher. He is very reliable as he is consistently organised and punctual. I constantly see progress in my child’s music skills because every lesson Toby delivers is effective and well-structured. I highly recommend him to all who wish to learn or improve on their music skills.

Viola lessons, intermediate-advanced (in English/German/Russian)

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I'm Toby and I am a professional violin and viola teacher based in Zurich. I have taught for over 10 years and teach in English, German and Russian - at students' location, my location or online.

As well as regular instrumental teaching and ensemble coaching of all age groups and levels, I’ve led numerous professional workshops, including ‘Music First’ and ‘Music Masters’ in London and taught on the Primary Arpeggione Viola Course and Springgrove Music Competition. I regularly accompany students on the piano, and prepare students for musical and academic exams at all levels, including music theory, aural and sight reading skills. I am currently a member of the European String Teachers’ Association, and have participated in ESTA conferences across Europe.

As a performing musician, I perform as a soloist and chamber musician in venues across Europe, most recently including the ‘Rome Chamber Music’ and ‘Gstaad Menuhin’ Festivals, and have participated in international competitions, notably receiving the Len Lickorish Memorial Prize at the Royal Overseas League International Strings Competition and the Barbirolli prize at the Lionel Tertis International Viola Competition.

Masters: first class, Tabea Zimmermann, Hochschule für Musik Hanns Eisler, Berlin
Bachelors: first class, Juan-Miguel Hernandez, Royal Academy of Music, London 

** Reviews **

Stephanie W.
Toby is an outstanding instructor and works with children very naturally. My 11 year old son has been taking lessons with Toby for over two months and is eager for each lesson. Toby is extremely talented, but beyond that, he engages my son deeply with the music itself, fundamental techniques, music theory, and even the interpretation of the music. Toby is kind, encouraging, and works with students at a level that is appropriate. He has allowed my son to chose music that if fun and interesting to practice, even though the pieces are challenging. In fact, I often sit in to listen to the lessons, as they are so good. My son has had a couple of lessons with Toby while company has been over, and everyone has commented on how amazing Toby is as an instructor. I can not recommend Toby enough and hope to continue lessons with him for a long time.

Pamela B.
Toby is really a great teacher who teaches the pieces well and brings out more of the feeling in the playing. We particularly liked that. Good technique is one thing, but feeling the music is such an important element in music and learning a piece of music. He also teaches theory very well!

Tatyana M.
Toby is a fantastic teacher. He is very reliable as he is consistently organised and punctual. I constantly see progress in my child’s music skills because every lesson Toby delivers is effective and well-structured. I highly recommend him to all who wish to learn or improve on their music skills.

Violin lessons, intermediate-advanced (in English/German or Russian)

Graduated with first class honours
Studied with Juan-Miguel Hernandez and Garfield Jackson

Graduated with first class honours
Studied with Tabea Zimmermann

HFM Berlin

As well as regular instrumental teaching and ensemble coaching of all age groups and levels, I’ve led numerous professional workshops, including ‘Music First’ and ‘Music Masters’ in London and taught on the Primary Arpeggione Viola Course and Springgrove Music Competition. I regularly accompany students on the piano, and prepare students for musical and academic exams at all levels, including music theory, aural and sight reading skills. I am currently a member of the European String Teachers’ Association, and have participated in ESTA conferences across Europe.


Toby Cook

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Viola lessons, intermediate-advanced (in English/German/Russian)

Violin lessons, intermediate-advanced (in English/German or Russian)

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