Potted history: I’ve been teaching piano and theory up to Grade 8 (and beyond), composition, orchestration, songwriting and music technology here in Bristol for about 9 years.
I'm from Dublin, and started writing songs and pieces when I was about 12. I've played piano, bass and sang in many bands and chamber ensembles for most of my life. My own band is The Evening Watch, just a solo venture these days, but very important to me. As a composer I've written for various choirs and ensembles, and I also write and arrange pieces for my current choir, In Accord, which I co-founded in 2018; we’ve sung all around Bristol in venues such as St George’s, The Mount Without and the Bristol Museum.
I’m very interested in film music and watch a ton of films myself, and I’ve worked with a few filmmakers and theatre producers over the years, the high point of which was Mechanimal’s Vigil (which was at the Bristol Old Vic and the Edinburgh Fringe in 2019). I enjoy scoring for film, but I experienced the networking side of the industry quite tiring as I find ‘selling’ myself difficult. Plus I’m a huge introvert. Hence my training as a therapist! Yet I still love music, and teaching, they’re both very much in my blood, and I can’t envisage my life without them.
Since my time in Bristol I also got quite involved in experimental, improvised music. I had a band/solo project called SALTINGS and played most of the smaller, edgier Bristol venues between 2015-20 and a few festivals (including Supernormal in Oxfordshire). I even co-organised my own festival for two years, The Bristol Hum, at the Surrey Vaults (RIP). It was all great times, and really informed how I compose, but those gigging days are probably behind me now, bar a very occasional public outing. It all really helped me to come out of my shell more after moving to Bristol from a different city and dealing with the challenges of trying to kickstart my life.
Get in touch I guess if you’re interested in lessons, or talking about potential projects, or want to use or perform any of my music. I’m always up for new students, collaborators, or chats. If you want to listen to my stuff have a look at the compositions and bands sections. I have a separate website for my psychotherapy practice here. Thanks!
