I began to play the bassoon around the age of nine. I also started to have regular piano lessons shortly after. Having been exposed to music from a young age it was amazing to be able to finally express myself in another way through two very different instruments. Being a fairly quiet and shy child growing up, music definitely helped to build my confidence and find my voice through other means.
My primary instrument is the bassoon but I also have much experience teaching the piano from beginner level up to around Grade 4 standard. My recent bassoon pupils have gone on to achieve distinction in their ABRSM grade exams, music scholarships to local schools alongside offering of a place in the National Children's Orchestra and Trinity Conservatoire of Music.
Whilst growing up, I enjoyed playing in various sized chamber music groups, ensembles, and in orchestras including the Junior Royal Academy of Music Symphony Orchestra which I attended every weekend.
I obtained a BA in Music from the University of Southampton and subsequently a Postgraduate Diploma in performance on the bassoon at the Royal Academy of Music following being offered an entrance Scholarship.
I have since been very fortunate to travel with my music and play in numerous concerts over the years. Highlights have included touring Norway with the Norwegian Radio Orchestra, collaborating with the pop group 'Vamp'. I was also invited to play with an orchestra as part of the Seychelles international festival of music. I have also enjoyed touring on several cruise ships with different chamber music ensembles.
More recently, since having a family, I enjoy playing principal bassoon with the Croydon Symphony Orchestra.
Alongside teaching and performance I also have over a decades experience working in arts management at the music agency Askonas Holt.
Credentials
Licentiate of the Royal Academy of Music (teaching certificate)
BA Hons, Music, University of Southampton
PGDip, Royal Academy of Music
ABRSM Bassoon Grade 8 Distinction
ABRSM Piano Grade 6 Merit
Full Enhanced DBS Certificate
Orchestral Experience (selection)
• Principal bassoonist of Croydon Symphony Orchestra (2016 – present)
• Manchester Camerata
• Norwegian Radio Orchestra
• London Telephilharmonic Orchestra
• English Festival Orchestra
• London Philharmonic Orchestra: ‘Future Firsts’ Scheme’
• Seychelles International Festival of Music
• New London Sinfonia
• Southbank Sinfonia
• Britten Pears orchestra
• New Professionals
• Kensington Symphony Orchestra
• Kensington Chamber Orchestra
• Royal Academy of Music: Symphony Orchestra, Sinfonia, Concert Orchestra, Manson Ensemble
Extra Work List
• Norwegian Radio Orchestra
• Manchester Camerata
• Hallẻ Orchestra
Chamber Music Experience (selection)
• London Myriad Ensemble, wind quintet
• London Philharmonic Orchestra: ‘Future Firsts’ Scheme
• Marylebone Trio – Performed on cruise of Baltic’s
• Solo bassoon for BBC documentary ‘Jimmy Doherty in Darwins Garden’