Heather Birks

British classical violist, viola & violin teacher, and adjudicator. She studied at the Royal Northern College Of Music. For some years she taught both violin and viola as well as freelancing with chamber orchestras in the north before joining the BBC Philharmonic Orchestra. She later moved to London and joined the BBC Symphony Orchestra and the BBC Radio Orchestra. From 1984 to 2004 she freelanced with the London Symphony Orchestra and The Royal Philharmonic Orchestra. She has played with all the major London orchestras, at the Royal Opera and English National Opera Houses. As well as maintaining a teaching schedule, she examines for the Associated Board and adjudicates at regional festivals.