A short fun Q&A…
1) When did you first develop a passion for music and your favourite instrument?
I first started playing when I was around 3/4. Apparently I used to sit at the piano and make up my own tunes (although I can't remember this!). I used to play a few other instruments, but piano was always my favourite so when I started playing professionally I focused on that. I still occasionally pick up a guitar now and then.
2) Is there a particular type of music or artist that you listen to on a loop without it driving you crazy?
I do actually have a habit of listening to the same song on repeat. The most recent songs have been a PJ Morton song and one by the band Couch. Before that, like the rest of the world, I spent a bit of time listening to Olivia Dean. So it really depends! In terms of classical composers I could listen to Debussy or Ravel forever.
3) Explain to us the most difficult or riveting course you could personally give to a student of music.
I think bebop has to be one of the most complicated styles of playing to master. When I was first getting to grips with it I learnt Donna Lee in every key. It was probably far too difficult a task for me at the time, but I still persevered with it for months. So I think mastering a load of bebop tunes in every key, and then being able to improvise using the language in different keys would be pretty riveting.
4) What do you think is the most complicated instrument to master and why?
Because I know the most about what's involved, I'd have to say piano. Being able to play multiple independent lines while considering balance, tone and phrasing is very complicated. Reading two staves of music at the same time also makes piano (and other keyboard instruments) among the most difficult to read. As a musician in a band, piano players are also unique in needing to cover multiple parts of the texture simultaneously (sometimes playing chords and melodies, sometimes bass and chords etc.).
5) What are your keys to success?
Consistency, curiosity and above all constantly collaborating with and supporting other musicians.
6) Name three musicians you dream of meeting in your favourite bar in the early hours of the morning. Explain why.
JS Bach - to watch him improvise a fugue (hoping there's a piano in this bar...)
Erik Satie - for the eccentricity
Oscar Peterson - to meet a piano hero
7) Provide a valuable anecdote related to music or your days at music school.
Growing up, I was always encouraged to play the clarinet more, both due to the scarcity of opportunities to perform on the piano and the competitiveness of getting into the classical piano world. When I went to university I basically stopped playing clarinet altogether to focus on piano because it was what I was really most interested in. I realised that the competitiveness and other people's opinions on what I should be doing didn't matter as much as where my passion was. So I'd encourage students and other musicians to follow their interests early, as that is the thing that will lead to fulfilment. Sooner or later you'll realise that without passion for something it's impossible to sustain it anyway.
