When I was just five years old, the local vicar came to our school and played his cello to us all. I was transfixed.

I studied firstly under Josef Koos, ex-principal cellist of the Bournemouth Symphony Orchestra, at Coda Music Centre, Bournemouth. I took part in the BSO's community side-by-side project, leading the cello section from age 10 onwards. I was selected for the National Children's Orchestra of Great Britain.

After beginning as a Specialist Musician at Wells Cathedral School, funded by the UK Government's Music and Dance Scheme, I was taught principally by Richard May and also by Elizabeth Anderson. I took part in all ensembles including Wells Virtuosi, an invitation-only string orchestra that toured Europe every two years to sell-out audiences, under the baton of violist Matthew Souter. At Wells I loved playing all sorts of music, from Baroque Ensemble to the New Music Ensemble, and I performed a variety of works in chamber groups I set up myself.

I studied music at the University of Bristol, where I was principal cello of the University Symphony Orchestra for all three years of my undergraduate degree. I chose the university for its excellent performance opportunities and the ability to work on a large recital at the end of my third year. I performed professionally with local orchestras as well as visiting groups like Ensemble Variance.

I later studied a Masters in Orchestral Performance at the Royal Welsh College of Music and Drama, where my principal teacher was Rosie Biss and my secondary teacher was Alice Neary. I took part in masterclasses and had industry placements with Welsh National Opera and the BBC National Orchestra of Wales.

On graduating I was chosen as a freelance player by WNO and performed with them in Cardiff, Bristol, and Plymouth. I have also performed with Orchestra of the Swan and taken part in side-by-side projects with English Symphony Orchestra.

I now operate as a freelance cellist, playing in a wide selection of groups across South Wales and Southwest England. One of my major projects is Shui Mo, a transcultural instrumental ensemble that plays largely in and around the Bristol area.

 

I can help you:

  • by performing at your wedding, funeral, or other event as a solo cellist
  • by organising a string ensemble (duo, trio, quartet, or larger) for your event
  • by performing freelance as part of larger groups (like choral societies)

I can also offer tuition on cello and I am happy to travel around South Wales and the Bristol area for in-person lessons. I can also teach online.