
I continued my brass banding interests for about 30 years, until my early 40’s. I have played virtually all instruments in the brass band (traditional “British style”) throughout my banding career but my favourite instruments being those in the bass end of the band. I’ve spent most of my time playing EEb bass (similar to a Tuba).
I am also an enthusiastic vocalist. From my youth I have sung in church choirs, stage shows and, over the years, barbershop quartet and barbershop choruses. Unaccompanied male vocal singing is another real passion of mine and during my singing career I have been lucky enough to win numerous Bronze, Silver and Gold medals in barbershop quartet (The Razor’s Edge) and chorus (the Harbour Capital Chorus) national and international contests. I have also travel/toured to various countries during my singing “career” including Australia, Hawaii and all over continental USA. I have had the immense pleasure of coaching quartets, including some that have progressed to national gold medal and international medal status.

In early 2008 I successfully graduated with a Bachelors Degree in Music from Victoria University of Wellington with a double major in "Vocal and Instrumental Composition" and in "History and Literature (Musicology)".
(ref above graduation photo taken in 2008) .
In 2009 I completed my Bachelor of Music Honours post graduate degree majoring in Composition from the New Zealand School of Music (NZSM). I also studied orchestration, arranging and music in sound, time and space as part of this honours degree.
The NZSM is the combined music colleges of Victoria University and Massey University in New Zealand. During my university process I have studied composition & orchestration, under well known New Zealand composers: John Psathas, Michael Norris, Jack Body, Stephan Proc, Dugal McKinnon and orchestral conductor and composer, Kenneth Young.
I am now considering further post graduate study (in composition or orchestration) at Masters level at the New Zealand School of Music. Maybe one day I will complete doctoral level study in music. I guess only time will tell!
I have also been delving into recording and mixing.
I have done papers on mixing and synths etc. at the NZSM and have really enjoyed it. It has really whetted my appetite for this form of music and music production. I think it will also be useful for helping to realise some of my compositions using electronic means and will help expand my sonic landscape. The skills will also be good for composing live and recorded combination works. I intend doing a few more papers on this and have expanded my composition studio to include this capability.
I am a member of the Composers Association of New Zealand (CANZ) and the New Zealand Musicological Society. I am the recipient of the 2008 NZFGW - Ella C Wilson Award and, in 2008, 2 music awards/grants from the Lankhuyzen/Whetu Kairangi Masonic Trust that are given to students studying university level music.
I am always available to accept or discuss potential commissions for compositions. Anyone interested should contact me to discuss any requirements that they may have.
The same goes with recording and mixing. If you have the voice or the performance I will mix it down into a demo or audio track for you. My rates will be fair and my work will produce just what you want.
To anyone with some spare cash out there.. I am also looking for scholarships so I can continue with my study into composition and studio mixing and production!!
Please contact me if you wish to discuss this option - your support would be really appreciated and well used.











