Creative Educator | Multi Instrumentalist | Songwriter | Performer
About Marianne Canning
With decades of live gigs playing with bands, I’ve turned my stage adventures into a creative teaching style that’s all about fun, freedom, and real music.
Hi, I’m Marianne – a Reading-born, classically trained violinist, multi-instrumentalist, songwriter and creative educator.
Throughout my musical career, I've explored both ends of the spectrum: the creative freedom of writing, performing, and touring original music with indie bands, as well as the discipline and artistry of classical violin technique.
My journey has led me to support legendary acts like Die Toten Hosen and The Subways in Germany before a crowd of 50,000, study under renowned improviser Christian Howes, and lead composition workshops for over 60 school children. Whether on stage or in the classroom, I’m all about making music fun, authentic, and liberating.
My musical journey
After achieving ABRSM Grade 8 in Violin Performance, I embarked on a four-year adventure touring nationally and internationally with the post-rock alt-indie band A Genuine Freakshow. This experience allowed me to perform across genres – from classical to rock and pop – connecting with diverse audiences and honing my craft.
While on the road, I balanced my performance career with academic pursuits. Between 2010 and 2013, I completed my BMus (Hons) in Music with a 2:1 from City University, London – juggling gigs, recording sessions, and live performances as a session musician. I later deepened my industry knowledge by learning the craft of violin maintenance, instrument repairs, management, and sales at Bridgewood and Neitzert’s Violin Showroom in London.
My Creative Roles
Educator
I teach violin privately and in schools, dedicated to unlocking creative freedom and musical expression in every student. In 2021, I graduated with a PGCEi Masters certificate in Group String Teaching with Music Masters and Birmingham City University. This has professionally unlocked so much more to my connection with players across all levels and ages.
Creative Collaborator
I’m a songwriter, and co-leader of Shiny Brain Crayons, an alternative post-punk indie duo. I have co-led bands Ode To Lucius, Pho Queue Crew and played with bands including The King Blues, Buriers, The Moonrise Collective and Stergin.
Performer
My freelance work spans high-caliber pop and rock bands, voice-over work, theatre shows – including the immersive spectacle You Me Bum Bum Train—and TV/film projects like The X Factor semi-final and Netflix’s The Great.
Multi-Instrumentalist
In addition to the violin, I’m also skilled in voice, bass guitar, and keyboard. My diverse musical background enriches my teaching and performance, ensuring that every lesson or collaboration is infused with both classical discipline and contemporary flair.
