Originally from Tenbury Wells, Worcestershire I had my first piano lesson when I was 7 years old and obtained Grade 8 ABRSM (Associated Board of the Royals Schools of Music) at the age of 17.

In 1992, I moved to North Wales to study music at Bangor University obtaining a Bachelor of Music (BMus Hon). During this time, I had the opportunity to study folk music and researched Gaelic music traditions on the west coast of Ireland as part of my degree. My dissertation was awarded the School of Music's Prize for the best ‘Ethnomusicological Study’.

Following this, I qualified as a primary teacher at Warwick University and subsequently my career continues to be divided between my private piano studio teaching and peripatetic work across Powys and Shropshire schools. I have over 25 years experience as a private piano tutor, accompanist and music teacher.

More recently, I studied at Sheffield University where I obtained a master’s degree in Music Psychology, Performance and Wellbeing (MA). My research enabled me to explore the challenges and solutions to maintaining an inclusive music education in mainstream schools.

My work in music education continues to strengthen musical opportunities for all young children and adults.