• MA in Composition of Music for Film and Television from the University of Bristol

• First Class BMus from Cardiff University

• Oxford University Press music department assistant

• Grade 8 piano and alto saxophone

• Scored two plays, both of which were performed at Theatr Clwyd to a full house

• Scored two student animations

• Created the music for a video game, and sound design for another

• Commissioned to produce various pop backing tracks for a professional tribute act

• Written library music (commissioned by music library Sonictracks)

• Given many performances of both classical and popular music, as a soloist, in a band or as an accompanist

Background

I have always been a keen piano player, and it was my mum who first introduced me to the instrument when I was 6 - I was hooked! My mum works professionally as a piano teacher, and benefitting from her guidance and patience certainly helped me to reach the level I am at today, having achieved a first class mark in my third year recital at university.

 

As a teen, I studied at Upton-by-Chester High School where I picked up my second instrument, the alto saxophone (I went on to achieve a distinction in my Grade 8). I played in the school's junior and senior bands, and gave several performances in different local venues. My brilliant music teacher Miss Thompson could confirm that I was an active member of the music department, often performing solo piano at school events and gaining several awards for my efforts.

 

Outside of school, I took an interest in speech and drama, eventually achieving a distinction in my Grade 6 Speech & Drama exam. I also attended many drama festivals and won several trophies along the way. This definitely improved my confidence, as well as prompting my later interest in musical theatre. I also attended the Chester Little Theatre Youth group, which was where I had my first experience of writing original music for drama. The directors (Jenny and Paul Shryane) asked me to write the music for two plays, which were both performed to a full house at Theatr Clwyd (North Wales). You can find the music for these on my YouTube channel. 

 

I was the only student in our school who opted to study music at A-Level, so I had to commute to a neighbouring school (Christleton High - with my enthusiastic music teacher Simon Phillips and only one other music student). Unfortunately, I was only able to have one lesson a week but this didn't stop me from going on to study music at Cardiff University. I was really pleased to achieve high A-Level grades (A*, A, B in English Literature, Spanish and Music), while also receiving an A for my Extended Project Qualification which focused on the relationship between popular and classical music. 

 

I thoroughly enjoyed university life, getting involved in several societies, meaning I would host my own show (with two others) on the student Xpress radio station, and perform with the student-led Saxophone Choir. I also enjoyed playing saxophone with the band on one of our music 'Jam Nights', as pictured below!

 

While at university, I volunteered at the Wales Millennium Centre as an usher. My experience in retail meant that I was able to interact with customers in a relaxed way, as well as expanding my knowledge of musical theatre. I also went on a week's placement at the Centre to learn about how the the organisation secures big West End shows, as well as the work that it does to improve arts education in South Wales. 

 

I recently completed a master's in film music composition at the Univeristy of Bristol, and added to my portfolio of film compositions.