I am a community musician who is very keen and motivated to use music as a medium to challenge, inspire and create. I originally trained in the piano and the clarinet but, after graduating from university, I increasingly found the classical music world quite conservative and resistant to more of the alternative approaches I wanted to explore and develop in my practice.

In 2001 I started to develop an interest in urban music and djing, this has since opened up a breadth of new professional opportunities for me and has enabled me to develop a broader range of techniques and approaches in my work as a community musician. I work professionally as a workshop leader and a part-time music teacher in a secondary school and am deeply committed to working with young people to further and share my passion for a range of musical styles.

At present my workshops reflect my interest and studies in the power and history of black music.

I am signed up to Music Leader’s Code Of Practice for Music Practitioners.

I am a member of the Musician’s Union and Sound Sense.

I am fully CRB checked.

Workshops:

General Music

I deliver workshops that:

• cover the core elements of music and general music
• look at more popular styles, such as funk (incorporating funk jams and basic improvisation)
• explore curriculum topics through the medium of music- be it science, English etc.
• teach music to early years- Key Stage 2 with pulse, coordination etc.
• help participants compose using music technology, I am familiar with Logic Pro/Express, Garageband and Reason programs.
• develop song writing and composition skills.
• ensemble work

A history of Black Music

Black music has been and is a huge part of my life, I grew up listening to it from the womb, yet it was only until I reached my 20s that I realised that I had not studied or had the opportunity to learn about Black music history- even at degree level. My workshops explore the roots of black music and give insight into how they have developed into new Black music styles. My workshops show that the study of Black music history is a valid subject in its entirety and crucial to an understanding of popular music.

Other Areas:

I work with various age groups and settings- community centres, schools, young offenders etc. I am keen to develop my skills working with people in health settings. So far I have worked with people who have various levels of autism which has been challenging and rewarding.