about oliver
A young talented multi-instrumentalist and songwriter, Oliver began playing piano in earnest at the age of seven. Initially under the guidance of Patrick Dye at the Music Rooms in Chesterfield, Derbyshire, Oliver was then mentored by Robert Girdler before taking a place at the Unoversity of Bristol where he currently reads Music.
Oliver’s interest in music was evident from a very early age, tapping out beats and rhythms almost as soon as he could pick up toys. He was also encouraged to experiment on his Grandfather’s Technics organ from the age of three.
A visit to New Orleans at the age of five exposed Oliver to the joys of live music courtesy of the plethora of remarkably talented musicians who appeared to busk in every single doorway and on every street corner. During a visit to the State Museum of Louisiana, Oliver somehow managed to get his hand under a plastic cover protecting the keys of a piano once owned by legendary jazz trumpeter Bix Beidebecke and ‘plink’ a couple of notes.
The Big Easy had a profound effect on Oliver, leading to a specific request for a trumpet for Christmas that year. It soon became apparent that however willing, playing a trumpet was not overly practical for a six year old and following a few lessons it was suggested that the piano might provide the ideal vehicle for Oliver to express his musicality.
Since then Oliver has progressed through his grades, attaining ABRSM Grade 8 in December 2010, whilst teaching himself drums, guitar, bass and developing his music/song writing.
Oliver is currently in his final (A2) year at Netherthorpe School (Staveley) but offers one to one piano tuition students of all abilities at home in addition to teaching one night per week at the Music Rooms in Chesterfield, where he provides specialist piano teaching in addition to tutoring on numerous other instruments.
Oliver’s appearances in 2008 included performances at the Pomegranate Theatre Chesterfield and a wedding reception on the Chatsworth Estate. In early 2009 Oliver was guest solo musician at the Mayor of Chesterfield’s Fundraising Dinner at Hassop Hall. In addition to formal bookings throughout 2009, he has also performed at a considerable number of fundraising, charity and school events.
Following a two week work experience tenure in June 2008, Oliver was invited back to Ashover Primary School during the 2009 summer term (whilst awaiting GCSE results) to act as Musical Director and Choreographer for the school’s musical production of Robin Hood, helping to nurture and develop the confidence of the cast, in addition to playing the score during performances.
2010 was a very busy year. In addition to playing at a number of weddings Oliver broadened his experience, performing with two choirs, one in the capacity of accompanying pianist (which also involved arrangement), plus singing with Netherthorpe School’s Senior Choir ‘Sixth Sense’. Major performances included an appearance at the Mayor of Chesterfield’s fundraising evening in the Painted Hall at Chatsworth House.
For Netherthorpe School’s 2010 musical ‘The Wizard of Oz’, Oliver was part of the accompanying Orchestra, this time playing drums during the musical numbers, plus incidental music and sound effects. Oliver was subsequently cast in the role of Galileo Figaro in the School’s 2011 musical ‘We Will Rock You’.
In August 2010, Oliver held a Music Workshop at Peak 2010, the week long five-yearly international Scout Camp held in the ground’s of Chatsworth House. As team leader, with three accompanying staff members, the Music Workshop ran four one hour sessions per day accomodating up to 20 budding musicians at each. Designed to engage anyone from musical novices to experienced musicians, the sessions focussed on Boomwhackers, Ocarinas and Chimes.
In September 2010, Oliver was appointed Head Boy at Netherthorpe School, a position he holds with great pride and carries out with tremendous honour for, and dedication to the School.
In November 2010 he was jointly awarded the Music prize at Netherthorpe School’s annual Speech Day.
February 2011 saw the culmination of the cast and crew’s six month preparation for Netherthorpe’s superb renditions of ‘We Will Rock You’. Playing a lead role in a musical for the first time, Oliver revealed yet more aspects of his performing versatility.
April 2011 saw a second lead role, in ‘On The Willows’, a truncated version of the 1970′s musical Godspell. Performed at the 13th century St. john the Baptist Church, Staveley, the musical follows the story of Holy Week.
During the same month, Oliver provided (recorderd) piano accompaniment for songs sung at Chesterfield District Scouts’ annual St. George’s Day Parade at Chesterfield Football Club’s B2net stadium.
Achieving A* in Music, plus A in both Maths and Psychology at A Level enabled Oliver to take his place at the University of Bristol, to read Music.
In July 2012 along with 3 ex-Netherthorpe school friends, Oliver will undertake the gruelling 5 Peaks Challenge, climbing the highest mountains in England, Scotland, Wales, Northern Ireland and the Republic of Ireland…all within 55 hours! and with inintention of raising a substantial amount of money for the charity ‘Help for Heroes’.
