About me
Variety is the spice of life! I enjoy an assortment of playing – playing keys in pit bands (most recently Addams Family (Keys I), Kinky Boots (Keys II), Avenue Q (Keys II) and Cats (Keys II) - working as an accompanist for festivals, exams, auditions and competitions – and playing with small ensembles 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 pianist 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.
Side quests…
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 St George’s (Bloomsbury, London), and St Mary’s Cathedral, (Edinburgh).
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