About
Andy is from a down-to-earth background in Stockport, Greater Manchester and was the first in his family to go to a conservatoire or to work in the arts. Andy’s life and career has been profoundly impacted by his love for creativity and community.
Andy’s sense of community was shaped by his participation in local events, for example community carnivals, parades and ‘gang shows’ and his multi-cultural secondary school, where over 40 different languages were spoken. From an early age, Andy sought opportunities to experience music making in as many different settings as possible, from playing piano in local care homes, to arranging music for professional ensembles.
This experience uncovered Andy’s passion for collaboration and community participation, particularly with people that felt that ‘classical music’ wasn’t for them.
After a serious illness in his mid-twenties, Andy also experienced first-hand how helping others through the transformative power of creative expression can nurture someone back to full health.
As a composer and arranger, Andy’s music ignites emotions and captures audiences. His experience of making music with a huge range of diverse people has provided him with the skills to be an inspirational and engaging musical director and collaborator. His passion and dedication for music education and outreach have led to an international reputation as a musician working in this area also.