Diana

Smith

BMus (Hons), LRAM

Diana playing the cello.

A distinguished cellist with a passion for both performance and education.

Diana sitting on stairs with a cello. 
ABOUT DIANA

Diana has worked with many music providers and schools, such as The Hertfordshire Music Service, Merchant Taylors’, Aldenham, and The Royal Masonic School for Girls.

Over the years, Diana has honed her expertise by coaching chamber ensembles, youth orchestras, and younger string orchestras. She has introduced innovative ensembles to schools and developed comprehensive beginner music programmes.

In pursuit of fostering a comprehensive music education for children of diverse abilities, Diana has organised masterclasses for school-aged children, collaborating closely with the esteemed violinist Tasmin Little and the clarinetist Emma Johnson. These masterclasses have inspired countless young musicians to pursue their musical aspirations.

Diana is immensely proud of the countless children she has inspired to learn the cello throughout her career.

A black and white photo of Diana smiling while playing a cello.

Diana began her studies at Chethams School of Music under the tutelage of Raphael Wallfisch, Diana completed her BMus at The Royal Academy of Music, where she was taught by Mats Lidstrom.

During her undergraduate studies, Diana actively participated in various chamber music groups, performing at esteemed venues such as Lambeth Palace, The Hempel Hotel, and Cadogan Hall. As an orchestral player, she has collaborated with renowned composers including Sir Harrison Birtwistle and the film composer Michael Kamen.

Diana continues to pursue her career as a soloist, delivering recitals and collaborating with local orchestras.

During her final year at The Royal Academy, Diana’s passion for music education led her to begin cello lessons for children through the Buckinghamshire Music Service. This marked the start of her commitment to providing exceptional music education to students of all ages.

Reviews

  • 'Diana has been my daughter's cello teacher for almost three years now and her lessons are thoughtfully tailored towards developing my daughter's cello skills. She sets high expectations while supporting my daughter every step of the way. My daughter has learnt the value of consistent practice working with Diana and this shows in her playing. She is a member of a local youth orchestra alongside some other of Diana's students. Diana regularly attends concerts in support of her students, which is highly appreciated by my daughter. As a parent, I highly value Diana's communication. She takes initiative to provide honest feedback and always responds to my emails and questions promptly. I can't recommend Diana highly enough. She is not only just a great teacher but also a role model for my daughter.'

  • 'Our daughter started to take Cello lessons with Diana Smith when she had just turned 6 through a "music first" program her school offers. She was all excited when she had the chance to have a look at Cellos and didn't stop telling us how much she would like to learn the instrument. Almost two years later and she still enjoys learning her instrument. After the 15 minutes lessons in her first year she now has 35 minutes a week. She enjoys playing the Cello, recently joined her school's string orchestra and is currently preparing her first Cello exam. We are happy that Diana teaches our daughter and got her thrilled to play an instrument. Every week she is eagerly anticipating her lessons with Diana.'

  • ‘Diana has been our daughter's cello teacher for a number of years and it's been incredible to see how she has developed into a confident and passionate cellist under Diana's guidance. Diana is an excellent teacher and has formed a great relationship with our daughter, really understanding what motivates and challenges her. Her engaging and nurturing manner has been transformational in developing our daughter's self-belief to succeed and shine in all her musical endeavours.’

  • ‘We have been having lessons with Diana while studying for the ABRSM advanced grades (6-8). In that time she has helped my daughter learn and hone the many technical skills needed not only to achieve highly in these but also become a much more accomplished performer - both as a soloist and in the various ensembles Diana has organised and arranged the music for. Above all, and invaluably, Abigail also always looks forward to her lessons with Diana because she always has fun. She is flexible with lessons when inevitable clashes appear, and has offered extra time in the run up to exams. ‘

  • ‘For the past eight years, Diana has been more than just a cello teacher to our daughter- she has been a mentor, a guide, and she has always been supportive. Her patience, understanding, and passion for music have not only helped our daughter excel in exams but also find true joy in playing. We are so grateful for her dedication and the way she makes every lesson engaging and inspiring. Thank you, Diana, for your incredible support and for making such a difference in our daughter's musical journey.’

  • ‘Since Diana started teaching at RMS, she has opened up opportunities for our daughter to take part in cello ensembles and trios, and encouraged her to join the Watford Youth Orchestra, which has been a hugely enjoyable and rewarding experience. We have seen our daughter's repertoire, love and enjoyment of the cello grow immensely. Diana's dedication and commitment has been invaluable and we are extremely grateful for all her support.’

  • ‘I have recently witnessed my daughter playing the cello in front of 100 people, this would not have happened without the teaching of Diana. She has taught the cello to my daughter for a year and half now and it is incredible to see how much she has learned, thanks to Diana for her passion for music, dedication and patience.’

  • ‘I am very happy to have Mrs. Smith as my Cello teacher. She is kind and explains me well what I should do. Every week I am looking forward to my lessons with her. I was even able to play a piece in front of all of Primary School during our recent house day.’

  • ‘Mrs Smith is a friendly and inspiring teacher who has helped me enormously to become the cellist I am today. I thoroughly enjoy every lesson with her, as she makes it fun and she has pushed me to strive in both solo and ensemble aspects of being a cellist, whilst also being adaptive and always giving me excellent guidance. Mrs Smith also introduced me to the Youth Orchestra at Watford School of Music, which has challenged and improved me further still. Overall she is a great teacher, combining encouragement with amazing musical talent.’