Sage Gateshead

Marion began her musical career playing the cornet in brass bands at nine years old. She studied trumpet at Guildhall School of Music and Drama and then freelanced in and around London. Before becoming a full time member of Royal Northern Sinfonia (RNS), Marion was the Young Sinfonia administrator and also ran a company which specialised in taking groups of musicians into schools to give demonstration concerts and workshops. Working with RNS has been and is an incredible job, working with outstanding musicians, visiting soloists and conductors, adding to that the role of Study Leader for Wind and Brass.

Teaches on: Centre for Advanced Training

Laura graduated from Newcastle University in 2013 with a degree in music before gaining a masters degree majoring in trombone performance on period and modern instruments. Since graduating, Laura has begun a career as a freelance trombonist and peripatetic brass tutor and is in demand for ensemble playing and solo recitals. She can regularly be seen performing with a number of ensembles throughout the North East of England and recently took part and performed in the BBC’s Music Day Hadrian’s Wall of Sound. Laura also performs in a variety of shows across the North East.

Teaches on: Step Up Wind and Centre for Advanced Training

Annie studied clarinet at The Royal Academy of Music. She has taught at the Centre for Advanced Training from its inception and also teaches at many schools throughout the region and privately. She also works as part of the In Harmony Newcastle Gateshead programme.

Annie has been teaching for over 30 years and also teaches saxophone. She teaches all levels and ages.

Teaches on: Step Up Wind and Centre for Advanced Training

Eilidh was a member of the flute section of Royal Northern Sinfonia from 2013-2019. She previously held a position with the BBC National Orchestra of Wales (2011- 2013) and was Principal Flute of the Hong Kong Sinfonietta from 2004-2008. In addition to her work at Sage Gateshead, Eilidh plays a lot of chamber music and works as guest principal flute with orchestras such as the Scottish Chamber Orchestra, Opera North and Birmingham Royal Ballet. She has also worked frequently with the London Symphony Orchestra, London Philharmonic Orchestra, the Philharmonia and the Chamber Orchestra of Europe. Eilidh gained a 1st class honours degree from Edinburgh University before completing postgraduate studies at the Royal College of Music, London.

Teaches at: Centre for Advanced Training

Dov studied at the Purcell School of Music and Royal Northern College of music. He was a member of Royal Northern Sinfonia (RNS) for almost ten years and has since played principal clarinet with most of the country’s orchestras. On saxophone Dov has broadcast with British Sinfonia (proms), RNS, BBC Philharmonic and Psappha – the contemporary music ensemble, of whom he is a member. He founded the Balkan band “Horovod” with four friends specialising in Eastern European folk music. He has lectured and tutored at Durham, Leeds, Newcastle and Manchester Universities and given masterclasses in Australia, China, Venezuela and the USA.

Teaches on: Centre for Advanced Training

Andy studied bassoon at the Royal College of Music and has a degree in Humanities from the Open University. He is an experienced orchestral bassoonist and teacher who has diversified to playing and teaching on all woodwind instruments. As a player, he is now often found playing in freelance orchestras and theatre pit-bands.

As a published composer he has written many pieces for Sage Gateshead ensembles. During the week, he is a full time woodwind teacher for Durham Music Service where he co-runs a small wind band in Bishop Auckland and coaches the Durham Music Service County Youth Orchestra. Like many musicians, he is a keen hill walker and is Chairman of the Aycliffe Fell Walking Club. He enjoys an occasional game of golf but his friends say he swings better with a saxophone!

Teaches on: Centre for Advanced Training, Step Up Wind

Brian studied flute at the Royal College of Music before joining the Ensemble of the Lewis London Ballet with which he toured the UK. In addition to this Brian performed in various chamber ensembles, including a flute and guitar duo and an ensemble specialising in twentieth century repertoire. Following his return to the North Brian has become established as a respected performer and teacher. He teaches at Durham University and Newcastle University and several of his students have gone on to study at music college.

Teaches on: Centre for Advanced Training