About Aylin…
Despite starting the cello relatively late, at the age of 17, Aylin was determined to make it her career. Within her first year of learning the instrument, she achieved Grade 7, followed by Grade 8 in her second year.
Just a few months after passing her Grade 8 cello exam, Aylin secured a place at Trinity Laban Conservatoire of Music and Dance in 2019. She was the only cellist accepted into that year’s intake and was awarded the Len Smith and Felicity Young Scholarship, as well as the Trinity Laban Scholarship.
Aylin has studied with Sasha Boyarsky, David Kennedy and Sally Pendlebury. She has also participated in masterclasses with renowned musicians including Raphael Wallfisch, Tim Lowe, Matthew Lowe, Richard Crabtree and Michael Atkinson, as well as receiving chamber music coaching from Michael Bochmann and the Carducci Quartet.
Throughout her musical career, Aylin has performed at a variety of prestigious venues, including Cadogan Hall, Blackheath Halls and Wigmore Hall, as well as the Chapel of St Peter and St Paul.
Aylin performs classical, popular and international traditional music as part of The Hirondelle Duo alongside her husband, Andrew Altay-Walters. Alongside her performing career, Aylin also teaches cello privately, sharing her knowledge and passion for music with her students.
About Andrew…
Andrew studied Classical Performance at Trinity Laban Conservatoire of Music and Dance, where he developed his skills as both a performer and musician. During his time there, he received specialist musical training and took part in a wide range of ensemble projects and group performances.
Throughout his musical development, Andrew has studied with a number of experienced musicians and teachers, including Sue Lowe, Joley Coos and Sally Pendlebury. He has also participated in masterclasses with distinguished musicians, including Adrian Brendal, Louise Hopkins, Raphael Wallfisch and Sandy Bailey.
These experiences have helped shape Andrew's musical development and continue to inform his approach to teaching. Andrew began his teaching career with Sing Education, where he worked as a music teacher in primary school settings. These experience gave him the opportunity to work with young learners and develop his approach to music education. He now teaches with Merton Music Foundation and Kingston Music Service, alongside offering private music lessons.