It was in the mid 1970’s that I took up guitar along with a friend. A local music store was offering a package of an acoustic guitar and lessons bundle under the title of ‘Pay as you Play’. My friend Paul and I continued learning after the lessons bundle completed for a few months with private lessons. We both bought electric guitars and amps to support the rock and roll genre that we favoured. Paul concentrated on melody, myself on rhythm.
After a few months we took up a practice space in the attic of the now long demolished ‘Fraternity Hall’ at the Huddersfield Town Centre Co-operative store.
Career promotions soon brought that era to an end as we were then both commuting, Paul to Barnsley, myself to Pontefract. Shortly after I sold my electric guitar gear and my musical journey came to a halt.
After a few months we took up a practice space in the attic of the now long demolished ‘Fraternity Hall’ at the Huddersfield Town Centre Co-operative store.
Career promotions soon brought that era to an end as we were then both commuting, Paul to Barnsley, myself to Pontefract. Shortly after I sold my electric guitar gear and my musical journey came to a halt.
Rhythm Guitar, 1970s
PSR 510 MIDI Kekboard - 1994
Three years later and in quick succession there followed career change, from Retail Management to Information Systems development, marriage and starting our family. Life was hectic but I occasionally picked up my original acoustic guitar.
In the 1990’s I decided to buy a Yamaha keyboard and I learnt a little right-hand melody with the left triggering auto-chords. My sons had started their musical adventures with Kirklees Music School so music learning had touched me again.
In 1994 I upgraded to a better Yamaha keyboard and began to experiment with MIDI but mainly still just playing using the auto-accompaniment and for relaxation.
In the 1990’s I decided to buy a Yamaha keyboard and I learnt a little right-hand melody with the left triggering auto-chords. My sons had started their musical adventures with Kirklees Music School so music learning had touched me again.
In 1994 I upgraded to a better Yamaha keyboard and began to experiment with MIDI but mainly still just playing using the auto-accompaniment and for relaxation.
Musically so it remained until September 2009 when Gareth Malone appeared on TV, encouraging men to sing. A bit of banter led to me challenging myself to give it a go but with the safety net of exploring my voice first with a singing teacher. I found Oliva Hyde Coaching by chance in an online performing art directory and arranged a first lesson. The aim was to prepare for an open rehearsal / six-week trial with a local mixed voice choir, the Holme Valley Singers. A few lessons later found me feeling totally lost in the Baritone section, hardly daring to make a sound! This choir was friendy, welcoming and really good; too good for this novice!
The trial ended but lessons continued. I was invited to the CSI:Halifax Christmas concert by a colleague. This Halifax based community choir had recently started under the direction of Lynn Meredith (nee Hudson). I joined CSI:Halifax in Jan 2010 and sang with them until July 2017 with several truly landmark events during that time. Olivia had given me the confidence to sing, Lynn taught me how to sing in a choir.
The trial ended but lessons continued. I was invited to the CSI:Halifax Christmas concert by a colleague. This Halifax based community choir had recently started under the direction of Lynn Meredith (nee Hudson). I joined CSI:Halifax in Jan 2010 and sang with them until July 2017 with several truly landmark events during that time. Olivia had given me the confidence to sing, Lynn taught me how to sing in a choir.
Having achieved my initial aim Olivia challenged me further to sing solo, within the safe space of the first of several student workshops. Soon that led on to my first public showcase event at The Black Lounge in Huddersfield, covering The Airborne Toxic Events song 'Sometime Around Midnight'. What a ridiculous choice that was, with loads of lyrics to learn and every verse different! Still, first with backing track and later with guitar accompaniment, I took it on.
As a student with Olivia, I also performed acoustic guitar and vocals at several Bar 1:22 / Small Seeds Open Mic nights in Huddersfield. Mainly doing covers but I also braved performing my first original song 'Sign on Again'. With fellow students I also performed as support at the Bad Pollyanna Album launch party in July 2013 with a cover of Ralph McTell's 'The Streets of London'.
A memorable final performance at The Black Lounge came in December 2014, backed by Liv and two fellow students doing a cover of Shakin Stevens, 'Merry Christmas Everyone'. The drunks propping up the bar finally took to the dance floor! I had found my niche!
Olivia and her songwriting partner Nikki had also kindled an interest in song writing. Since 2010 onwards I have written over a dozen original songs of the Barely Adequate Genre that I can hold Liv partly culpable for.
As a student with Olivia, I also performed acoustic guitar and vocals at several Bar 1:22 / Small Seeds Open Mic nights in Huddersfield. Mainly doing covers but I also braved performing my first original song 'Sign on Again'. With fellow students I also performed as support at the Bad Pollyanna Album launch party in July 2013 with a cover of Ralph McTell's 'The Streets of London'.
A memorable final performance at The Black Lounge came in December 2014, backed by Liv and two fellow students doing a cover of Shakin Stevens, 'Merry Christmas Everyone'. The drunks propping up the bar finally took to the dance floor! I had found my niche!
Olivia and her songwriting partner Nikki had also kindled an interest in song writing. Since 2010 onwards I have written over a dozen original songs of the Barely Adequate Genre that I can hold Liv partly culpable for.
Most of my performing is covered by the pages for the singing groups that I have been part of. In addition I performed guitar and vocals:
Solo, at my 'leaving do' held at The Square Chapel's Bar in Halifax where I did a three song set:
1. Cover 'Hurt' - Nine Inch Nails / Johnny Cash
2. Cover 'Sometime Around Midnight' - The Airborne Toxic Event (TATE)
3. Deembe Original - 'Sign on Again'
As a Duo, with Steve Gaunt at the Holmfirth Picturedrome Box Office Bar a three song set:
1. Cover Good Riddance / Time of Your Life - Greenday
1. Cover Good Riddance / Time of Your Life - Greenday
2. Steve's original - 'Lindy' . Steve now plays with Millstone Rock
3. Deembe original - 'Out of Order'
Performing & Recording
Still learning guitar - a lifelong activity
Recording Viva Navidad Mashup
Recording Viva Navidad Mashup
Learning Alto Sax 2020
Bar 1:22 Huddersfield
Square Chapel Halifax -2012
Square Chapel - Halifax -2012
Good Riddance
Open Mic Box Office Bar - Holmfirth
The Big Sing - Huddersfield
The Big Sing - St George's Square - Huddersfield
Origiinal Song
Original Song
Instruments and Technologies Used
Gear4Music Dynamic Mic
Red Audio Condenser Mic
Yamaha P121
G4M Chicago Bass
Yamaha CPX500NT
Blackstar ID:Core 10
Zoom G3Xn Effects Pedal
PRS SE 245 Standard
Peavey Raptor
Nektar LX25 Midi Controller
Cockos Reaper DAW
MuseScore4
G4M Alto Sax
Presonus Studio 24C
Learning Support & Resources
Most of my musical learning has been of the self-taught variety supported by books, videos and audio. I had singing lessons with Olivia Hyde, had a few guitar lessons with a tutor in my twenties and before the pandemic I attended Kirklees Rock School Adult Guitar Group led by the experienced guitarist and tutor Mik Crone
I have learned an awful lot through participation in the varied musical workshops, groups & choirs plus collaborations.
In particular I am indebted to:
Olivia Hyde - Singing & Perfomance teacher
Lynn Meredith - Choral Director - CSI:Halifax - now evolved to become CCC(Halifax).
Louise Curtis - Singing for Fun group leader
Laura Morrell - (former) Choral Director - ACOR @Rickys Rock School
Lizzie Joy Ross - (former) Choral Director - ACOR @Rickys Rock School
I have learned an awful lot through participation in the varied musical workshops, groups & choirs plus collaborations.
In particular I am indebted to:
Olivia Hyde - Singing & Perfomance teacher
Lynn Meredith - Choral Director - CSI:Halifax - now evolved to become CCC(Halifax).
Louise Curtis - Singing for Fun group leader
Laura Morrell - (former) Choral Director - ACOR @Rickys Rock School
Lizzie Joy Ross - (former) Choral Director - ACOR @Rickys Rock School
Abi Kitching - (former) Choral Director - HCS Voices
Laura Bailie - Choral Director - HCS Voices
Laura Bailie - Choral Director - HCS Voices
Mik Crone - Guitar Tutor - Kirklees Musica
Thom Meredith - Former Head of Kirklees Musica, Orchestra & Choir Director
Thom Meredith - Former Head of Kirklees Musica, Orchestra & Choir Director