Biography

Coming from a musical family, I grew up in the small coastal village of Lake Ferry, on the coast of the South Wairarapa in New Zealand. I made my way through several instruments before finding the double bass, which quickly took over my musical world.

Graduating with a Bachelor of Music from the New Zealand School of Music, I then attended the Australian National Academy of Music. I was lucky to be supported by three great musicians as my main teachers through my study: Victoria Jones, Joan Perarnau Garriga, and Damien Eckersley. I have also been fortunate, through the Australian National Academy of Music, to have had lessons with many bass players from different parts of the world and with different styles of playing, all of which have had a big influence on my music-making.

Throughout my studies, I have always played in orchestras—starting in a local community group, then the New Zealand Secondary Schools Orchestra, the New Zealand Youth Orchestra, and through to freelancing with ensembles such as the Melbourne Symphony Orchestra and New Zealand Symphony Orchestra. I have a deep passion for ensemble playing of all sizes and have also enjoyed performing lots of chamber music—a highlight of which was a programme of Strauss and Montgomery led by violinist David Kim.

After a year and a half back home in New Zealand freelancing and teaching, I’m excited to move to the UK to explore new parts of the world and new opportunities.

Outside of music, I am a serious land-based angler and am regularly on the rocks or beach. I also enjoy cooking for friends and exploring the food scene wherever I am.