About me
Variety is the spice of life! I enjoy an assortment of performance and teaching – playing keys in pit bands, vocal coaching, tutoring pianists and MD’ing shows for musical societies. My work as an accompanist takes me to festivals, exams, auditions, competitions and concerts – and I’m occasionally found playing with small groups including my jazz trio and improvisation ensemble Ad Lib.
Education & Training
Guildhall School of Music & Drama
I graduated with a first class Masters degree in collaborative piano and subsequently became a Junior Fellow. I currently work ad hoc as a staff member co-directing The American Songbook Company module, as well as working with the students on the acting course. On graduating I was selected to be a Britten-Pears Young Artist.
University of Huddersfield
I completed my undergraduate music degree here with first class honours, and the Rodwell Prize for piano. This is where I developed my passion for accompaniment and collaborative playing. As a student here, I set up my first function band playing for parties and events and cut my teeth as a répétiteur for dramatic societies.
Educator
I am a co-founder and trustee of the annual music festival and charity, Leicester MusicFest. Aimed at enabling youth music-making, the festival runs competitions, concerts, workshops and masterclasses, with an emphasis on accessibility and high-quality music. We also help run music outreach projects throughout the year.
I teach piano privately from my home studio, and as Musical Director and Vocal Coach, work with the singers at the Leicester College of Performing Arts. I’ve also been working with Curve Theatre as an MD for two of their youth theatre groups (CYCC) preparing them for shows.
Singing
I love all things music-making and have been very lucky to sing alongside some exceptional people. As a tenor I’ve sung and toured internationally with the Leicester University Chamber Choir, sang solos with the Leicester Pro Arte Choir, and appeared on two CDs of English choral music. I’ve also sung for services at cathedrals all over the UK.
As a Vocal Coach and MD, I work with singers of all ages and abilities from lower school years to conservatoire level and specialise in Musical Theatre and Classical singing.
Arranging
Tailoring music to suit the voices and musicians I’m working with is something I really believe in – so I often find myself arranging music to enable everyone to bring their best!
Here’s a snippet from a recent SATB arrangement of a concert I curated.
Session player
I’ve thoroughly enjoyed making piano recordings from video games soundtracks to song accompaniments!
Check out this lovely album Final Fantasy Crystal Chronicles