Class of 2016
Music
Performing Musician
Country: United Kingdom
IF YOU STUDIED YOUR UNDERGRADUATE PROGRAMME AT YORK ST JOHN UNIVERSITY OR FOUNDER COLLEGES, DID YOU GO ON TO POSTGRADAUTE STUDY?
Yes, somewhere else.
WHY HAVE YOU CHOSEN THIS PHOTO AS YOUR YSJ SNAPSHOT?
These photos represent some of my recent performances. As a result of my time at York St John University, I have had the confidence to become a full time self employed musician. The varied nature of the ensembles module gave me the opportunity to explore many different genres of music outside of my traditional classical training and the freedom given to me during the composition modules ignited my passion for writing and arranging music. Since graduating from York St John University, I have been the Musical Director for many shows, toured with established artists and developed my own solo shows alongside original music. I am currently the resident Keyboard Player for Warner Hotels at their Bodelwyddan Castle site in North Wales.
WHY WOULD YOU RECOMMEND YSJ TO SOMEONE?
I would definitely recommend York St John to anyone who is wishing to study music. The collaborative nature of the course enables students to engage and exchange ideas with people from diverse musical backgrounds. With it being a smaller university, you really get to know everyone. The lecturers are experts in their field and go above and beyond to help students. The course also encourages creativity and individuality, allowing you as a student to develop your own sound. The training definitely provides the foundation to becoming a well rounded musician within the industry. The thing I miss most about the course is definitely my fellow students.
WHY DID YOU CHOOSE YORK ST JOHN UNIVERSITY OR FOUNDER COLLEGES?
The University is perfectly located within the wonderful city of York, which in itself provides a lot of opportunities for musicians through organisations such as the National Centre for Early Music. The university’s connections with local establishments also provide valuable experiences and opportunities for students particularly within the field of Music Therapy.
WHAT HAVE YOU BEEN DOING SINCE COMPLETING YOUR STUDIES?
Immediately after graduating from York St John, I went heavily into the classical crossover world as a pianist for singers such as No.1 Classical Charting Soprano Rebecca Newman. I also begun my career as a Musical Director, my debut in this field being with the York based Bev Jones Musical Society in their production of Pirates of Penzance. In 2018, I became the MD for the Brookdale Youth Theatre in Greater Manchester and held conductor posts with many community choirs such as Stockport Choral Society which lead to performances at places such as the Royal Albert Hall. I am also a church organist and I was lucky enough to work at Tadcaster Parish Church during my final year at YSJ, playing for high profile services such as the broadcasted BBC Radio York Carol Service. I have also toured with and been principal arranger for established artists such as the legendary guitarist Gordon Giltrap and have been involved with tribute shows around the country such as “Celine Live.” My solo performances have taken me all around the UK to places such as Liverpool Cathedral, Blenheim Palace and Union Chapel in London. Since January 2024, I have been the resident keyboard player at Bodelwyddan Castle Warners Hotel in North Wales.
WHY DID YOU CHOOSE YOUR SPECIFIC COURSE?
Music has been the centre of my life since the age of five and I was always destined to become a Professional Musician. The course enabled me to try both performance and composition in my first year to help determine my specialty and what areas I wanted to develop during second and third year.
WHAT WERE THE BEST FEATURES OF YOUR COURSE?
Music Composition wasn’t my strongest point at A-level but the degree course at York St John really increased my confidence in this area. This was an opportunity which I relished.
WHAT ONE PIECE OF ADVICE WOULD YOU GIVE TO A CURRENT STUDENT, OR ONE ABOUT TO GRADUATE?
Get involved with as much music at university as you can and take every opportunity that comes your way, even if you are unsure at first. This will help you to become as flexible and adaptable as possible in the music world.