Biography
Brief History
My two brothers are pharmacists and solicitors. My Dad’s a dentist and my Mum’s a Dance teacher so I wouldn’t say that music exactly runs in the family nor that I was really a natural musician when I started to learn. It wasn’t until I was 13 when I found a truly inspirational teacher coupled with becoming very ill that the trumpet became really important to me. After a spell in hospital and a few major operations I was told that due to the internal pressures that trumpet playing causes I might never be able to play again. This was when I realized how empty my life would be without music and the trumpet.
I retrained myself on the trumpet along with the help of my teacher; Ashley Morgan and then began to make real progress. Scoring good marks on GCSE’s and A Levels I discovered the existence of music colleges and as a result managed to get some lessons with a teacher from the Royal Northern. John Dickinson gave me a valuable insight into what music institutions where looking for at auditions. It was through his help and Ashley’s support I secured 1 of 2 places available that year for trumpet players at The Birmingham Conservatoire of Music.
Whilst training at the Conservatoire I had some fantastic tutors including Andy Stone-Fewing (Trumpet player with RSC), John Holland and Andy Thomas (1st and 3rd Trumpet from the CBSO, Neil Yates (who runs a very successful Small Band) and my biggest inspiration at College Eddie Severn. I shouldn’t have had lessons with Eddie due to the Classical vs Jazz lesson applications but Eddie approached me after a big band rehearsal and offered me some lessons. The insight he gave me opened my eyes physicality and mental processes of lead playing. Later on I sought guidance through John Saunders (a Retired Pro with incredible range) and John Ruddick (who plays with the BBC Big Band) who both further increased my knowledge and drive.
I’m coming to the end of my first year as a pro and now venturing to London to try to increase my playing opportunities and meet some new musicians. I hope this move will help me add to this page.
Experience
Shows
In 2008 I sat in with the professional tour of Doctor Dolittle.
I also played lead trumpet in LIPA’s (Liverpool Institution of Performing Arts) show; My Favourite Year where I worked with Graham Hubbard and Matt Baker.
Tours: Carpenters UK (07-08) and Dusty Springfield Tours (08).
Westside Story, My Fair Lady, Kismet, Student Prince, Dancing Years, Carousel, Perchance to Dream, Gay is the Word, Call me Madam, Calamity Jane, Kings Rhapsody, Le Cage Aux Folles, Chess, Les Miserables, Princess Ida, Oklahoma, High Society, Copa Cobana, Ain’t Misbehavin’, South Pacific, Mack and Mabel, Jesus Christ Superstar and lead trumpet in The Liverpool Institution For Performing Arts production of My Favourite Year.
Big Band
In 2006 I went abroad with the Midland Youth Jazz Orchestra and played lead for one of the charts that won the Dutch National Big Band competition.
I’ve been the regular lead trumpet player for the Birmingham Big Band The Big Swing (pre my move to London 08) and toured around Europe with many different groups playing lead trumpet.
Orchestra
I was the principle trumpet for the CBSO Youth Symphony Orchestra (2004-5) and had the privilege to be conducted by CBSO’s Sakori Oramo.
2007 I completed my final work at the conservatoire; The Sound Ideas Project. Where I created a concert including my peers from college. I also formed a 52-piece film orchestra which I fronted as a soloist.
Recording
In 2005 I played and recorded 2 tracks at Abbey Road London.
I’ve recorded lead for Big Bands, with Soul Bands, Brass Quartets, Trumpet Fanfares and as a Soloist. I also recorded an album with my own Jazz Quintet.
Other
In 2002 I was asked to be part of a fourteen-piece ensemble to play for the Queens Jubilee visit to Derby. I played the solo trumpet part for the Queen and 22,000 spectators.
In 2004 I was awarded a grant by The Sir John Barbirolli foundation from The Royal Philharmonic Society.
I have regular work playing alongside the professional horn section; The Enormous Horns.
