Rebecca Roberts

Rebecca attended Chethams School of Music, where she learned with Charlie Cracknell, then Guildhall (Martin Gatt) and Conservatoire De Genève (Roger Birnstingl). At the age of 22, she became co-Principal Bassoon in the Biel/Solothurn Orchestra. At 23, Rebecca auditioned for the newly founded Opera of Lyon Orchestra, founded by John Elliot Gardener, and was made co-Principal Bassoon. When she was 27, she joined Orchestra of Opera North as co-Principal Bassoon. Her freelance work at this time, alongside her full-time orchestral positions, included the Chamber Orchestra of Europe, Orchestra de la Suisse Romande, Halle Orchestra, and Scottish Chamber Orchestra (SCO).

Rebecca took a break from playing when she had her three children. She feels very fortunate to have had a second chance now working as a freelancer. Since returning, she has played with the Royal Scottish National Orchestra, SCO, BBC Scottish Symphony Orchestra, Scottish Ballet Orchestra, Scottish Opera, and the Royal Philharmonic Orchestra among others.

During her break from playing, Rebecca started teaching woodwind for the East Renfrewshire Council. Many of her pupils are distinguished pros now! She has taught or currently teaches at Douglas Academy, RCS Juniors, St Andrews University, and Big Noise Raploch. She tutors regularly for the National Youth Orchestras of Scotland and the West of Scotland Schools Orchestra Trust and for years worked as tutor for National Childrens’ Orchestra Great Britain. Her pupils have regularly been in the National Youth Orchestra of Great Britain, often in principal positions.

Rebecca has won several teaching awards. She is passionate not only about playing the bassoon but also the importance of teaching.