Helen Butterfield

Violin Tutor/ Rusty Strings conductor

Helen Butterfield is a highly respected Violin Tutor with over 25 years of experience teaching children from 5 years of age to adults. She is passionate about allowing the student to follow their own musical journey, whether it be to achieve graded exams or to learn for fun. Helen is proficient in preparing students for graded exams under ABRSM and Trinity Exam Boards, but also teaches folk music styles, and introduces a variety of genres into a student's repertoire. Over the years she has taught in schools, community centres, at home, and online.

Her career has also given her skills and expertise in delivering community music activities, including leading choirs and junior orchestras, and developing and leading innovative community music projects involving collaborations with filmmakers, visual artists, and partner community organizations.  This has enabled Helen to prepare her students for ensemble playing and extend their musical experiences beyond the instrumental lessons. She has also worked extensively as a Community Worker, mostly in Community Arts, which has encouraged her to strive to widen opportunities for more deprived sections of the community to take part in music learning and experiences. Her work at the music scheme at Woodgate Community Centre for over a decade has enabled Helen to contribute to this goal.

Helen is a member of the Leicester Symphony Orchestra and plays in a modern country band. She also plays and records in an Americana duo and has played and recorded with a range of musicians. She also runs a monthly music session and is very involved in the local music scene as a player and supporter.