Biography
When I was 8 years old, I had my first music lesson on the clarinet. After this, I decided I wanted a shiny instrument and one that could play louder than any other – the obvious choice was the trumpet. I’ve spent most of my time since then being told to play quieter!
I joined my local youth orchestra and was lucky enough to be part of the Music for Youth Proms for several years during school. Being able to play onstage at the Royal Albert Hall at 15 years old is something I’ll never forget, with balloons coming down from the ceiling and indoor fireworks during Elgar’s Pomp and Circumstance, giving me a taste of what music can do for people and what it means to be able to perform. I was hooked and knew that if I could make a living from this, I would be having a lot of fun!
Since studying at the Royal College of Music and Royal Academy of Music, I’ve played in just about every type of ensemble imaginable. From pop bands, oompah bands, orchestras, trumpet trios, musical theatre shows and brass ensembles, the opportunities of what the trumpet can be a part of has continued to amaze me and I’m still enjoying it as much now as when I was 8 having my first lesson.
I am lucky enough to have played with some amazing orchestras, such as the Philharmonia and Bournemouth Symphony Orchestra, and am also a current member of the European Brass Ensemble which regularly tours Austria and Germany. This is one of my favourite ensembles as there are almost 20 trumpets! The Natural Trumpet is something I have always loved playing and I have just formed a new natural trumpet group called Natrio, recently winning the Royal Academy of Music Musicians Company Brass Prize.
EDUCATION
Royal Academy of Music
London, UK
Royal College of Music
London, UK
OTHER PROJECTS
QUICKFIRE QUESTIONS
If you weren’t a musician, what would you be?
I have always also wanted to a be an adventure cameraman, travelling around the world to unseen places and capturing amazing moments.
What’s your most memorable moment as a musician?
I recently performed with Cliff Richard at a wedding and got to go to the pub with him after – that was pretty memorable!