Beatrice Newman, 19, started learning the cello at the age of eight with James Monckton, as part of the Wiltshire Schools music service. On going to Monkton Combe School, near Bath, she then started to learn with Shena Power. She is now in her first year at the Royal Welsh College of Music and Drama, studying under Nick Gethin, and the internationally-acclaimed cellist Kathryn Price, after studying with her for the last two years whilst at school, as part of the Junior department of the College. She was a member of the West Wiltshire Youth Orchestra, as one of the leaders, and she is also a leader of the Wiltshire and Swindon Youth Orchestra, who have recently been on tour to the southern Italy, performing Walton's Cello Concerto with Natalie Clien to Lady Walton at her home on the island of Ischia. She has taken part in numerous string-quartets and trios, as well as playing the trumpet and leading the school Big Band.

Beatrice was the soloist in a performance of Elgar's Cello Concerto at Monkton Combe School in October 2006, and in November 2007, she was awarded the title of Bath Young Musician of the Year. She has had master classes with Anna Shuttleworth and has twice been to Spain on an International music course in El Escorial, involving performances in the Basilica and in October 2007, she went to Kronberg Academy cello festival in Germany to experience some of the world's most amazing musicians and cellists, and to watch concerts and master classes, all in memory of Rostropovich.

Bea plays a German nineteenth century cello which was bought by her great- great grandfather as a present for his wife, and it has remained in the family ever since.

Bath Young Musician of the Year, Cellist Beatrice Newman, was the soloist in Haydn's Cello Concerto in C major in January 2008 with the Bath All-Comers' Orchestra.