Ian studied music at the University of Edinburgh under Kenneth Leighton and Michael Tilmouth before completing his teaching diploma at Moray House College of Education in Edinburgh. After eight years teaching music at the Oratory School in Woodcote, Oxfordshire, Ian became Director of Music at St.Margaret’s School, Bushey, Hertfordshire, a post which he held for the next 27 years. During this time he developed his skills as a teacher (from Key Stage 2 to A Level), accompanist and conductor before leaving full time employment in 2017.
An experienced freelance teacher, musician, singer, pianist, organist and composer.
Having worked as Director of Music at an independent girls’ school for the past 27 years, Ian is now retired from full time employment. He is seeking new opportunities to utilise his skills, experience and enthusiasm within new environments.
Key musical strengths: teaching, performing, composing and arranging
Teaching.
Ian has taught class music from KS2 to A level, as well as individual aural, piano, theory and singing lessons.
Performing.
As a pianist, Ian has accompanied a large number of students – from beginners to diploma standard – in grade examinations and concerts. He is an accompanist for dance classes at Tring Park School for the Performing Arts. With regard to singing, he is a Deputy Lay Clerk (tenor) at St.Albans Abbey. As an organist he has deputised at several local churches including Hendon, Sarratt, Bushey Heath, Apsley, Willesden and Ickenham.
Composing and arranging.
Ian has composed or arranged many pieces of music, mostly choral, including a large number for female voices. In 2014 his carol “And Can It Be True” was shortlisted for the BBC Radio 3 Christmas Carol Competition and was played many times on BBC Radio 3, in a performance by the BBC Singers.
Conducting/M.D.
Ian has conducted over 70 concerts in school, including large scale choral works such as Mozart’s “Requiem”, Handel’s “Messiah”, Haydn’s “Creation” and Britten’s “St.Nicolas”. He has also been Musical Director for several musicals including “Patience”, “Carousel”, “Schools Will Rock You” and “Bring It On”.
Adjudicating.
Ian has adjudicated music competitions in several venues including Harrow School, Queen Elizabeth’s School Barnet, Watford Boys’ Grammar School and Manor Lodge School, Radlett.
Key non-musical strengths: developing potential, organisational skills, teamwork
Developing individual student potential.
As a Director of Music Ian’s main focus was to persuade pupils to take part in musical activities and to nurture in them a lifelong love of music by sharing his passion for music making.
Organisational skills.
These included timetabling, teaching, devising musical programmes for concerts, arranging music and running successful rehearsals.
Working in a team.
Being a Director of Music has taught Ian the importance of team building. He has had the opportunity to give advice, encouragement and a sympathetic ear to the people who worked in his department in order to create a good working environment.
Contact Ian if you would like to engage him for an event in your area.