John was born and bred in Manchester where he lived until moving to Aberdeen in 2017.  He showed some musical aptitude from an early age and learned to play the flute, piano and later organ gaining ABRSM Grade 8 passes with distinction in all three.  His first professional position was at the age of 15 as Organist and Choirmaster at St. Mark’s Church in Dukinfield.  John attended the University of Liverpool between 1991-1995 and graduated with a B.A. in Music and Theology. 

 

Whilst at university, he was privileged to study organ and choral conducting with Noel Rawsthorne and held the positions of Junior and Senior Organ Scholar at St. Katharine’s College in Childwall.  John achieved a P.G.C.E. in Secondary Music at the University of Leeds in 1997 and began his teaching career in Accrington at Mount Carmel R.C. High School before taking up a position as Head of Music at Whitby County High School in Ellesmere Port.

 

In 2006, John established himself as a freelance teacher, choir trainer and organist and worked in a number of Catholic primary schools building choirs and teaching singing.  It was this experience that lead him to Aberdeen where he holds the position of Diocesan Children’s Choral Director.  He founded the Aberdeen Cathedral Junior Schola which will celebrate it’s 4th anniversary on the first Sunday of Advent this year and is delighted to expand the scope of his musical ministry with the addition of Director of the Aberdeen Diocesan Choir to his portfolio of responsibilities.

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If you enjoy singing and would like to join us please contact me through our secretary  at choiradcsecretaries@gmail.com.