At the age of five, I began playing the violin and singing with my local music service. The violin was, however, not for me and at the age of nine, I switched to the oboe.
In my early teens, I attended a local summer music course. Although reluctant at first, I enjoyed the experience so much that I decided to commit myself to regular oboe practice. Soon after this, I decided that I wanted to pursue the oboe as a career. The fantastic music service and many orchestras in Guernsey allowed me to pursue my passion without having the leave the island for a specialist school.
At 18 I left school in Guernsey and started my undergraduate studies at the Royal Northern College of Music in Manchester. Four years later I gained a place on the Orchestral Artistry Master’s course at the Guildhall School of Music and Drama in conjunction with the London Symphony Orchestra.
Having recently graduated, I am currently freelancing and teaching around London. I am also pursuing a Fellowship at the Guildhall School of Music and Drama.
Outside of music I have keen interests in reading, baking, arts & crafts, politics, and history. I frequently visit some of London’s many galleries and museums. I also like to return home to Guernsey as much as possible to play with the island’s many musical ensembles.
Laura's place in Southbank Sinfonia is generously supported by the Guernsey Bursary Consortium.
Guildhall School of Music and Drama
London, UK
Royal Northern College of Music
Manchester, UK
What do you think concerts of the future should look like?
I hate the snobbery that is often involved in classical music concerts. I hope that in the future etiquette becomes much less important and the emphasis is on people enjoying themselves. It’s up to us to experiment with concert formats to this end!
Tell us something about yourself that might surprise us.
I’m a big fan of Nicki Minaj.