John Bowley – Singing
John Bowley, began his musical career as a chorister at Worcester Cathedral, and went on to sing at King’s College, Cambridge as a choral scholar while studying for his degree in music. He left there to train as a post graduate at the Royal College of Music and after several years working as a freelance singer, joined the BBC Singers in 2003.
John is an accomplished tenor, having appeared both as soloist and chorister with many of the most important orchestras and choirs on today’s concert platform. His career on the concert platform has taken him all over the world, singing in Japan, Australia, South Africa, USA and all over Europe with many of the most significant conductors such as Sir John Eliot Gardiner, Sir Simon Rattle, Gianandrea Noseda and Harry Christophers.
Now settled in Jersey, John is Head of Music at Jersey College for Girls. He also runs the Jersey Youth Choir, together with Nicki Kennedy.
Morag Crespel – Piano
Born in Scotland, Morag studied at Aberdeen University and College of Education where she gained the Diploma in Teaching Music at both Primary and Secondary levels. Following a move to England, she then went on to complete the joint Post Graduate Diplomas in Educational Studies and Educational Management at Anglia Ruskin University. Having taught Music extensively in Scotland and England, latterly as Director of Music at Chelmsford County High School for Girls, Morag moved to Jersey in 2008 having been appointed to set up the Faculty of Performing Arts at Le Rocquier School. Her experience as a pianist, accompanist and conductor has seen her perform with various ensembles at The Royal Tournament, Earls Court, London, The Julliard School of Music, New York City, Capitol Hill Buildings, Washington and with the Royal Philharmonic Concert Orchestra at The Proms in the Park. Morag currently enjoys singing with The Holmchase Choir and The Jersey Island Singers.
David Davies – Cello, Double Bass and Luthier
David graduated from the University of Durham with a BA (Hons) in Music and then continued his studies at the Newark School of Violin Making. As well as holding teaching posts at various English primary and secondary schools, David has worked as a freelance musician performing in small chamber groups as well with the New Trent Sinfonia and Lancaster Priory Festival Orchestra. David was also involved in the administration for the National Scout and Guide Symphony Orchestra. David has recently set up The Peg Box at the Academy which provides string players with a full range of services. https://jerseyacademyofmusic.co.uk/the-peg-box/
Tim Evans – Musicianship Team, Advanced Music Theory Groups
Tim is a renowned and highly-regarded Musical Director who is equally adept at musically directing pantomime as he is at more operatic repertoire. In a career of over 35 years he has worked on over 150 major theatrical productions throughout the UK, Ireland and the Channel Islands. He has worked for many of the world’s leading theatrical producers as well as being Musical Director of Cabaret and My Fair Lady for the BBC.
As an orchestrator, his arrangements have been heard on many shows. In 2014 he was commissioned to write new orchestrations for Oh What a Lovely War. These are currently being heard in productions worldwide.
Tim’s knowledge of musical theatre is highly-regarded and was put to use by Thames Valley University and the London College of Music for their Masters degree in Musical Theatre Composition for which Tim was a lecturer. In Jersey, he is best known as the MD of local productions, as an accompanist and teacher of music theory.
Grace Garnier – Piano
Grace was born and raised in Jersey, originally learning the piano from the age of six with Timothy De Quetteville. When she was thirteen she gained a place at the prestigious Chetham’s School of Music, Manchester, where she had the opportunity to further her musical education as a pianist under the tutelage of John Gough. Whilst studying at Chetham’s, Grace had the opportunity to perform at national venues such as The Royal Northern College of Music, The Bridgewater Hall, The Royal Festival Hall and, most memorably, The Royal Albert Hall as part of the 2011 BBC Proms. Now based in Jersey, Grace is also an active particpant in the musical community on the island. She is a busy and enthusiastic accompanist as well as musical director of an all female choir, Vocalize. Grace has been teaching piano on the island for seven years, and would say that although her specialty (and one true love) is classical music, she also enjoys playing and teaching jazz and contemporary styles too.
Iain George – Classical Guitar
Iain studied firstly at Dartington College of Arts Studied and then continued his studies at the Guildhall School of Music and Drama, receiving the Highly Commended in Principal’s Prize. Following this, he was invited to study with Maestro Angelo Gilardino in Italy (Trivero). Iain was the founding member of the Alba Guitar Quartet who had some early success and tours in the late 80’s/early 90’s, featuring in Guitar Magazine. Iain formed a flute and guitar duet playing at St. John’s Smith Square, Liverpool Tate and various concerts nationally. Iain taught peripatetically in London before taking teacher training at Roehampton Institute to become a full time Primary teacher. After moving back to Jersey in the mid-90s, Iain was then appointed Headteacher at Springfield School before moving to his current position as Head Teacher of Janvrin School.
Andrew Harvey – Saxophone, Flute, Clarinet, Chamber Music
Andrew joined the Royal Marines Band Service in 1998 playing Flute/Piccolo and Saxophone. After completing three years training he was awarded the Prince’s Badge for the best all round musician passing for duty. Andrew has since been the principal flute at the band of the Britannia Royal Naval College in Dartmouth, Portsmouth, Plymouth and Scotland. September 2011 saw Andrew being appointed the Flute and Saxophone instructor at the Royal Marines School of Music in Portsmouth. He also studied for a BMus(Hons) degree, performance Diplomas and a Teaching Diploma. He has been the assistant conductor at Emsworth Concert Band and has also conducted extensively at the Royal Marines School of Music. He has a keen interest in developing ensemble players and encouraging them to perform music together.
Claire Harvey (Principal) – Flute, Piano, Theory, Recorder, Chamber Music, Designated Safeguarding Lead
Born in Jersey, Claire has been teaching flute on the Island for over twenty years. In 1994, Claire was the youngest winner of the Jersey Young Musician of the Year Competition and since then has performed regularly with the Jersey Symphony Orchestra, Jersey Chamber Orchestra, Jersey Festival Orchestra as well as with smaller ensembles. Alumni successes including several flautists being awarded places in the National Children’s Wind Sinfonia and National Children’s Orchestra of Great Britain. Many students have received musical scholarships to leading UK schools and achieved places on music courses at undergraduate level. To date, two of her students have won the Woodwind Heats of the PwC Jersey Young Musician of the Year Competition, with one taking the overall prize in 2016. The 2019 Junior Young Musician Woodwind Award also went to one of her students. Claire currently tutors Flutasia, a local flute choir which has performed on tour in Coutances, France, in Sark and at many venues and functions on the Island. In 2020 they will be performing at Wembley Arena! https://flutasia.webs.com/. Claire is a keen supporter of the Jersey Eisteddfod, which provides an annual musical platform for local students as soloists and in ensembles. In addition, she has built links with many world-renowned flautists who have brought their expertise over to the Island in various masterclasses and workshops. Claire holds a BA (Hons) degree, two teaching diplomas through the Associated Board of the Royal Schools of Music, and a performance diploma. Recently, Claire qualified as a Level 3 Designated Safeguarding Lead.
Eva Hsieh – Percussion, Piano, KS1
Yin-Shan (Eva) Hsieh completed her Postgraduate diploma in advanced performance with distinction at the Royal College of Music in 2010. Highlights of her time at the RCM included giving a concerto performance with the RCM Sinfonietta and being selected to perform a solo recital as part of the Exhibition Road Music Day celebrations. Previously, Eva achieved a first class degree for her BMus(Hons) at Birmingham Conservatoire in 2008. In her time at the Conservatoire she made a considerable impact as a soloist; winning the Percussion Prize in 2004, the Winfred Micklam Prize in 2005, the Ludlow Concerto Prize in 2006, and the prestigious Symphony Hall Recital Prize in 2008. Further competition success includes winning the Chandos Young Musician competition in 2006 and being awarded third prize in the prestigious Bromsgrove International Young Musicians platform in 2010.
Stephanie Humphries – Piano
Stephanie studied piano and singing at St Antony’s-Leweston School in Sherborne where she was a Music Scholar and Head Chorister. Stephanie went on to study Music at Goldsmiths University of London where she qualified with a BMus and PGCE in Secondary School Music. Stephanie moved to Jersey in 2008 to become Assistant Director of Music and Director of Vocal Music at Victoria College. She became Director of Music before leaving the School to expand her musical and professional horizons and pursue other creative interests, namely community choral projects, as well as teaching Music full time at an independent boarding school in Berkshire. Stephanie is an accomplished accompanist, choral director, musical arranger and enthusiastic teacher who embraces the broadness and depth Music brings. Over the years Stephanie has been part of numerous jazz groups, including “The Gatsbys” and “Elsie and The Emeralds” being the most recent Jersey-based ensembles.
Nicki Kennedy – Singing
Nicki Kennedy read Spanish at Bristol University, where she was awarded a First Class Honours Degree. She studied singing as a post graduate at the Royal Scottish Academy of Music and Drama (Now the Conservatoire) and at the Royal College of Music, where she was awarded numerous prizes. In a solo career specialising primarily in Baroque and Classical music, solo highlights of the most recent years include concerts singing roles in Vivaldi’s Il Catone, Dixit Dominus, In furore iustissimae irae and Giudita Triumphans with Modo Antiquo in Krakow, Mexico City, Rome, Florence, Beaune and Vienna, and concerts with Brook Street Band at the Wigmore Hall, St John’s Smith Square and other festivals including appearances on BBC Radio 3’s In Tune programme. Nicki has worked with a number of chamber ensembles including appearances with The Brook Street Band, The Dante Quartet and the Divertimenti Ensemble. She is an annual visitor to Guernsey where she has performed with the Guernsey Bach Choir for a number of years. Nicki has a varied discography to her name, not only as a soloist but also joining London’s top session choirs to record pop and film soundtracks including many of the major Hollywood films, games and animations of the past 15 years, from Pirates of the Caribbean to the Harry Potter films. She is now a dedicated teacher, and was until recently Head of Singing at Gresham’s School, teaching also on Rodolfus Choral Courses and National Youth Choir courses, as well as having taught undergraduate choral scholars at Cambridge University. She has also taught in France, Spain and the Czech Republic.
Young-Pyo Lee – Violin
Young Pyo Lee was born in Bordeaux, France. He studied at the Bordeaux Conservatory with Professors Jean-Luc Fort and Vladimir Nemtanu. Young Pyo moved to London in 2002 to study with Professors Yfrah Neaman and Jacqueline Ross at the Guildhall School of Music and Drama, where he completed Bachelor of Music, PostGraduate Diploma, Advanced Instrumental Studies, and Master of Music. During his studies he benefited from the advice of, among others, Professor Lewis Kaplan. Throughout this time, Young Pyo played in the Orchestre National Bordeaux-Aquitaine, the London Symphony Orchestra (as part of the LSO Strings Scheme) and the BBC Symphony Orchestra. He has taken part in Festivals such as Prussia Cove, the Holland Music Sessions, the Salzburg Mozarteum and Bowdoin (USA). As a chamber musician, he has performed in France, Spain, the USA, Switzerland, the UK, Cyprus, and the Czech Republic with the London Bela Trio, the Heath String Quartet and the Ensemble Z. Young-Pyo is a familiar face on Jersey, having taught on the summer music course Musique et Aventure since 2008. He combines teaching on the violin faculty of ‘London Music Masters’ with attending the Jersey Academy of Music on a weekly basis.
Pippa Lumbard – Brass, Chamber Music
Born in Jersey, Pippa studied the French Horn initially at Middlesex University before transferring her studies to Trinity College of Music, gaining both an undergraduate & postgraduate diplomas in performance, plus a Licentiate in Brass Teaching. During her time in London she taught Brass and coached ensembles in many UK schools as well as working for Hertfordshire & Brent music services. She also worked for a period of time in event management at the Royal Albert Hall. Since returning to Jersey 12 years ago Pippa performs locally as well as teaching Brass and coaching ensembles at many of the private schools on the island.
Vanessa Moore – Violin, Viola
Vanessa was born in Jersey and attended JCG. On leaving school, Vanessa studied at St Mark and St John Teacher Training College in London, where she trained as a Music and English teacher (Cert Ed. Junior and Secondary levels). Subsequently she worked in many different forms of Education including at a Rudolph Steiner school in Holland, and as a Special Needs teacher for ILEA, where she used music extensively to help communication and development with students. Next, Vanessa was assistant housemistress and the class music and instrumental teacher at Sidcot School (a Co-ed Quaker school). She then moved to Bath to work as a peripatetic teacher, and as a class music teacher at the Junior schools. During this time Vanessa played in various quartets and orchestras, as well as a ceilidh band. Moving to North Somerset, Vanessa taught with the Music Service, gaining a Dip ABRSM and the Suzuki level 3 Teacher Training Certification. In 2011, Vanessa returned to Jersey, and has been teaching piano, viola, and violin with the Jersey Music Service and JAM ever since. She enjoys playing and performing in an eclectic mix of ensembles: No Strings Attached String Quartet, JSO, Jersey Sinfonietta, folk bands, and Badlabecques, the Jerriais folk/rock band. Vanessa has always enjoyed working with young people of all ages and endorses The Suzuki Method; Focusing on an early start (3/4+ years), listening and aural skills are developed alongside posture and motor development using games, songs, and simple rhythms. Group lessons and performance is an integral part, as this develops confidence and memory. Note reading is also incorporated, using early learning music theory books and other integrated teaching materials.
Georgi Mottram – Singing
After studying Opera and graduating with a BMus (hons) at TrinityLaban Conservatoire of Music and Dance, Georgi continued her training in Musical Theatre at Associated Studios London. She now tutors composing, singing and piano at TrinityLaban Conservatoire and Pimlico Academy, and has coached London Symphony Orchestras Sing Star Choir, as well as students performing in Matilda and Annie. Georgi has performed lead roles on Broadway, the West End, and on BBC1 and Channel 4, and has supported classical crossover star Russell Watson and sung with Katherine Jenkins and Alfie Boe. She is a Classic Brit Award Nominee and her debut single shot to No.1 in the iTunes Official Classical Charts in May 2021. She also leads the opera group Ida Girls London who have performed sell-out shows internationally, as well as at Windsor Castle and Buckingham Palace. In Jersey, Georgi has performed as a soprano soloist at The Liberation Prom with the JSO, alongside Strictly Come Dancing stars at The Glitterball Prom, at the Broadway Gala with Rodney Earl Clarke, and as part of the Jersey’s International Music Festival. As a teacher, Georgi loves nurturing talent and creativity, and believes singing to be very beneficial; it’s great for reducing stress and anxiety and helps to build confidence, which can be linked to better school grades. Georgi is passionate about sharing her knowledge, expertise, and enthusiasm, and encourages singing of all sorts. She teaches singing for fun, for graded examinations (Classical, Musical Theatre or Pop), and for those wishing to pursue a career within the arts. Georgi also brings performance coaching and sight-reading into her lessons for the well-rounded performer.
Chris Morgan – Percussion, Piano and Music Production
Chris’ passion for music began while studying A-level Music Technology. Originally a self-taught drummer, he took lessons with Ernie Mallett and then went on to study Popular Music Performance at Drumtech, London. Finishing his formal education, Chris joined a band – writing, recording and touring all over the UK and Europe including cities like Berlin, Paris, Milan and Copenhagen.
Returning to Jersey in 2012, Chris taught until recently at Chordz. He has the pleasure of continuing performing as a drummer in the popular local band Roodmood, who continue to fill out their diary playing private functions, weddings and corporate parties. Chris has also been fortunate enough to have plenty of opportunities to keep up with the music production side of things: recording the demos for various bands; creating the samples, loops and backing tracks for his hybrid drumming setup; or being one of the resident live sound engineers in Chambers.
Anthony Noel – Piano and Violin
Born in Jersey, Anthony graduated with BA Music and MA Musicology from Bristol University in 2007. Having spent a decade working in Bristol as performer and tutor, Anthony moved to Wells, Somerset to spend five further years working with primary schools and also with students from the world-renowned Wells Cathedral School, teaching piano, violin, guitar, mandolin and ukulele. As a recording artist of original material, Anthony has released four solo albums since 2010, critically acclaimed by the BBC, local media and the Musician’s Union, and worked with many of Somerset’s top recording musicians and studios, alongside playing as a session musician for other artists. As well as being classically trained, Anthony is also a specialist in folk music and popular styles and has lead folk sessions and instructional courses whilst living in the South West. Anthony moved back to Jersey in September 2019 to continue his teaching and recording career.
Maisie Robertson – Singing and Piano
Maisie was classically trained in vocals in Jersey before turning to a more contemporary route, gaining grade 8 distinctions from both Trinity and Rock School. She then went to study Professional Musicianship at BIMM, University of Sussex, receiving a first class honours degree. Maisie has been involved in various productions across the island and has worked with West End professionals. She was invited to sing as a solo performer for ‘Jersey Sings’ hosted by the charity Music in Action. Maisie performs solo accompanying her voice with acoustic guitar and also as lead vocalist of the band Tibetan Funk who can count the Sunset Concerts and Jersey Weekender as two of their most well known performances. Maisie continues to write and release her original music as well as performing as an established solo artist of contemporary pop classics in the Uk and Jersey at private functions, weddings and various local events.
Julie Robinson – Violin, Viola, Cello, Piano, Pre-School, Chamber Music
Julie graduated from King’s College London in 2005 with a BMus, where she had been a choral scholar and focused heavily on early music during her studies – tutors included members of The Clerks Group and Phantasm. While still completing her degree, she began volunteering for the Jonas Foundation, providing instrumental and vocal tuition to underprivileged children and teens on a voluntary basis. After a brief foray into classroom music teaching and working as a choral dep in London, she headed off to France and then the USA, before finally settling back in Jersey.
Committed to professional development, Julie was part of the first cohort to complete the brand new MA in Practical String Teaching through the European String Teachers’ Association (UK branch) and the University of Chichester in 2023.
Julie enjoys listening to and playing a rather eclectic mixture of genres, from plainchant to prog rock, but her main love remains orchestral and chamber music, regularly playing with JSO and JCO on violin, viola or cello. She has enjoyed leading string sectionals for JASTO as well as coaching small ensembles at JAM. Julie often plays at weddings and other events in Jersey, and has enjoyed being a regular double bass player with the rockabilly band Carl and the Converted.
Jo Taylor – GCSE and A-level
Jo graduated with a BMus degree from the University of Wales College Cardiff and a PGCE from Exeter University. She also has an AMus TCL. Jo has been teaching in various schools in the island since 1991 from age 2 to 18 plus adults. She is a Senior Examiner for Music Composition for Edexcel GCSE and A level. She currently teaches piano, clarinet, flute, recorder, theory, GCSE and A level as well as still in the classroom. Jo regularly has run ensembles and school choirs for the Eisteddfod in several schools in the island, a few years ago running a combined orchestral play along workshop involving 5 different schools for which she arranged all the music. She has also run several A level Composition Inset sessions and KS1 classroom ensemble playing for schools in Jersey, Guernsey and the UK.
Mariella Wildbur – VCMA Violin, Piano
After leaving the Purcell school of music, Mariella studied at Trinity College of Music London gaining her LTCL, TCM postgraduate certificate and the Montague Cleve prize for string playing. She has had a varied freelance career, including performing with The Dolmetch Ensemble, The Royal Philharmonic Orchestra and The Support Act for Blurs UK tour and more recently at the Endellion music festival. She has over 25 years of teaching experience, holding teaching posts in numerous state, private and public schools, both here in Jersey and in the UK, as well as coaching youth orchestras and leading many ensembles, including coaching on the Independent Association of Prep Schools prestigious residential orchestral summer course. She presently teaches at St Christophers school, privately and at VCP and VCJ through the Victoria College Music Academy.