Summary
Overview
Work history
Education
Skills
Websites
Affiliations
References
Timeline
Generic

BRENDAN DOWSE

Woodford,Essex

Summary

Accomplished music educator, performer and musical director with extensive experience in instrumental and vocal tuition, ensemble coaching, and curriculum delivery.

Expertise in piano (classical & jazz) and contemporary voice, with competency in guitar, bass and drums, with experience in leading student bands.

Proficiency in music production and arranging.

History of leading community choirs, educational projects, and musical theatre productions. Committed to fostering creativity, confidence, and teamwork through a student-centred approach.


Overview

25
25
years of professional experience
5
5
years of post-secondary education

Work history

Music Educator

01.2001 - 08.2025
  • Private tuition in piano (classical and jazz) and contemporary vocals
  • Cover teacher at Morley College (jazz piano, jazz choir, big band)
  • Led numerous workshops and creative projects in educational and community settings
  • Musical Director for Ring Around The World, a cross-London education project
  • Founded and conducted two inclusive community choirs (jazz and pop/soul focus)
  • Coached student pop and rock bands

Professional Musician

01.2001 - 08.2025
  • Performances across weddings, corporate events, hotels, and theatre shows
  • Band leader and musical director roles
  • Experience as pianist and MD for P&O Cruises (2001–2015)

BTEC lecturer/Musical Director

West Herts College
Watford, Herts
10.2023 - 06.2024
  • Musical Director for BTEC Musical Theatre course
  • Leading classes in vocal technique, ensemble & repertoire classes
  • Leading rehearsals for productions
  • MDing productions

Holmwood House Preparatory School
01.2002 - 01.2005
  • Piano, guitar, and bass tutor for over 40 students
  • Leader of student rock band programme

Colchester Institute
01.2001 - 01.2004
  • Contemporary piano tutor for Further Education and Degree programmes
  • In house contemporary accompanist
  • Director of jazz and pop vocal ensemble

Education

MMus - Jazz

Guildhall School of Music & Drama
London
01.2005 - 01.2006

Dip(HE) - Jazz & Popular Music

Goldsmiths University
London
01.2002 - 01.2003

BA(Hons) - Music

Colchester Institute
Colchester
01.1999 - 01.2002

A Levels - English (B), Maths (B), Music (B), Music Tech (A), General Studies (B)

Boston High School
UK

GCSEs -

Boston Grammar School
Boston

Skills

  • Instrumental & Vocal Tuition: Piano (classical & jazz) and contemporary voice
  • Ensemble Coaching: Pop/rock bands, jazz choirs, big bands, community ensembles
  • Curriculum & Workshop Delivery: From one-to-one to large group settings
  • Music Leadership: Community choirs, educational projects, musical theatre MD
  • Music Technology: Skilled in Logic Pro for production and arranging
  • Student-Centred Approach: Fostering creativity, confidence, and teamwork
  • Musical theatre directing

Affiliations

  • Conductor of Geeky Beats Big Band, performing TV and video game themes
  • Founder member of contemporary choir, London Vocal Project, since 2007
  • Amateur interests in comedy improv and swing dancing

References


Niall, Oates

Bandleader and music educator I have worked with for 10 years

nialloates@btinternet.com

07976 877358


Pete Churchill

Professor, Royal Academy of Music | Musical Director, London Vocal Project

pjachurchill@aol.com

07966 581316, London Vocal Project

Timeline

BTEC lecturer/Musical Director

West Herts College
10.2023 - 06.2024

MMus - Jazz

Guildhall School of Music & Drama
01.2005 - 01.2006

Holmwood House Preparatory School
01.2002 - 01.2005

Dip(HE) - Jazz & Popular Music

Goldsmiths University
01.2002 - 01.2003

Music Educator

01.2001 - 08.2025

Professional Musician

01.2001 - 08.2025

Colchester Institute
01.2001 - 01.2004

BA(Hons) - Music

Colchester Institute
01.1999 - 01.2002

A Levels - English (B), Maths (B), Music (B), Music Tech (A), General Studies (B)

Boston High School

GCSEs -

Boston Grammar School

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BRENDAN DOWSE