Tim Pratt
Cellist and music teacher
Have you always wanted to be a professional musician?
I don´t believe I did. Growing up on a farm in rural West Devon in pre-internet days, I was unaware that you could actually get paid to play the cello. However, I did want to travel and see the world, so after leaving university and seeing what I didn´t want to do in life, I found myself, almost by accident, playing in Orchestras in Mexico.
What made you want to play the cello?
I started learning with my dad, so I learnt almost by default - however, the more I learnt and the more I listened, the more l enjoyed the cello. The cello is one of the most diverse instruments to learn, at home in a wide variety of music, and is often likened to the human voice.
Why did you take up teaching?
I spent ten years playing my cello in Mexico, which was a fantastic opportunity, however there comes a time when life can get a bit too comfortable so I wanted to be able to share what I had learnt with the world. Teaching is the best way to really understand what we do and take it to the next level.
What do you think makes a good music teacher?
A teacher needs to be in empathetic to be able to tap into what motivates individuals; analytical to create a learning path in bite-sized chunks; be really, really patient; inspirational and above all super positive. We also need to be healthy in mind, body and spirit to be able to convey these aspects of music to students.
How does a typical day unfold?
In the mornings, typically I see some adult or homeschool children at my house, before heading to schools and projects like the Okehampton Music Centre. Between teaching I also need to fit in my own practice time as well as renovating a teaching and playing space at home. Evenings are spent taking my own children to classes, however I try to find someone to teach while they are in classes. If, in my travels, I find myself passing the moors I may go for a run as fitness is important for a musician.
What’s the best part of your job?
Finding that ‘lightbulb’ moment, thereby making something which a student has been struggling with click.
What do you find the most challenging part of your profession?
Showing people that anyone can get where they want to get to with hard work and perseverance, that there is no such thing as a magical musical talent shortcut - ‘talent’ is the ability to focus and dedicate time to learning.
What would you say to anyone considering becoming a professional musician?
Find a teacher who inspires you, immerse yourself in music and dedicate every spare moment to practice. Look for opportunities beyond the horizon as well as at home. Immerse yourself in a wide variety of cultural influences - while the 20th century was about striving to be the best in your field, the 21st century is about bridging the gaps between the fields and cultures, creating your own original unique mix. Above all, do what your teacher says - their job is to show you the path, but remember, it is your job to walk it.