How old were you when you first became interested in music?
I was 6 years old when I first laid eyes on the flute in the window of my grandparents music shop in Blackpool. I really wanted to play the shiny instrument and my Nan said to me “You can have lessons as long as you get to grade 8 and don’t give up”. So in 2016 I sat my grade 8 flute exam and was awarded the Horatio Waywell memorial prize by ABRSM which they published in their annual review.
Who have been your role models and why?
Nearly every flute player you ask will say James Galway has had some influence on them as a flautist. However my main role models have been the teachers I have had as I have got older, including my current teacher who is the first flute for the Royal Liverpool Philharmonic. All have influenced my outlook on playing the flute and always encourage me to play to the best of my ability. Piccolo, the instrument that a flautist either loves or hates and for me I absolutely love it! Since starting lessons at the Royal Northern College of Music, my piccolo teacher Jenny Hutchinson has taught me that the piccolo is an instrument of its own and not just the same as the flute so this is something that I would love to encourage other flautists to try.
Why did you choose the instrument that you are now playing?
As cliche as it sounds I never really picked the flute. It was always there in the music shop window looking shiny and like a magpie I was drawn to it. Now I am older, I have had more of a say a flute shopping, although stressful, it allowed me to choose an instrument I will probably have for the rest of my life.
How would you describe your achievements and successes?
My biggest achievement to date is when I performed with the Liverpool Philharmonic Youth Orchestra at the Philharmonic Hall with conductor Vassily Petrenko. Playing at the Philharmonic Hall is an experience I will never forget.
Another of my biggest achievements was getting a distinction in my grade 8 flute exam and gaining the Horatio Waywell memorial prize. As well as this, in sixth form I won the Rotary District Young Musician of the Year and the school House Music Prize.
How do you feel being in a band has influenced other parts of your life in a positive way?
Over my 15 years of playing I have played in MANY bands across the north-west of England. Playing for the Liverpool Philharmonic Youth Orchestra and Lancashire Youth Concert Band and Symphony Orchestra when I was 17 forced me to learn to drive really quickly. Being able to get myself and my sisters to rehearsals meant that it would relieve some of the pressure from my parents at 9am on a Sunday morning.
But, I would say the best thing about being in a band is the amount of different people you get to meet. I have ended up going to rehearsals with people I had met years before and its like you’ve never been apart. I also ended up studying at Music College with people I have played with before. It has helped me to get along with everyone and I feel that’s why I am such an easy person to get along with now.
What is your ultimate musical ambition?
“Choose a job you love and you will never have to work a day in your life.”
I love playing and I love teaching just as much. Seeing the progression in myself over the years and the progression in my pupils is why I love my job. My musical ambition is to be the best flautist and teacher I possibly can be and I am always looking for new challenges to enhance this. As an older sister, it has always been natural instinct to be a role model and if I can do that with music, I will be happy.
What do you enjoy doing when you are not playing an instrument?
When I am not playing the flute or teaching, I enjoy watching my fiancée play rugby at the weekends. I also enjoy walking with my family, photography and eating out at many of my favourite restaurants. Another thing I love to do is shopping. Shoes, handbags, you name it and I’ll buy it. I would love to do more travelling if I had the time but thankfully going on tour with the band allows me to do this at least once a year!
What was the first CD that you ever bought/downloaded or were given?
The first CD I remember owning was a Busted CD. This was also the first live band I saw at the MEN Arena in Manchester. However I think shortly after this it was a James Galway CD which I then got signed when I met him at a concert at the Bridgewater Hall.
