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Meet The Team
Meet The TeamEveryone at Promenade Music is totally committed to ensuring that all our customers receive the best possible service we can provide. We have a dedicated team of both full time employees and the very best freelancers around. We hope you enjoy finding out more about us all.
Below is information on all our team in alphabetical order of Christian name.
SALES... Chris Duffy, David Wood, Denise Clark, Gary Thistlethwaite, Jim Holmes, Keith Harris, Richard Turner, Rossi & Steven Wren.
WEBSITE CONTENT... David Wood, Richard Turner
ACCOUNTS ADMINISTRATION... Pat Bisby
SALES SUPPORT... Bill Shand, Eric Metcalfe & Ian Harrison
REPAIR & SERVICE TECHNICIANS... John Clark, Marianne Bailey, Paul Guppy, Peter Barmby.
TEACHERS... Ann-Marie Wood, Gila Robinson, Jayne Crow, Kathryn Baines, Keith Ashcroft & Yvette Price
SOUND RECORDISTS... Barry Smith, Charles Thompson, Neil Claxton & Steve Gray.
SALES (Listed in alphabetical order of Christian name)
Chris Duffy (sales - specialises in sheet music, strings, brass & accessories)
After completing a BTEC National Diploma in Popular Music at Kendal College, Chris went on to study at Huddersfield University where he gained his degree in Popular Music, Humanities and Media. Whilst at Uni, Chris joined local bands playing original material around the West Yorkshire area. After returning to Morecambe (his home town), Chris joined the Promenade Music team and enjoys recording in his home studio and aims to further his composition and arrangement skills. Chris plays guitar and sings in various line ups doing original material and up until recently has been the member of an established local covers band.
David Wood (sales - specialises in pianos, keyboards & organs and runs all aspects of our recording services)
After playing his first summer season at fourteen, David went on to study music in Huddersfield and sound recording in Manchester. His early years as a professional musician were extremely diverse and included writing and arranging for publishers, working as a live, studio and theatre musician both as a player and MD (where he won the National Operatic and Dramatic Association musical director of the year), teaching in both higher education and private practice and working in the studio productions where he created music for adverts, TV and radio. David established 'Promenade Music' in 1989 and is very much involved with sales as well as running the recording services that Promenade Music offer. David also acts a consultant for other companies in the Music, Film, Media and Telecom industries and is the co-founder and director of the Manchester based record label 'Faith & Hope'.
Denise Clark (sales - specialises in sheet music & accessories)
Denise has run the sheet music department since Promenade Music opened in 1989. Her thirty years of experience and knowledge in sheet music make her an invaluable member of the team. In her spare time she enjoys classical music and sings in the Rushley singers, as well as directing the Junior Choir of Christ Church Young Choristers.
Gary Thistlethwaite (sales - specialises in electric & bass guitars, amps, p.a, drums & effects)
Gary started playing the clubs and pubs of the North West with his brother at the age of fourteen. Three years later their band 'White Line Fever' were one of the hottest new Country Rock bands in the UK and Gary balanced touring Europe with his day job at Comet where he had become a store manager. At 28 Gary decided to pack in the day job (a brave decision with three little girls) and moved to America. Gary gigged non-stop after getting a recording contract with CBS and went on to support many of the top American Country artists like Carl Perkins, Johnny Cash and Waylon Jennings. After three and a half years on the road Gary decided to bring the family back to the UK to work in a recording studio before joining Promenade Music in 1995. Gary still has the bug to play and is currently in the bands 24/7, Underground ballroom and Blue Juice with his daughter Laura).
Jim Holmes (sales - specialises in sales to education, mail order & e-commerce. runs the admin for all repairs & service)
After leaving the Halifax Building Society where he had worked for over fifteen years, Jim joined Promenade Music in the summer of 2003 and amongst other things looks after the Educational supplies and repairs department. He has played guitar for over twenty years and during that time spent seven years playing up and down the country with local band 'Devious Soul Machine'. Following that he spent three years playing the North West circuit with three piece rock band 'The Reservoir Ferrets'. As Jim is now "old" he has cut down on his live playing to concentrate more on recording and his sponsorship deals with Carlsberg and Napolean Brandy.
Keith Harris (sales - specialises in american & acoustic guitars, pianos, woodwind, runs the 'student rental scheme' and deals with all our foreign imports)
After deciding to leave his job to study music in the early eighties, Keith's work was split between being the manager of 'Harker & Howarths' (the local music shop Promenade carried on from) and playing the North West club circuit. Keith was instrumental in Promenade Music's creation and in the first year of trading (1989) in a new location and with a different trading name Keith managed to double the turnover of his old employer who had been established in the town for over thirty years with his knowledge of stock and careful management. Over the years Keith has learned and gigged on several instruments.
Richard Turner (website content/sales - specialises in mail order & e-commerce and sales to places of worship)
After gaining his English degree at Lancaster University, Richard became the store manager at Andy's records before joining Promenade Music in 2003. When not at work, Richard an accomplished singer-songwriter, plays acoustic, electric and bass guitar and performs solo as Goldmundo, is guitarist in both Dan Haywood's New Hawks, and Starless & Bible Black and various other side-projects.
Rossi (sales - specialises in pa, effects, electric & bass guitars, amps & drums)
Rossi, who'd been a customer of Promenade Music's for many years, began working here in the Rock 'n' Roll department in 2004. Rossi has played bass and guitar in various bands over the last fifteen years and has worked as a guitar tech on tour. After studying at the Manchester School of Sound Recording in the late nineties, he qualified as a studio and live sound engineer. As well as working in sales he engineers Promenade Music's manned P.A hires. In his spare time Rossi teachers 'wado-ryu karate'.
Steven Wren (sales - specialises in keyboards, digital pianos, hi-tech & d.j )
Steven has worked at Promenade Music since leaving school in 1990. He is an accomplished organ and keyboard player with a love for Jimmy Smith and Craig Charles' Radio 6 show! When not working, Steven's was the singer with the band Mint Royale and was the voice of the Hugo Boss Worldwide television advert which he co-wrote. Steven also sings and plays in a local function band. In his spare time he can be found high up in he mountains of the lake district walking.
ADMINISTRATION (Listed in alphabetical order of Christian name)
Pat Bisby (bookkeeping & accounts)
Pat has many years of experience in bookkeeping. Before moving on to the bookkeeping for Promenade Music, Pat had spent several years in charge of the faith & hope records' books.
SALES SUPPORT (Listed in alphabetical order of Christian name)
Eric Metcalfe (warehousing, deliveries & installation)
After working for Norweb as a fully qualified electrician for twenty one years, Eric (who'd been a customer of Promenade Music since we opened) joined us in 2000 and runs our warehouse, delivery service and oversees our installations. Eric started gigging the pubs and clubs of the Northwest at the age of sixteen on organ (a Selmer Capri to be exact) and over the years went on to play in many local bands including one step forward, Charade, 4th edition, Socks to Match and City Image. Eric is still playing the clubs in the duo 'Innovation' with his partner Denise.
Ian Harrison (designer, web & i.t)
After college, Ian started an apprenticeship with an engineering company involved in automotive industry and went on to gain his ONC & HNC in Mechanical Engineering and Manufacture before moving into the draughting office where he worked with CAD programs. He progressed further into the graphical aspect of design and moved into web and ecommerce development, system design, intranets and network installation with companies in Lancaster before joining Promenade Music in 2002. Ian is in charge of all Promenade Music's design work and websites utilising the latest technology to help Promenade Music run smoothly and successfully. When he's not working, Ian's a keen motor sport fan and a talented racing driver who this years competing in the D1 National Drifting Championship (www.d1gb.co.uk) and looking for sponsors.
REPAIR & SERVICE TECHNICIANS (Listed in alphabetical order of Christian name)
John Clark (specialist freelance woodwind repair & service technician)
After leaving school in 1984, John went on to study 'clarinet making and instrument repairing' at Newark Technical College on a three year diploma course. The woodwind programme at Newark has a worldwide reputation for producing skilled craftspeople who are able to repair the whole range of the woodwind family from Piccolo to Saxophone. The course included the making of a complete 'Boehm system' clarinet from basic raw materials. After completing his diploma in 1987, John went to work in the woodwind service department at the London retailer 'Pro Brass' in Kentish Town . In 1989, John returned to the north and set up his own repair business 'The Woodwind Workshop' in Manchester. John is now one of the countries leading repair technicians and although specialises in Saxophones, Clarinets and Flutes, he also repairs and services double reed instruments. John covers all woodwind work from the basic replacement of pads to complete overhauls and advanced repair techniques.
Marianne Bailey (freelance piano tuner) www.mbailey-pianotuner.co.uk
After studying full time for three years and gaining an HND in piano tuning, repairs and maintenance at the London College of Furniture, Marianne, who was the only student to be given a distinction for the final tuning exam in her year, established her own piano tuning business in 1983 and has been in constant demand with domestic pianos, schools, colleges, hotels, and churches ever since. In 1997, she took and passed the membership exam for the Pianoforte Tuners Association (the only professional body for piano tuners) and in 2000, her tuning was also appraised by Steinway and Sons in London, who needed a stand-by tuner for recitals in the Lancashire area. In this capacity, and as in-house tuner for several local concert venues, she has tuned for some of the Worlds leading artists including Nikolai Demidenko, Pascal Roge, Imogen Cooper, John Lill, Martin Roscoe, Kathryn Stott in the Classical music world as well as Jools Holland, Rick Wakeman and even the White Stripes! Marianne spends her free time walking in the Lakes (with her husband Simon and dog Max), horse-riding and travelling.
Paul Guppy (freelance stringed and orchestral instrument repair & service technician)
Paul has worked as a freelance musical instrument repairer and technician for Promenade Music since 1989. Paul runs his own workshop in Lancaster and rather than specialising in a particular area, he works in the general stringed and orchestral instrument field as well as being a noted harp maker. He has also been involved in the areas vibrant music scene for many years and can be seen in local combos and orchestras playing bass. Over the years Paul has become one of the country's leading exponents of West Gallery Music (the music and singing of country churches in the 18th and early 19th centuries). He leads the highly esteemed Lancaster based West Gallery choir, 'The Gladly Solemn Sound'.
Peter Barmby (freelance electronics repair & engineer)
After completing his schooling at Hindley & Abram Grammar School, Peter gained an apprentice as a trainee electronic technician at the Royal Ordinance Factory in Chorley with day release at Bolton technical college where he successfully took his electronic technicians final certificate and continued to study to gain two further endorsements. As a fully qualified electronic technician, Peter joined the Bolton based music retailer Harker & Howarth's in 1968 as service engineer and became their overall service manager in 1970. As the service manager, Peter was in charge of relaying all the new technical advancements that manufacturers were implementing and was their Factory Trained Technician. He completed service courses with all major manufacturers including Yamaha, Hammond and Technics to name but a few. In 1983 Peter left Harker & Howarth's full time employment and became self employed. Peter has been Promenade Music's freelance electronics repair & service engineer since we opened in 1989 after we took over from Harker & Howarth's. Therefore Peter has been in charge of our customers electronics repair needs for over thirty five years.
Simon Wroe (freelance piano tuner)
Simon moved to the South Lakes area in early 2006 after spending seven years as the resident piano technician at the GSMD (Guildhall School of Music & Drama) based at the Barbican Centre in London. Simon started his professional career in piano tuning after completing a three year course at Newark Technical College's Piano School studying all aspects of piano tuning, repair, restoration, design and construction. After leaving college in 1990 Simon worked as an independent tuner in Manchester before gaining a position at the prestigious Bösendorfer Music Centre in Paris where he tuned for Radio France, Salle Cortot, Ecole Normale, Palais du Luxembourg and the Théâtre du Châtelet. After four years with Bösendorfer in Paris Simon returned to London to work as an independent. As well as resident at the Guildhall School, Simon also tuned in London for the BBC, Mansion House, Opera Ra Ra and The British Music Society to name but a few. Since moving to the Lakes, Simon is also tuning for Lake District Summer Music Festival, Lakeland Sinfonia Concert Society and piano repair work for Lancaster University.
TEACHERS (Listed in alphabetical order of Christian name)
Ann-Marie Wood (piano & theory teacher)
Ann-Marie started piano lessons at the age of seven and growing up within the brass band community of West Yorkshire it wasn't long before she was paying cornet. After completing her diploma and studies in piano and cornet at music college in Huddersfield, she moved to Morecambe and established the 'St. Aubyns Academy of Music' in 1984. Over the years Ann-Marie has concentrated on her piano teaching practice and became the local representative for the London College of Music in 1989. She also has a passion for song writing and is willing to write for artists on a confidential 'ghost writing' basis.
Gila Robinson (freelance piano and flute teacher)
Originally from Yorkshire, Gila also studied Music and Art in the county's cultural and historical city of York. In 1990 however, she crossed the border and found her heart really belongs to Lancaster and environs, most especially to the Lakeland Fells where she loves to walk and paint. Over the past 14 years she has also established her private teaching practice from her home in Portland Street, Lancaster, from which she also runs meditations. Gila's teaching philosophy is to facilitate learning through enjoyment, encouragement and inspiration using a wide range of musical styles. Gila has a BA Hons and CTABRSM
Jayne Crow (freelance piano, keyboard, voice & theory teacher)
Bio to come soon.
Kathryn Baines (freelance piano, keyboard & theory teacher)
Katherine gained her place at London's Trinity College of Music in 1985 and studied Piano and Cello. She gained her LTCL in 1987 and after leaving Trinity embarked on her professional music Career playing as a freelance cellist and regularly performing recitals and concerts. Always looking to improve her skills Katherine completed the Associated Board of the Royal Schools of Music CT ABRSM Teaching Certificate in 1999 which is recognised and highly regarded by educational establishments worldwide. Before joining St. Aubyns Academy of Music in 2005, Katherine spent eleven years teaching Piano and Cello in Hertfordshire.
Keith Ashcroft (freelance guitar & bass teacher)
Keith became a professional musician in 1978. In 1980 he co-founded local band 'Free Parking' with musicians who went on to work with 10cc, Swing Out Sister, Texas & Simply Red. Keith then formed the 'Spiritual Hooligans' with Shovel and Paul Birchill both of 'M People' fame. Over the years, Keith has worked in cabaret with the likes of Ken Dodd, Vince Hill, Cannon & Ball, Tommy Cooper and as arranger and MD for Jonny Logan. In recent years, Keith has played guitar on re-mixes for Sophie Ellis Bexter, Hearsay, S Club 7 and Emma Bunton.
Yvette Price (freelance piano, keyboard, clarinet & theory teacher)
After studying the piano under Christine Stephenson at Lancaster University, Yvette completed her BMus(Hons) in 1996. Later in the same year she passed her ALCM(TD) teachers diploma and began teaching music privately. In 2001 she moved her private teaching practice to St. Aubyns Academy of Music. She also teaches piano pupils at the Lancaster Royal Grammar School and has prviously worked as a GCSE moderator.
SOUND RECORDINGS SERVICES (Listed in alphabetical order of Christian name)
SALES... Chris Duffy, David Wood, Denise Clark, Gary Thistlethwaite, Jim Holmes, Keith Harris, Richard Turner, Rossi & Steven Wren.
WEBSITE CONTENT... David Wood, Richard Turner
ACCOUNTS ADMINISTRATION... Pat Bisby
SALES SUPPORT... Bill Shand, Eric Metcalfe & Ian Harrison
REPAIR & SERVICE TECHNICIANS... John Clark, Marianne Bailey, Paul Guppy, Peter Barmby.
TEACHERS... Ann-Marie Wood, Gila Robinson, Jayne Crow, Kathryn Baines, Keith Ashcroft & Yvette Price
SOUND RECORDISTS... Barry Smith, Charles Thompson, Neil Claxton & Steve Gray.
SALES (Listed in alphabetical order of Christian name)
Chris Duffy (sales - specialises in sheet music, strings, brass & accessories)
After completing a BTEC National Diploma in Popular Music at Kendal College, Chris went on to study at Huddersfield University where he gained his degree in Popular Music, Humanities and Media. Whilst at Uni, Chris joined local bands playing original material around the West Yorkshire area. After returning to Morecambe (his home town), Chris joined the Promenade Music team and enjoys recording in his home studio and aims to further his composition and arrangement skills. Chris plays guitar and sings in various line ups doing original material and up until recently has been the member of an established local covers band.
David Wood (sales - specialises in pianos, keyboards & organs and runs all aspects of our recording services)
After playing his first summer season at fourteen, David went on to study music in Huddersfield and sound recording in Manchester. His early years as a professional musician were extremely diverse and included writing and arranging for publishers, working as a live, studio and theatre musician both as a player and MD (where he won the National Operatic and Dramatic Association musical director of the year), teaching in both higher education and private practice and working in the studio productions where he created music for adverts, TV and radio. David established 'Promenade Music' in 1989 and is very much involved with sales as well as running the recording services that Promenade Music offer. David also acts a consultant for other companies in the Music, Film, Media and Telecom industries and is the co-founder and director of the Manchester based record label 'Faith & Hope'.
Denise Clark (sales - specialises in sheet music & accessories)
Denise has run the sheet music department since Promenade Music opened in 1989. Her thirty years of experience and knowledge in sheet music make her an invaluable member of the team. In her spare time she enjoys classical music and sings in the Rushley singers, as well as directing the Junior Choir of Christ Church Young Choristers.
Gary Thistlethwaite (sales - specialises in electric & bass guitars, amps, p.a, drums & effects)
Gary started playing the clubs and pubs of the North West with his brother at the age of fourteen. Three years later their band 'White Line Fever' were one of the hottest new Country Rock bands in the UK and Gary balanced touring Europe with his day job at Comet where he had become a store manager. At 28 Gary decided to pack in the day job (a brave decision with three little girls) and moved to America. Gary gigged non-stop after getting a recording contract with CBS and went on to support many of the top American Country artists like Carl Perkins, Johnny Cash and Waylon Jennings. After three and a half years on the road Gary decided to bring the family back to the UK to work in a recording studio before joining Promenade Music in 1995. Gary still has the bug to play and is currently in the bands 24/7, Underground ballroom and Blue Juice with his daughter Laura).
Jim Holmes (sales - specialises in sales to education, mail order & e-commerce. runs the admin for all repairs & service)
After leaving the Halifax Building Society where he had worked for over fifteen years, Jim joined Promenade Music in the summer of 2003 and amongst other things looks after the Educational supplies and repairs department. He has played guitar for over twenty years and during that time spent seven years playing up and down the country with local band 'Devious Soul Machine'. Following that he spent three years playing the North West circuit with three piece rock band 'The Reservoir Ferrets'. As Jim is now "old" he has cut down on his live playing to concentrate more on recording and his sponsorship deals with Carlsberg and Napolean Brandy.
Keith Harris (sales - specialises in american & acoustic guitars, pianos, woodwind, runs the 'student rental scheme' and deals with all our foreign imports)
After deciding to leave his job to study music in the early eighties, Keith's work was split between being the manager of 'Harker & Howarths' (the local music shop Promenade carried on from) and playing the North West club circuit. Keith was instrumental in Promenade Music's creation and in the first year of trading (1989) in a new location and with a different trading name Keith managed to double the turnover of his old employer who had been established in the town for over thirty years with his knowledge of stock and careful management. Over the years Keith has learned and gigged on several instruments.
Richard Turner (website content/sales - specialises in mail order & e-commerce and sales to places of worship)
After gaining his English degree at Lancaster University, Richard became the store manager at Andy's records before joining Promenade Music in 2003. When not at work, Richard an accomplished singer-songwriter, plays acoustic, electric and bass guitar and performs solo as Goldmundo, is guitarist in both Dan Haywood's New Hawks, and Starless & Bible Black and various other side-projects.
Rossi (sales - specialises in pa, effects, electric & bass guitars, amps & drums)
Rossi, who'd been a customer of Promenade Music's for many years, began working here in the Rock 'n' Roll department in 2004. Rossi has played bass and guitar in various bands over the last fifteen years and has worked as a guitar tech on tour. After studying at the Manchester School of Sound Recording in the late nineties, he qualified as a studio and live sound engineer. As well as working in sales he engineers Promenade Music's manned P.A hires. In his spare time Rossi teachers 'wado-ryu karate'.
Steven Wren (sales - specialises in keyboards, digital pianos, hi-tech & d.j )
Steven has worked at Promenade Music since leaving school in 1990. He is an accomplished organ and keyboard player with a love for Jimmy Smith and Craig Charles' Radio 6 show! When not working, Steven's was the singer with the band Mint Royale and was the voice of the Hugo Boss Worldwide television advert which he co-wrote. Steven also sings and plays in a local function band. In his spare time he can be found high up in he mountains of the lake district walking.
ADMINISTRATION (Listed in alphabetical order of Christian name)
Pat Bisby (bookkeeping & accounts)
Pat has many years of experience in bookkeeping. Before moving on to the bookkeeping for Promenade Music, Pat had spent several years in charge of the faith & hope records' books.
SALES SUPPORT (Listed in alphabetical order of Christian name)
Eric Metcalfe (warehousing, deliveries & installation)
After working for Norweb as a fully qualified electrician for twenty one years, Eric (who'd been a customer of Promenade Music since we opened) joined us in 2000 and runs our warehouse, delivery service and oversees our installations. Eric started gigging the pubs and clubs of the Northwest at the age of sixteen on organ (a Selmer Capri to be exact) and over the years went on to play in many local bands including one step forward, Charade, 4th edition, Socks to Match and City Image. Eric is still playing the clubs in the duo 'Innovation' with his partner Denise.
Ian Harrison (designer, web & i.t)
After college, Ian started an apprenticeship with an engineering company involved in automotive industry and went on to gain his ONC & HNC in Mechanical Engineering and Manufacture before moving into the draughting office where he worked with CAD programs. He progressed further into the graphical aspect of design and moved into web and ecommerce development, system design, intranets and network installation with companies in Lancaster before joining Promenade Music in 2002. Ian is in charge of all Promenade Music's design work and websites utilising the latest technology to help Promenade Music run smoothly and successfully. When he's not working, Ian's a keen motor sport fan and a talented racing driver who this years competing in the D1 National Drifting Championship (www.d1gb.co.uk) and looking for sponsors.
REPAIR & SERVICE TECHNICIANS (Listed in alphabetical order of Christian name)
John Clark (specialist freelance woodwind repair & service technician)
After leaving school in 1984, John went on to study 'clarinet making and instrument repairing' at Newark Technical College on a three year diploma course. The woodwind programme at Newark has a worldwide reputation for producing skilled craftspeople who are able to repair the whole range of the woodwind family from Piccolo to Saxophone. The course included the making of a complete 'Boehm system' clarinet from basic raw materials. After completing his diploma in 1987, John went to work in the woodwind service department at the London retailer 'Pro Brass' in Kentish Town . In 1989, John returned to the north and set up his own repair business 'The Woodwind Workshop' in Manchester. John is now one of the countries leading repair technicians and although specialises in Saxophones, Clarinets and Flutes, he also repairs and services double reed instruments. John covers all woodwind work from the basic replacement of pads to complete overhauls and advanced repair techniques.
Marianne Bailey (freelance piano tuner) www.mbailey-pianotuner.co.uk
After studying full time for three years and gaining an HND in piano tuning, repairs and maintenance at the London College of Furniture, Marianne, who was the only student to be given a distinction for the final tuning exam in her year, established her own piano tuning business in 1983 and has been in constant demand with domestic pianos, schools, colleges, hotels, and churches ever since. In 1997, she took and passed the membership exam for the Pianoforte Tuners Association (the only professional body for piano tuners) and in 2000, her tuning was also appraised by Steinway and Sons in London, who needed a stand-by tuner for recitals in the Lancashire area. In this capacity, and as in-house tuner for several local concert venues, she has tuned for some of the Worlds leading artists including Nikolai Demidenko, Pascal Roge, Imogen Cooper, John Lill, Martin Roscoe, Kathryn Stott in the Classical music world as well as Jools Holland, Rick Wakeman and even the White Stripes! Marianne spends her free time walking in the Lakes (with her husband Simon and dog Max), horse-riding and travelling.
Paul Guppy (freelance stringed and orchestral instrument repair & service technician)
Paul has worked as a freelance musical instrument repairer and technician for Promenade Music since 1989. Paul runs his own workshop in Lancaster and rather than specialising in a particular area, he works in the general stringed and orchestral instrument field as well as being a noted harp maker. He has also been involved in the areas vibrant music scene for many years and can be seen in local combos and orchestras playing bass. Over the years Paul has become one of the country's leading exponents of West Gallery Music (the music and singing of country churches in the 18th and early 19th centuries). He leads the highly esteemed Lancaster based West Gallery choir, 'The Gladly Solemn Sound'.
Peter Barmby (freelance electronics repair & engineer)
After completing his schooling at Hindley & Abram Grammar School, Peter gained an apprentice as a trainee electronic technician at the Royal Ordinance Factory in Chorley with day release at Bolton technical college where he successfully took his electronic technicians final certificate and continued to study to gain two further endorsements. As a fully qualified electronic technician, Peter joined the Bolton based music retailer Harker & Howarth's in 1968 as service engineer and became their overall service manager in 1970. As the service manager, Peter was in charge of relaying all the new technical advancements that manufacturers were implementing and was their Factory Trained Technician. He completed service courses with all major manufacturers including Yamaha, Hammond and Technics to name but a few. In 1983 Peter left Harker & Howarth's full time employment and became self employed. Peter has been Promenade Music's freelance electronics repair & service engineer since we opened in 1989 after we took over from Harker & Howarth's. Therefore Peter has been in charge of our customers electronics repair needs for over thirty five years.
Simon Wroe (freelance piano tuner)
Simon moved to the South Lakes area in early 2006 after spending seven years as the resident piano technician at the GSMD (Guildhall School of Music & Drama) based at the Barbican Centre in London. Simon started his professional career in piano tuning after completing a three year course at Newark Technical College's Piano School studying all aspects of piano tuning, repair, restoration, design and construction. After leaving college in 1990 Simon worked as an independent tuner in Manchester before gaining a position at the prestigious Bösendorfer Music Centre in Paris where he tuned for Radio France, Salle Cortot, Ecole Normale, Palais du Luxembourg and the Théâtre du Châtelet. After four years with Bösendorfer in Paris Simon returned to London to work as an independent. As well as resident at the Guildhall School, Simon also tuned in London for the BBC, Mansion House, Opera Ra Ra and The British Music Society to name but a few. Since moving to the Lakes, Simon is also tuning for Lake District Summer Music Festival, Lakeland Sinfonia Concert Society and piano repair work for Lancaster University.
TEACHERS (Listed in alphabetical order of Christian name)
Ann-Marie Wood (piano & theory teacher)
Ann-Marie started piano lessons at the age of seven and growing up within the brass band community of West Yorkshire it wasn't long before she was paying cornet. After completing her diploma and studies in piano and cornet at music college in Huddersfield, she moved to Morecambe and established the 'St. Aubyns Academy of Music' in 1984. Over the years Ann-Marie has concentrated on her piano teaching practice and became the local representative for the London College of Music in 1989. She also has a passion for song writing and is willing to write for artists on a confidential 'ghost writing' basis.
Gila Robinson (freelance piano and flute teacher)
Originally from Yorkshire, Gila also studied Music and Art in the county's cultural and historical city of York. In 1990 however, she crossed the border and found her heart really belongs to Lancaster and environs, most especially to the Lakeland Fells where she loves to walk and paint. Over the past 14 years she has also established her private teaching practice from her home in Portland Street, Lancaster, from which she also runs meditations. Gila's teaching philosophy is to facilitate learning through enjoyment, encouragement and inspiration using a wide range of musical styles. Gila has a BA Hons and CTABRSM
Jayne Crow (freelance piano, keyboard, voice & theory teacher)
Bio to come soon.
Kathryn Baines (freelance piano, keyboard & theory teacher)
Katherine gained her place at London's Trinity College of Music in 1985 and studied Piano and Cello. She gained her LTCL in 1987 and after leaving Trinity embarked on her professional music Career playing as a freelance cellist and regularly performing recitals and concerts. Always looking to improve her skills Katherine completed the Associated Board of the Royal Schools of Music CT ABRSM Teaching Certificate in 1999 which is recognised and highly regarded by educational establishments worldwide. Before joining St. Aubyns Academy of Music in 2005, Katherine spent eleven years teaching Piano and Cello in Hertfordshire.
Keith Ashcroft (freelance guitar & bass teacher)
Keith became a professional musician in 1978. In 1980 he co-founded local band 'Free Parking' with musicians who went on to work with 10cc, Swing Out Sister, Texas & Simply Red. Keith then formed the 'Spiritual Hooligans' with Shovel and Paul Birchill both of 'M People' fame. Over the years, Keith has worked in cabaret with the likes of Ken Dodd, Vince Hill, Cannon & Ball, Tommy Cooper and as arranger and MD for Jonny Logan. In recent years, Keith has played guitar on re-mixes for Sophie Ellis Bexter, Hearsay, S Club 7 and Emma Bunton.
Yvette Price (freelance piano, keyboard, clarinet & theory teacher)
After studying the piano under Christine Stephenson at Lancaster University, Yvette completed her BMus(Hons) in 1996. Later in the same year she passed her ALCM(TD) teachers diploma and began teaching music privately. In 2001 she moved her private teaching practice to St. Aubyns Academy of Music. She also teaches piano pupils at the Lancaster Royal Grammar School and has prviously worked as a GCSE moderator.
SOUND RECORDINGS SERVICES (Listed in alphabetical order of Christian name)
Barry Smith (freelance programmer & recording engineer specialising in the creation of music for adverts, tv & film)
Barry knew in 1984 that he wanted to work in studios after completing his work experience as a sixteen year old at Keith Hopwood's (ex Herman's Hermits) Manchester based recording studio, Pluto when he was making tea for the 'Smiths' while they were making their debut album." After leaving Manchester Grammar School in 1986, Barry decided to follow his dream and after completing his degree in 'Audio Technology' at Kingston University's Gateway School of Recording in 1989, Barry moved in to London's west end where he worked as a freelance engineer and programmer at the likes of Air, Britannia Row, PWL (programming only) and Metropolis Studios. In 1997 Barry moved back to the North after his wife graduated in Law from LSE and he freelanced at studios including 'Steelworks' and 'Parr Street'. Barry designed and had built a full Pro Tools studio in the basement of his home in 2000 and has had great success since as David Wood's engineer for clients including Starbucks, Hewlett Packard, AT&T, Sony Ericsson and Yamada.
Charles Thompson (freelance recording engineer & producer)
Charles has spent his entire working life in the sound recording industry. As a student violinist he had to make the difficult choice of either taking a music or physics degree. He chose physics and after finishing university in 1962 was offered a full time post at 'Electric & Musical Industries Ltd' (EMI) studios at Abbey road. The first four years of his employment was re-mastering their back catalogue as the company had launched the stereo LP in 1958. After his "re-mastering apprenticeship" as he recalls it, Charles progressed on to be one of the 'white coat' sound engineers and worked with amongst others Sir George Martin, Joe Meek and Ronald Kinloch Anderson. Charles stayed at Abbey road until joining the BBC in 1971 and this was an exciting time for him as he worked on everything from outside broadcasts to live and studio recordings. Charles left the BBC in 1986 to take a consultancy role with the Polygram owned Deutsche Grammophon company. In 1995 he went in to self employment and now specialises in the recording of live concerts and performances that take his fancy.
Barry knew in 1984 that he wanted to work in studios after completing his work experience as a sixteen year old at Keith Hopwood's (ex Herman's Hermits) Manchester based recording studio, Pluto when he was making tea for the 'Smiths' while they were making their debut album." After leaving Manchester Grammar School in 1986, Barry decided to follow his dream and after completing his degree in 'Audio Technology' at Kingston University's Gateway School of Recording in 1989, Barry moved in to London's west end where he worked as a freelance engineer and programmer at the likes of Air, Britannia Row, PWL (programming only) and Metropolis Studios. In 1997 Barry moved back to the North after his wife graduated in Law from LSE and he freelanced at studios including 'Steelworks' and 'Parr Street'. Barry designed and had built a full Pro Tools studio in the basement of his home in 2000 and has had great success since as David Wood's engineer for clients including Starbucks, Hewlett Packard, AT&T, Sony Ericsson and Yamada.
Charles Thompson (freelance recording engineer & producer)
Charles has spent his entire working life in the sound recording industry. As a student violinist he had to make the difficult choice of either taking a music or physics degree. He chose physics and after finishing university in 1962 was offered a full time post at 'Electric & Musical Industries Ltd' (EMI) studios at Abbey road. The first four years of his employment was re-mastering their back catalogue as the company had launched the stereo LP in 1958. After his "re-mastering apprenticeship" as he recalls it, Charles progressed on to be one of the 'white coat' sound engineers and worked with amongst others Sir George Martin, Joe Meek and Ronald Kinloch Anderson. Charles stayed at Abbey road until joining the BBC in 1971 and this was an exciting time for him as he worked on everything from outside broadcasts to live and studio recordings. Charles left the BBC in 1986 to take a consultancy role with the Polygram owned Deutsche Grammophon company. In 1995 he went in to self employment and now specialises in the recording of live concerts and performances that take his fancy.
Neil Claxton (freelance writer & producer specialising in the creation of music for adverts, tv & film)
After finishing eight years of private music lessons with David Wood, Neil left the area to study Music at Salford University. Neil entered the music industry as part of the Manchester based production team 'The Development Corporation' who in the early nineties enjoyed glittering pop success by remixing and producing artists such as, Gabrielle, Urban Cookie Collective, Boyzone and East 17. Neil quickly became one of the most respected remix producers in the UK regularly working for labels such as Epic, Columbia, Jive, Warners, Polydor, Sony, MCA, Arista and London Records. Neil now divides his time between being a director of the Manchester based record label and publishing company Faith & Hope, his band (Mint Royale) and writing and producing music. Neil has produced music for the films Get Carter, Hot Chicks, Vanilla Sky and even had a cameo role in John Cusacks film Serendipity. TV ads include the VW Golf Gti, Hugo Boss, Kellogg's Corn Flakes, DFS, Mentos, Vodaphone, BBC Radio 1 and Mint Skittles. Neil still manages to fit a few remixes in which he's done for the likes of Junior Senior, Har Mar Superstar, Kirsty MacColl, Stone Roses, Apollo 440, Younger Younger 28's and Daphne & Celeste.
Steve Gray (freelance arranger & producer)
Steve began classical guitar lessons with his father at the age of five, gained his grade 8 by nine and ALCM at fourteen. In 1987 he then gained a place at The Royal Academy of Music London where he had lessons with visiting Professors John Mills and John Williams and was chosen to play a master class for Julian Bream. In 1988 Steve met and studied under Canadian musician, composer and producer Hugh Fraser who was a visiting jazz tutor at the Academy. This changed Steve's life and he decided to leave the Academy without completing the course. Steve had realised that popular music was his future and in 1989 he enrolled on a one year course at Tom Miser's School of Audio Engineering (SAE) after they had relocated and bought a Neve console. He's since concentrated his skills in the popular music world as a player, arranger and producer. Steve moved to Monaco in 2002 to work as band MD on the 'casino and socialite circuit' and after a successful couple of years, he's moved back to England reinvigorated for studio life. Over the years, Steve has arranged and produced for TV, theatre and some of the Worlds greatest entertainers.
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