Gerda Wilcocks - flutist
About Gerda Wilcocks
Gerda Wilcocks is a flutist, flute teacher and piano teacher residing in Southampton, UK. Gerda is passionate about music. On any day, given the choice what to do, she will choose to play her flute. She finds great enjoyment in losing herself in the music in the practise room, but more than that, she enjoys collaborating with others to play music together. Gerda believes strongly in the power of music to touch the soul. She lives out this belief by performing music to a wide range of audiences, as well as through teaching students in her music studio. She feels that every child should have the opportunity to learn to play an instrument and to be shaped by music education.
Teaching
Gerda teaches flute and piano to students of all ages and abilities, but has a special interest in advanced flute students who are highly motivated. She enjoys each individual's personality and lessons are tailored to the individual's needs. Focus is on personal enjoyment as well as musical improvement. Some students enjoy preparing for exams, while others prefer to play for themselves and their families. Teaching sessions are held at Gerda's studio near Romsey in Hampshire. It is a friendly home environment where students can relax and be themselves.
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Student Concert 10 March 2018 with Matthew Shenton
Mozart: Andante in C
Mouquet: Pan et les Bergers
Geoff Eales: Song for my Mother
Geoff Eales: Farewell Patagonia
Piano Accompaniment
Gerda offers piano accompaniment for ABRSM and Trinity Guildhall graded exams. She can also help with aural tests in the run-up to the exam.
Bio
Gerda grew up in Pretoria, South Africa where she started piano lessons at the age of 6. During her school years she progressed through the UNISA graded syllabus, was included on the UNISA Honorary Roll and won gold diplomas on Eisteddfods.
Gerda studied music (piano) at the University of Pretoria under Professor Joseph Stanford. Under his guidance she won first place in the UNISA South African Music Study Bursary competition. She passed the Performance Licentiate of Trinity College and the UNISA teacher's licentiate with distinction. During her studies at university and later professionally, Gerda regularly accompanied students for concerts and exams.
When she started to study music at university she took up the flute in earnest, because a second instrument was compulsory. Under the guidance of Professor John Hinch she made rapid progress and decided to make the flute her instrument of choice after completing her second year at university. She completed her B.Mus and M.Mus degrees in flute performance with distinction.
While finishing her B.Mus degree in Pretoria, Gerda joined the South African Medical Services Band. Thereafter she had the opportunity to freelance with the professional orchestras in Pretoria and Johannesburg. Gerda decided to make a career change and ventured into the world of software development for about five years. She returned to music and at this point did her M.Mus degree. It was while she was in the final stages of this degree that she moved to the UK.
Gerda lives in Hampshire in the UK where she teaches flute and piano. When she is not teaching, she enjoys playing the flute at church services, care homes, fundraising concerts, solo recitals and orchestral concerts. Gerda plays with All Souls Orchestra, Havant Symphony Orchestra, Wessex Sinfonietta and Nova Foresta Classical Players. To stay up to date with new developments in teaching and flute performance, she regularly attends seminars and masterclasses both locally and abroad.
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