“Just be happy to play”: Joanne Green on leading ESTA UK, breaking tradition, and why Wells Cathedral School is her vision for the future

Jo Green’s energy is infectious. A violinist, educator, and now Chair of ESTA UK (European String Teachers Association), she brings a refreshingly honest and collaborative tone to everything she touches including her role as a Visiting Music Specialist (VMS) at Wells Cathedral School.

We sat down with Jo to explore her vision for String education in the UK, the importance of staying creatively open, and why she believes Wells can play a national leadership role in reshaping the future of music teaching.

From Australia to ESTA UK

Jo’s journey to the top of ESTA UK wasn’t meticulously planned. It happened the way a lot of good things do: “A friend rang me and said, ‘I know you’re a busy person, we need you on board,” she laughs. “I hadn’t thought about it much, but I joined because I care, I am vocal and I like to get things done. Then I became Chair.”

Though modest about the appointment, Jo’s no stranger to leadership. She runs several music initiatives in the region and sees this national platform as a way to “connect people, open up conversation, and support every teacher – from brand-new graduates to master educators.

Wells: The Peak of the Pyramid

As a Visiting Music Specialist at Wells Cathedral School, Jo’s uniquely placed to see both ends of the music education spectrum.

“Wells is the top of the pyramid – we’re working with some of the most talented young String players in the country. But I want what happens here to trickle down. My goal at ESTA is to support every layer of teaching: grassroots teachers, those coming out of college, and established professionals. Everyone deserves access to mentorship, training, and inspiration.”

Jo sees Wells not just as a centre of excellence – but a potential beacon for the South West: “I’d love to see Wells become a regional hub, offering workshops and outreach. There’s a real need in rural areas for high-quality teaching. Wells and ESTA UK can be that resource.

Breaking Down the Boundaries

Jo is refreshingly unafraid to challenge tradition. “Music has become so siloed. Classical, pop, jazz we put everything in boxes. But it’s all music. If a pupil wants to learn Coldplay instead of Chopin, that’s fine. Start with what they love. You’ll get further and ignite their passions.”

She’s candid about the “challenges” but insists the future of music education lies in flexibility and collaboration: “We’re preparing kids for portfolio careers. That means classical, yes but also film scores, cross-genre collaborations, improvisation. It’s about building versatile, creative musicians who will go on to become the next generation of teachers.”

She laughs, “I once did “Lark Ascending” by Thomas Tallis sandwiched between two Pink songs in a concert and the audience loved it.”

Leading by Example

Jo’s leadership at ESTA UK is shaped by her teaching: “I’m not here to dictate I want to enable. Support teachers to be more creative. Encourage more child-led learning. Move away from ‘we teach how we were taught.’ The world’s changed. We need to catch up.”

ESTA UK now offers a Postgraduate Certificate and Master’s in string teaching, certified by the University of Chichester. “It’s not your standard PGCE, it’s teaching focused on your specific instrument, your discipline. It’s about building master teachers.”

The Power of Wells

What has Wells taught Jo?

She smiles. “Patience. Tact. And honestly? The joy of seeing pupils grow. Some of my Wells pupils still come back to me for advice. They share their performances, ask about teaching. That connection is everything.”

It’s also why she believes Wells Cathedral School should be central to the national conversation: “We already have the expertise, the facilities, the passion. Now we need to reach out, to support the wider community and share what’s possible.”

• Violin or viola? Definitely violin.
• Practice or performance? Performance always.
  
• Favourite composer to teach? I love Mozart, but lately I’ve been exploring Reena Esmail, an incredible Indian-American composer blending Western and Indian styles.
  
• Most underrated string technique? The bow arm. Everyone focuses on the left hand, but the right hand is the soul.
  
• If not a string player? I’d have been a doctor.
  
• Who would play you in a film? Kate Winslet. She’s authentic and gritty and does a a good Australian accent!

Final Note

Her advice to young musicians?

“Just be happy to play. Whether it’s Mozart or Coldplay—it’s all music. And it all matters.”

And that, in essence, is Jo Green: fearless, passionate, and determined to ensure that every string player and teacher no matter where they’re starting has a chance to grow, be heard, and fall in love with music.