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 (I am even on a couple vinyl of records) 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 travelled/toured to various countries during my singing “career” including Australia, Hawaii and all over continental USA. I have had the immense pleasure of being coached by some of the best and in return have coached quartets, including some that have progressed to national gold medal and international medal status.
All of the above musical activity has been at an amateur level but in 2004 I decided to turn “professional” by taking my passion for music even further and into the realm of composing and musicology. To this end I became a “mature” university student and worked to complete degrees in music.
Bachelors Degree in Music from Victoria University of Wellington with a double major in "Vocal and Instrumental Composition" and in "History and Literature (Musicology)".
(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 of Wellington and Massey University in New Zealand. During my university degree 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 considering further post graduate study (in composition or orchestration) at Masters level at the New Zealand School of Music which maybe I might be able to do and maybe one day I will even complete doctoral level study in music. I guess only time will tell!
As a student I set up a studio for my composition with software and hardware that could assist me in the creative process. I also delve into recording and mixing.
This interest, a natural extension of my s composition process, came out of my university studies. During the studies I did papers on mixing and synths etc. at the NZSM and really enjoyed it. It has really whetted my appetite for this form of music and music production. Originally it was to assist me in helping to realise some of my compositions using electronic means and to help expand my sonic landscape. The skills also have been good for composing live and recorded combination works.
I am a member of the Composers Association of New Zealand (CANZ). 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 have been involved in writing backing music for business software training materials and promotional materials. I have edited and mixed vocal tracks for groups including assisting in making learning tracks for vocal part learning purposes.
As my primary interest is composing 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 record and mix it down into a demo or audio track for you.
Whether composing or recording I am interested in getting the best out of the artist/performer but also ensuring that the artists needs and personality come through in the end product. 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.
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