Claire was born in Southampton and began studying the recorder, piano and flute at a state middle school. After gaining an award to receive funded music tuition Claire joined Southampton Youth Orchestra, Southampton Wind Band and Flautissimo, leading to performances for Music for Youth in Manchester, Cardiff, Birmingham and London. She had annual foreign tours performing in countries including France, Germany, Austria, Spain and the USA; it was the result of these experiences that led her to further musical goals. After studying on the Hampshire Specialist Music Course, she then embarked on a degree course at the Welsh College of Music and Drama, before pursuing a post graduate course in teaching at Cardiff University.

 

After completing her studies, Claire returned to Hampshire and built a successful teaching and performing career. She worked for years with Hampshire and Southampton Music Service teaching woodwind and also had the responsibility for a programme of enrichment for gifted and talented musicians in Southampton. Claire worked in local sixth form colleges and private schools teaching the flute and directing ensembles. She is a passionate advocate of encouraging young musicians to play with others and directed the Southampton Flute Choirs helping young flute players to enjoy music making together. Claire also coached and mentored the woodwind section of Southampton Youth Orchestra with regular rehearsals and assisted on foreign tours.

 

As a chamber musician Claire has organised and performed in concerts for local and national charities. Since moving to Shropshire in 2021 Claire has developed links with other local musicians and sings with Cantiones Choir. She is delighted to be involved with the Oswestry Youth Music Festival as a committee member and accompanist and looks forward to seeing and hearing MusicMOB musicians performing in the future. Being involved with MusicMOB is an important part of Claire’s life to ensure that those children who would not have access to music provision have an opportunity to reap the many rewards music education offers individuals, schools and communities.