Steve Berry

Early school life, in Shropshire:
Reluctant (but apparently talented) conscript to the violin at age 9. Gave up violin upon move to secondary school, for two reasons:
Firstly because had a rotten anti-inspirational teacher imposed. Secondly after discouraging effect of being thrown out of the school orchestra when it became apparent that parts were being learned note-for-note from the adjacent fiddle player.

Wouldn't have been a problem, except that the adjacent player was on a different desk and so had different notes to those put in front of the young Berry. Bad luck...

Took up guitar and became singer/songwriter in mid-teens.

Began Fine Art degree in 1976, completing two years of course, then took a year out to think about things. It had become obvious that music was a far bigger pull and interest.

Moved to London in 1979, taking up double bass and intending to become Jazz musician.

First tuition on bass was with Chris Laurence, and some occasional (but very influential) lessons with Dave Holland.

1982/3 became student on the first ever post-graduate Jazz course at Guildhall School of Music & Drama, having bass lessons with Daryl Runswick.

1984 joined a rehearsal band with Django Bates et al, the workshop band that eventually became Loose Tubes.

Loose Tubes recorded, toured and broadcast extensively and established basis of subsequent career as musician, composer and arranger.
Career as performer continues to present day, most recently with Esther Miller, Mike & Kate Westbrook, Real Book North West Band, and Kenny Ball

Since 1986 a passion for teaching has led to work in a wide range of contexts, including many school-age projects (typically one week long, sometimes several months), conducted on behalf of LEA’s, Orchestra Outreach Departments and various Jazz Festivals.

Continues to work as Jazz/Improv Tutor at Chetham's School of Music (since 1991)

Higher Education posts:
Senior Lecturer, RNCM (1990 - ongoing)
Teaching Fellow, LIPA (2002 - ongoing)
Senior Lecturer, LCM (1995-1997)
Visiting Lecturer, U Arts, Philadelphia, PA, USA (2006 - 2008)

Forthcoming Events

Devon
24th April 2010
South West Music School, Dartington
NYJC professional concert

Devon
25th April 2010
South West Music School, Dartington
CPD, YMW & family concert

Rotheram
29th April 2010
Thurcroft Junior School
Young Musicians Workshop Evening

Rotheram
8th May 2010
Thurcroft Junior School
Young Musicians Workshop

London
9th May 2010
Kings Place
Young Musicians Workshop

London
6th June 2010
Kings Place
Young Musicians Workshop

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