Orin Jacob Syer

Violinist & teacher based in Manchester

About

Orin has just completed his Master’s in Performance at the Royal Northern College of Music, where he also gained a distinction at Undergraduate level. Over the next season, he will be busy performing and studying on both modern and baroque violin in a variety of settings. In September 2026 he will commence his fellowship with Manchester Baroque, performing alongside the ensemble and receiving lessons from their director Pauline Nobes. Furthermore, his ensemble, the Sterna Quartet, will be String Quartet Associates of the RNCM for the academic year 2026 – 27. And finally, he will be studying part time in Rome at the Accademia Internazionale di Musica with Marco Fiorentini.

Most recently, he attended both the St Andrew’s baroque summer school and The Music Summer School and Festival in Holt, Norfolk, where he had the privilege to work with and learn from internationally renowned musicians including Rachel Podger, Lucy Russell, Conor Gricmanis, Steven Devine, and musicians of the Brook Street Band. During the courses he developed his orchestral and chamber music playing across French, German, and Italian styles.

During his time at the RNCM, Orin studied with Cecily Ward, Pavel Fischer, Callum Smart, and Simon Smith. A core focus of his studies centred around chamber music. In the past year, he has had the privilege of receiving coaching from members of the Castalian, Brodsky, Novo, and Elias Quartet, and the Paddington Trio. In 2023, he performed part of Mendelssohn’s Octet alongside members of the Elias Quartet and fellow students which inspired him to dive deeper into chamber music. His quartet are now working towards several concerts around Manchester in the Autumn of 2026.

The Sterna Quartet: (from left to right) David Tan, Orin Jacob Syer, Matthew Hayes, and Cillian Hennessy

He also devoted a lot of his time to orchestral playing as this has always been a strong passion of his. Some highlights include side-by-side projects with the Manchester Camerata playing Beethoven’s 6^th Symphony and with the BBC Philharmonic playing Strauss’ Don Juan. He is also grateful to have had the opportunity to be directed by renowned conductors including Christoph Altstaedt, Clemens Schuldt, Gergely Madaras, Edward Gardner, Douglas Boyd, and Sir Mark Elder.

Growing up in London, Orin was inspired from a young age by the busy classical music scene and in particular by watching the London Symphony Orchestra perform in the Barbican’s main hall. He went on to take part in several of their outreach programs, playing alongside members of the orchestra under the direction of Gustavo Dudamel, Valery Gergiev, and Sir Simon Rattle. These early experiences made a profound impact on his desire to become a violinist.

He plays an Alexander Kennedy violin made in England in 1750 which was generously funded by a donor. In 2019, he completed his ARSM Diploma with distinction.

Teaching

Looking to learn a new skill, find your new hobby, or already have some experience under your belt? All abilities and ages are welcome, all you need is yourself, your instrument, and a curiosity to learn. Lessons are fully adaptable to your interests and needs, whether that means following conventional exams or just playing your favourite tunes. I specialise in classical and baroque styles however I can teach any genre, including pop, film and video game music, and even Bollywood.

First lessons for beginners…

will be focused on learning the basics of instrument set up and how to hold the violin and bow so that you can go home after the first session and be able to play! We will usually stay on open strings for at least the first week or two to ensure a solid foundation moving forward.

Don’t have an instrument? Don’t worry, I can help you to find one before you start!

First lessons for more experienced musicians

If you already play, I will ask you to bring something that you feel comfortable with and something less comfortable or newer for us to work on so that I can better understand where you are and so that we can make a plan moving forward.

Somewhere in the middle?

Don’t worry! We can start with a refresher and take it from there. Even if it’s been some time since you last played, things can come back to your memory faster than you expect! I can always suggest some material to play in your first lesson if you’re feeling at a loose end.

Teaching Approach

Underpinning all the lessons will be:

a focus on posture and the physicality of playing, to ensure good technique and prevent injury
an integration of theory and musicianship to aid the holistic understanding of what you are playing
and an awareness of your sound and its character so that you can ‘speak’ convincingly through your instrument

I often like to play duos with my students as it is always fun making music together!

I also have the training and experience to teach people with SEND, so please just let me know how I can best help you.

Possible routes and outcomes…

Are entirely tailored to you. I can help you prepare for ABRSM exams, GCSE/A-Level work, auditions, upcoming performances (even if it’s just to your family and friends), or simply playing pieces that you love. I do find working through some kind of book, be it a method book, or a collection of songs or pieces is a good way of having a structure and provides motivation.

Location and availability

I believe in-person lessons provide the best experience and I teach in the M15 area. I am flexible though and can in some circumstances teach online.

Any questions, please don’t hesitate to ask using the contact form below and I look forward to hearing from you!

Contact

(all enquiries)