Tessa Oakley

Tessa maintains a highly successful teaching studio while concurrently travelling nationally and internationally to deliver teacher training programmes and student workshops

Tessa is a dedicated and passionate music educator with over 30 years of experience across a range of academic environments.

Her work now focuses on studio teaching and teacher training, fostering artistic excellence in both young beginners and adult professionals. She has served as an LRAM tutor since 2022.

Tessa is the Director and co-founder of Cellofest International Summer School, a residential course that attracts cellists and teachers from around the world. At Cellofest, she designs intensive programmes that combine instrumental study with professional development for cello teachers and their students.

Tessa is a highly accomplished and globally recognized Suzuki Method™ expert and certified Teacher Trainer. Her deep commitment to pedagogy was formally acknowledged when she was appointed the Director of Cello at the British Suzuki Music Association (BSMA) in 2016. In this crucial role, she organized and delivered the national teacher training programme for cello, establishing a reputation for mentoring highly skilled Suzuki educators. She is a frequent presenter at major international conferences as well as guest teacher at workshops and institutes. She actively serves as the Chair of the ESA Cello Committee, shaping the strategic direction of cello education across Europe.

As a strong advocate for collaborative learning, her teaching philosophy centres on fostering a vibrant and supportive community, where teachers actively share ideas and expertise. By encouraging this dynamic exchange, Tessa inspires a culture of mutual growth in pursuit of excellence.

Image: Richard Watts