Abi comes from a family of international early music musicians and educationalists. She has continued both these strands in her professional life.Working from the Scottish Highlands in Moray brings both inspiration and challenges.
As a child she was surrounded with music like a second language which she absorbed whilst helping her parents run the Early Music Centre in London in the 70’s. She believes this early unconscious learning of musicality by osmosis, is the reason for her ability to both song-write /perform with a natural fluidity and teach in a way that is child centred and joyful, whilst drawing on her music teacher training in the Kodaly method.
She is a unique person-centred teacher and song writer drawing on her unusual background. Her songs are from the heart, a fusion of old, new, global, topical and spiritual There is an ethereal, timeless yet human realness to her songs that have caught the interest of a number of music professionals: (Eve Williams- singer songwriter, Mick Glossop-producer to Van Morrison, Dame Emma Kirkby, Anthony Rooley- her father,Larry Hurley-music manager, Jeff Dawson- Canadian based producer). Her approach has also allowed her to win a couple of semi finalists and finalist places in international music competitions.
Teaching Biography
Abi is an experienced music teacher and song leader ( 15 years). She has trained as a post graduate in Kodaly music education and specialises in early and primary years ( through Roehampton university), but teaches ALL ages the foundations of music. She also has trainings in Montessori nursery education, primary teaching certificate of education and mindfulness . Abi has also done many years of study in breath and voice work with the Hussler method. Her moderate success as a song writer ( internationally awarded finalist in a global humanitarian arts competition and three professionally released tracks working with international musicians) means that this is a skill she brings to her pupils, alongside her training in mentoring . She combines all her knowledge in a unique way to create a versatile joyful, creative and holistic person centred centred and dynamic approach to learning.
Her focus is on engagement, joy and playfulness , developing confidence and creating skills for life. She has also taught at the Drumduan Steiner school on and off for a number of years both as a peripatetic instrumental and voice teacher as well as the choir leader and class music teaching. She created a two year developmental music programme for Alves primary school which delivered good foundational music skills, song writing and performance. She teaches all ages from 3 -73 giving people independent musical skills in pitch, breath work, rounds, duets, song writing and sight reading for voice, recorder and flute. She has taught a number of neuro – diverse children and helped them achieve many musical milestones. She has also taught a number of recorder ensembles and folk groups at various skill levels.
Recently she has been expanding into workshops for adults using singing as a wellbeing tool alongside meditation and harmony and this has been met with enthusiasm and enjoyment.
Abi's World of Music 