Iona Sherwood-Jones

Iona was born in Liverpool and began playing the violin under teacher Peter Mountain. She was a pupil at
Chethams and Wells Cathedral school before going to the Royal Academy of Music to study violin with
Molly Mack and Ralph Holmes and where she also studied the harpsichord.
After a career in playing she diverted into a career in social work and probation, qualifying and working in
various settings. Studying violin with Howard Davis during this time, Iona reverted to a career in music,
becoming a Head of Strings for Oakham, Guernsey Music Service, Birkdale and Kimbolton schools as well
as later a head of music. She became a coach for the National Childrens Orchestra.
Her Fiddlefingers project in Sheffield, offering tuition in violin and cello for local five year olds, won through
twice to the finals in the 'Music for Youth' competition festival. Iona was trained by Sheila Nelson in the
teaching of technique to young children whilst making it fun.
She has recently become a textile weaver and felter, exhibiting at a gallery.
Until November 2024, Iona was an examiner for Trinity College but still offers training for primary music
teachers in using Kodaly and eurythmics as well as string workshops for violin/viola teachers in establishing
good technique from the start.