Passionate About Inspiring Others
I was born into a family of musicians so it is perhaps not surprising that my journey in life so far has centred around music! It has provided me with opportunities that have shaped my life and, even now, provides me with a unique and complex skillset that sets me apart.
The backdrop to my coaching practice started from when I was only 8 years old, singing seven services a week as a chorister at York Minster. I was subsequently talent spotted and offered a full music scholarship to Eton College. It was to be an environment in which I thrived, representing England schools boys (ISFA), playing cricket at Lords, performing the Dvorak cello concerto with the Symphony Orchestra and becoming the President of the Eton Society (Head Boy). I am incredibly grateful for what was a life changing and transformative opportunity and to those that guided me through my development at that time.
My early adult life was spent dedicated to the cello. After gaining my bachelors and masters from the Guildhall School of Music and Drama, I embarked on a hugely successful freelance career. I was fortunate enough to work with most of the finest orchestras in the UK; BBC Scottish Symphony Orchestra; English National Opera; Aurora Orchestra; English Chamber Orchestra; Northern Sinfonia; and most regularly the BBC Symphony Orchestra, performing live on tv and radio (including at “The Last Night of the Proms”). Running in conjunction to this was an equally high profile teaching portfolio, working for internationally renowned institutions such as Junior Guildhall School of Music and Drama, Eton College and York University.
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In 2017, an opportunity to fulfil a life long ambition, to be able to influence the lives of young people through music education, was realised when I was appointed Director of Music at Bradfield College. Charged with the task of transforming an underperforming music department, I designed and oversaw the implementation of a comprehensive music program, with outstanding results. GCSE participation rose by 280% in 3 years; 6th form music rose by 300% in 5 years; there was a significant increase in the number of pupils taking music lessons; the average lesson length went from 31 minutes to 42 minutes etc. Underpinning these KPIs (Key Performance Indicators), the real success story: a “High Performance Coaching Ethos”, with people and humanity at its core.
In 2022, I pressed the pause button, taking the time and space to reconnect to who I was. It was the first time I'd done so in over a decade, maybe even my whole adult life! Wanting to be close to family, have a good work life balance and find fulfilment in work, I relocated to Belfast with my wife and kids. Since then, I have not looked back. Helping others has become a way of life and through coaching I have found a voice to empower them in their life choices, guiding them to their version of happiness, success and fulfilment.
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Qualifications
Registered Practitioner with EMCC
(European Mentoring and Coaching Council)
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Diploma in Transformational Coaching
(Catalyst 14)
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Masters of Music
(Guildhall School of Music and Drama)
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Batchelor of Music
(Guildhall School of Music and Drama)
My coaching skillset comes from an in depth understanding of “high performance” born out of daily self-analysis and review (from 30 years of cello practice!), constant feedback and regular performances. I am au fait with the practicalities of dealing with perfectionism and imposter syndrome, the ins and outs of the pressures of performance, be it nerves, anxiety or fear, and the craving for external justification.
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Skillsets
Individual performance is only part of a musicians remit though, as the majority of rehearsals and performances are collaborations. My personal insight into the skills required to be part of a team in a unique, spontaneous and highly charged environment provide me with a rare intuition in my capacity as coach
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Music making has also fine tuned my appreciation of good leadership - where everyone feels visible and valued, individuality is welcomed, communication is clear, and there is an ecosystem of inclusion and interdependence, based around values and a vision.
My life as a musician, supported by my sporting ability and roles in education, means I offer a rare and profound understanding of excellence that enables me to bring a plethora of qualities and wisdom to my coaching environment.