A BIT ABOUT ME

Music has always been an integral part of my life and I have been playing the piano for about as long as I can remember. At the age of eight, I began formal tuition; quickly passing through several grades and started playing with the band at church in my early teens.

 

When I was nineteen I decided to pursue a career in music and enlisted with the Royal Marines Band Service, initially as a solo clarinettist before eventually transferring to piano and clarinet. I served for eight years, across three Royal Marines bands, in a career that took me around the world; performing in countless ceremonial, diplomatic, and televised events, including two Royal weddings. As a pianist within the band service I gained experience performing in almost any musical ensemble imaginable; from concert bands and marching bands to orchestras, jazz quartets, big bands, dance bands and even a ska band.

 

During my time serving in Scotland I met the pianist Nicholas Ashton who persuaded me to enrol at Edinburgh Napier University to develop as a Classical, recital pianist. I completed my Music Bachelor’s Degree with a specialisation in piano performance and electives in Instrumental Teaching, Music Therapy and Musical Analysis. Since then, I worked as a private piano teacher and accompanist whilst continuing to perform recitals in Edinburgh and Fife. I also received organ training and worked as an organist at a number of churches throughout Fife.

 

Since arriving in Aotearoa in 2022 I have immersed myself fully  in the New Plymouth music scene. I have performed numerous piano recitals, adjudicated the instrumental competitions, accompanied many musicians for concerts and played lead keyboard for the NPOS production of Matilda. I am registered with the IRMTNZ and enjoy teaching my many students.