Laura grew up in North Wales, and from the age of six learnt violin and piano. 10 years later she picked up the double bass and began having lessons with Richard Lewis. Proceeding to join the National Youth Orchestra of Wales, she became Principal in her final year and participated in two BBC National Orchestra of Wales collaborations.
Laura studied music at Nottingham University and the Birmingham Conservatoire, having lessons with Thomas Millar. She then went on to the Guildhall School of Music and Drama to study for a master’s with Kevin Rundell. Laura now enjoys a busy freelancing career, working for orchestras such as the London Philharmonic Orchestra, BBC Concert Orchestra, Sinfonia Cymru and Ensemble Cymru.
Guildhall School of Music and Drama
Birmingham Conservatoire
Birmingham, UK
University of Nottingham
Nottingham, UK
Are you from a musical family?
My dad used to dabble with guitar (and sing quite badly!) – I think he fancied himself as a bit of a punk! He taught me a few things and I had a small guitar of my own. We used to play some acoustic stuff every Christmas to the family. That’s as far as musical knowledge goes in my family!
What’s on your playlist right now?
I like a quite a mix of music – indie bands, dance music and classical! At the moment I’ve been listening to Radiohead, The Bends, The XX self-titled album, and an LSO recording of Nielson Symphony No.6.
If you weren’t a musician what would you be?
A dancer – I used to do a lot of ballet, contemporary and tap dancing until music took over.