Christchurch
Cello Lessons | Artist development, Ensemble Coaching, Posture for Singers and Instrumentalists
Bio
Tomas has a rich musical career spanning three continents including Europe, Asia and New Zealand. He has performed as a soloist, chamber musician and concert master of the Malaysian Philharmonic. He has had the honor of performing under conductors such as Sir Neville Marriner, Vladimir Ashkenazy, Gennady Rozhdestvensky and performing alongside soloists such as Mstislav Rostropovich and Piers Lane.
His true passion is Baroque music on period instruments in authentic interpretation. With that passion he has created The Baroque Music Community and Educational Trust of New Zealand which has fostered a Baroque music scene of internationally renowned quality in the South Island of New Zealand performing for and organizing over 20 concerts a year to 10 different communities reaching over 1700 audience members annually.
Through BMCETNZ, he has played a primary role in nurturing the next generation of young musicians with workshops and opportunities to perform on and compose for concert tours. He organized the funding and purchase of a collection of 13 period instruments on which students can practice, rehearse and perform. He has thus far supported over 50 students through workshops, concerts, solo engagements composing commissions and internships behind the scenes in management and organizing.
Through the trust, Tomas also cooperates with Julie Wylie Musical Play putting on concerts for children. Responses have been overwhelming; parents reported children dancing for the first time, crawling for the first time and even sleeping better after hearing the music.
Teaching Info
Tomas has vast experience as a chamber music player and as a soloist; thus these areas are what he most passionately teaches. After experiencing various challenges in his own musical journey as a result of his music education, Tomas has established a truly holistic way of teaching so that the education of the cellist and chamber player is not just about preparing for exams with studies and challenging pieces, but teaching the whole person. He thus incorporates musicianship, technique along side posture cooperating with practitioners of Rolfing and Alexander Technique.
Technique is the foundation for any musician. Tomas spends a great deal of attention to the foundations of cello playing such as bowing, tuning, posture, making sure the muscles are not over performing which would lead to fatigue, tension and strained sound. With this foundation is solid, true musicianship can take place. Tomas trained in the heart of Europe and had access to the best of the classical and Baroque music scene. He loves inspiring his students with his keen sense, knowledge and understanding of every given piece of music he teaches.
“It was a fascinating opportunity connecting with other great musicians and performing many concerts for this Baroque tour around New Zealand. In an orchestra setting or school ensemble group, it is hard to get detailed individual tuition in terms of the tone colour, the performance style, and the correct bow strokes for different music genres. It is hard for teachers to give feedback individually as there are many people in an orchestra or a school ensemble group. However, everyone got a chance to share thoughts with and receive feedback from Tomas and Mark…. Mark and Tomas always encouraged us to enjoy the music on stage and not think about the mistakes we made during performances. As the concert tour came to the last stop in Wellington, I found out that I started to swing with the music, and I could present the baroque style more accurately. I truly appreciate this opportunity, and I hope to have the chance to collaborate with you all again!”
– Lea Liu one of the students of a workshop put on by Tomas followed by a concert tour