| I have been playing keyboards since I was 16 - no, I didn't start when I was 3 and give my first concert at 5!! | |
| As a kid I learnt the Violin, which gave me a good musical background and taught me to read music and understand some music theory. |
| When I was 16 I was assistant choirmaster at a local church and was lucky enough to get access to the church organ for practise. So I basically taught myself to play the organ, in much the same way that you teach yourself to ride a bike - fall off a few times and gradually get your balance! | |
| At this time I stumbled on a Radio2 programme called "The Organist Entertains", presented at that time by Robin Richmond. I was amazed at the sound of the Theatre Organ, and so began a life-long love of tremulating Tibias and shimmering Strings. I did Meet Robin on one occasion at the Kingston Granada, where I had been invited to sit in on a recording session - a fascinating experience. |
| When I was around 19 I was lucky enough to own a Conn Theatrette, which came pretty close to reproducing the sounds of a theatre organ. Here's me on what I think was my 19th birthday at the Conn - and yes, both the scotches are mine!! |
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Over the following years I was busy earning a living like everyone else, so time and money for buying and playing organs became scarce. However, over the past 10 years or so I have been lucky enough to own Yamaha, Roland and Wersi organs, and have also played theatre organs both here and in the USA. I enjoy playing many different types of music, from Classical to Jazz, Big Band to Ballads. I class myself as a "competent amateur", but judge for yourselves from the Mp3's!
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