ABOUT ME
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I am currently studying for a BMus in Bassoon Performance at the Royal College of Music in London. My teachers are Emily Hultmark, Joost Bosdijk and Sarah Burnett and my studies are generously supported by The Leverhulme Trust.​
I am delighted to have been awarded a place on the Royal Liverpool Philharmonic's Emerging Musician's Fellowship scheme for the 2024/25 season.
In June 2024 I won the RCM Howarth of London Bassoon Prize.
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I hope that all the information that you are looking for is here. If you have any questions, or would like to enquire about my playing or teaching services, please get in touch.
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I started playing the bassoon when I was seven, in addition to piano and recorder which I began shortly beforehand. My first teacher was Catherine Millar at Berkshire Maestros, who gave me an incredible start, as she does with so many young players. We remain in touch, and Cath is very generous with her time and expertise now that I have young pupils of my own. I was encouraged to audition for the National Childrens' Orchestra, and I was a member between the ages of eight and thirteen.​
When I was fourteen I moved to the Junior Department of The Royal Academy of Music, where I was very lucky to be taught by Joanna Baillie-Stark (bassoon) and Barbara Law (recorder). During this time I gained a place in the National Youth Orchestra, with whom I played from 2020-2022.​
Since moving to London I have been busy taking advantage of the many musical opportunities on offer both in and out of college. Bassoonists are always in demand, and I have depped with many different ensembles in a variety of venues from prestigious concert halls to muddy fields, recorded at Abbey Road and even filmed a pop music video! I am a member of the Odyssey Festival Orchestra whose concerts are always innovative and great fun, and last summer I took part in a production of The Marriage of Figaro in France with the Westminster Opera Company, as well as attending the European Masterclasses and Orchestra in Stockholm.
​My main interest is orchestral playing, but I also enjoy giving solo recitals as this gives me the opportunity to introduce audiences to the bassoon as a solo instrument. I am particularly interested in new repertoire for the bassoon and I gave the UK premiere of Amanda Harberg's Bassoon Sonata at Budleigh Festival in 2022. I have also performed solo programmes for Norden Farm Arts, Brunel University and Arts for Hungerford. In July 2024 I performed the Rossini Bassoon Concerto with the Westbourne Orchestra.
I am a member of several chamber groups at college, including the Bastoni Bassoon Quartet which was formed when all four members joined RCM together in 2022.​ In May 2024 I took part in the inspirational Hellensmusic Chamber Course.
I am very fortunate to receive ongoing support from The Cherubim Trust who own my lovely bassoon, and I am also grateful for assistance provided by The Leverhulme Trust, The Hattori Foundation, The Royal Philharmonic Society, The Drake Calleja Trust, The Ewelme Education Trust, Marlborough College and The Denne Gilkes Trust.