From the word 'GO!', music has always featured in my life. The car soundtrack to and from swimming lessons, Brownies/Guides and dancing was always the likes of Queen, The Beatles or Elton John... I always wanted to sing and make music. Being an identical twin (with someone with exactly the same interests!) this meant there was always someone to do this with - singing in harmony was possible! From the age of 8, we received piano tuition on a weekly basis, courtesy of our beloved Grandmother and that was where our love of piano was born!
Where it all started...
About Me
Where it all started...
My inspiration...
Throughout school, I was heavily involved in choirs and small ensembles, while still having weekly piano lessons. My ambition to perform music, however, was nurtured and encouraged by my inspirational secondary school music teacher, Joanne Armitage, who had the belief that all children and young people should get a chance to perform on stage. The first of many piano performances (and one I'll always be hugely proud of!) was a duet with Heather (my twin sister) of Handel's 'The Arrival Of The Queen Of Sheba'. Little did I know that 22 years later, I would walk down the aisle to this music - very special!
Primary School music...
Music education...
Choosing GCSE and A-Level Music gave me a solid foundation for musical theory and history which then enabled me to pursue my musical education and inevitably earn my BA (Hons) with Qualified Teacher Status (QTS) in Music and Professional Studies at St Martin's College, Lancaster in 2007.
Extra-curricular music...
Since achieving my primary teaching qualification, I have managed and directed extended schooling for the U.S. Military on RAF Menwith Hill, Harrogate, and have heavily influenced such programs with my musical flare by organising music and performance-themed weeks, as well as directing Children's Theatre Groups and Talent Shows.
In 2014, I chose to pursue my teaching qualification and started work in a local primary school as class teacher, through which I could work to develop the singing skills of the school as a whole as well as the Key Stage 2 Choir. Upon leaving my role as class teacher, the choir reached an all-time high of 45 pupils - an achievement for a school of 150 pupils. After leaving a formal class teaching position, I specialised in music education and was hired as a private peripatetic teacher across three local primary schools. These experiences enabled me to work in my area of expertise of teaching piano and singing, and gave me a chance to lead and accompany choirs within schools.
And it continues...
Through my various job roles, I have used my musical skills to their full potential through my involvement with local amateur dramatic societies, 'The Deanery Players' and now 'The Phoenix Players' (for which I took on the role of Musical Director). In addition to these groups, I am also heavily involved in two local function bands, 'Twin Set and Pearls' and 'The Directors', both of which perform at weddings, parties and corporate events.
The role of music...
I probably don't need to say it, but I will. Music has been a HUGE part of my life. It's enabled me to learn a skill, perform in public, share my talent, work and communicate effectively with others, train my ear, develop my social skills and feel a sense of commitment, self-satisfaction and pride. Without it, I wouldn't be the person I am today. Simple!
