The Music Service has had the privilege of working with many accomplished young musicians from Luton over the years. We asked some of them to share with you their experience learning and playing music and how it has helped them in their careers.
Kyle Shiels – Music Teacher and Head of Year 9 at Haileybury School
What did you study with Luton Music Service?
Trombone, Euphonium, Tuba and Drums
What were your highlights?
Luton Youth Jazz Orchestra Winning Music for Youth and playing Danny Boy Solo at the School’s Proms at the Royal Albert Hall and the Music Tours – especially the trips to Malta and the Netherlands.
Where has music taken you?
I was fortunate to receive a scholarship to study at the Leeds College of Music (LCM) to study Jazz Performance and Composition. Whilst at LCM, I was the lead trombone in all the major ensembles and spent time playing and recording with some fantastic musicians. As a result of my time in Leeds, I have been lucky enough to play in some fantastic gigs in some memorable places, including the Savoy Hotel, shows in London and music festivals. My main job now is teaching music, with a focus on developing composition skills of GCSE and A-Level students. I also lead the brass and jazz ensemble playing at the school where I work.
What advice would you give our students?
Enjoy it! Find a way to make everything about the fun of playing an instrument; learn tunes you like, and make sure you develop the techniques you need through practice and hard work to push yourself on. Music is a self-perpetuating cycle – the more you do, the better you get and the more fun you have; meaning you’ll want to do even more.
