Biography

I was born into a non-musical family, so when my older brother started to learn the trombone I naturally wanted to follow in his footsteps. I pestered the teacher so much to let me try that eventually when I reached five, he gave in and offered me a cornet or trumpet. I picked the trumpet straight away!

I really developed a liking for brass bands and was a member of the National Children’s Brass Band of Great Britain and my local band, Formby Band. It wasn’t until I was 15 when I realised that my passion was for orchestral music when I began lessons with Rhys Owens (Principal of the Royal Liverpool Philharmonic Orchestra).

At 18, I chose to study music over accountancy and have never looked back. I gained a place at Trinity Laban Conservatoire of Music and Dance, supported by a Trinity College London Scholarship, and graduated with the Wind, Brass and Percussion Silver Medal. I had many highlights at Trinity Laban including playing Principal Trumpet for Mahler’s Symphony No.5 at Cadogan Hall and winning the Charlton House Brass Solo Competition. I also had the opportunity to play different genres of music, such as experimental salsa.

I went straight into my master’s studies at the Royal College of Music generously supported by the Ian Evans Lombe Scholarship. Over the two years, I gained invaluable experiences and was fortunate enough to win the RCM Solo Brass Competition and be a recipient of the Brodie Prize.

My freelance career has seen me perform with orchestras such as the BBC Philharmonic Orchestra and City of London Sinfonia, and take part in the sit-in scheme with the Royal Philharmonic Orchestra. I enjoy playing many different styles, from Indian wedding bands to musical theatre productions.

I really enjoy other aspects of music that I am involved in. I regularly teach in schools and privately, and conduct a school ensemble. I also manage the Royal Greenwich Brass Band.

Outside of music, I am really active. I enjoy playing tennis, badminton, football and cooking.

EDUCATION

Royal College of Music
London, UK

Trinity Laban Conservatoire of Music and Dance
London, UK

QUICKFIRE QUESTIONS

What is your favourite piece of music and why do you love it?
An Alpine Symphony by Strauss. It was one of the first big orchestral works I played live and the trumpet part is incredible. I really love the way the story of climbing up a mountain is depicted in the music.

Tell us something about yourself that might surprise us.
Even though I’m from Liverpool, I am a massive Arsenal fan and enjoy going to their matches when I can.