I was born in Haverfordwest, Pembrokeshire, sometime long ago! where I began studying the piano at the age of 5 and the cello aged 7, at my local primary school in St.David's with Jane Price and Bridget Jenkins respectively. I accomplished grade 5 on both the cello and piano, won the National Eisteddfod of Wales and the Amoco open cello competition when I was 10 years old. In 1983, I auditioned for and was awarded a place to study cello at Chethams School of Music in Manchester where I studied under Elizabeth Wilson, Antonio Lysy and Boris Heller. I also studied piano and singing as secondary instruments, drama and dance. A few years later, I received a distinction mark for my grade 8 cello at the age of 14; one of the highest marks in the country that year. During my period at Chethams, I was successful in many competitions including the Texaco Young Musician of Wales and the International Prague Competition. In the summer seasons, I toured with the National Youth Orchestra of Wales under Arthur Davis as well as being principal cellist in the Chethams Symphony & Chamber Orchestra's. I attended several masterclasses, most notably the Paul Tortelier masterclasses held at the Royal Northern College of Music in 1987 - a series of masterclasses that were videotaped by the BBC and are available from the BBC Archives. I also performed some of the Bach Cello Suites that are on my CD, at the Bach Festival in St.David's Cathedral which included performances by the BBC Symphony Orchestra and the Welsh Male Voice Choir. After leaving Chethams, in 1992 I continued my cello studies at the Guildhall College of Music & Drama in London with Raphael Wallfisch. During my auditioning stages for colleges I was also accepted at the Academy of Music in London and the Strathcona Building in Montreal, Canada. I was principal cellist for the Guildhall Symphony & Chamber Orchestra's and was fortunate enough to have the opportunity to work with cellist and conductor, Rostropovich during a performance of an opera by Donizetti as principal cellist. Since leaving the Guildhall, I have performed concerts throughout the UK and in Italy, including the Elgar Cello Concerto (attended also by Lady Bliss) and the Finzi Cello Concerto. At my performance of the Finzi, Christopher and Hilary Finzi (Jacqueline Du Pre's sister) were present and I gained an insight into Jacqueline's world through her sister since I was never fortunate to meet Jacqueline in person. My album of Bach's Cello Suites 1, 2 & 3 were recorded in November of 2001 near Rochdale, Lancashire and since its release, I frequently receive emails from all over the world including Canada, the USA, Japan, Germany and Australia which is very satisfying to know that people are enjoying my playing. I will be recording the remaining 3 Bach Suites very soon.