After developing an addiction to the recorder at the age of 5, I was encouraged to progress onto the clarinet and saxophone achieving Grade 8 Distinctions in both by the age of 13 followed by Grade 8 Distinction Clarinet Quartet. I progressed through the fantastic Staffordshire Youth Music Organisation which led me as a teenager to the wonderful Wessex Course that I attended for quite a few years before becoming the first female Saxophonist to graduate from the Royal Northern College of Music. At the RNCM we lived and breathed Wind Band music!
My professional career has been very interesting and varied. As leader of my saxophone quartet we played in many different and prestigious venues including a private audience with HM Queen Elizabeth II. I also founded and led an all-female Big Band performing in numerous locations for many varied occasions including the Café Royal, many celebrity functions and also performances for the BBC. I’ve also performed as a solo artist as well as playing for shows and with various classical, jazz and pop bands.
Teaching is something I have always been involved in and passionate about. I teach all ages from Primary through to preparing students for GCSE and A level, with several of my students progressing to Music Conservatoires.
Alongside this I have also managed ensembles at the RNCM leading me to work with many interesting people including Roy Castle with the Record Breakers show, Jools Holland and the BBC Young Musician team. I regularly conduct a number of ensembles and am Trustee and conductor with Macclesfield Youth Brass Band.
