Our Musical Directors & Tutors

Grace Harman has been appointed Musical Director of Kearsley Youth Brass Band

Grace is a dynamic and versatile musician who has recently graduated from the prestigious Royal Northern College of Music (RNCM) with a First Class Degree Honours in Classical Trumpet Performance. Her broad musical expertise and passion for performance have made her a sought-after freelancer in the UK arts scene.

Grace has performed at renowned venues such as Snape Maltings Concert Hall, Bridgewater Hall Manchester, Ronnie Scott’s Jazz Club, Latitude Music Festival, and Aviva Studios (Factory International). Her performances span genres from classical to contemporary and jazz, showcasing her adaptability and deep musical understanding.

In addition to her work as a trumpeter, Grace has enjoyed a successful career as a pianist. She has frequently performed as both a soloist and accompanist, and her extensive experience as a rehearsal pianist with the Co-op Juniors Theatre Company for two years laid the foundation for her diverse musical career. During her time there, she supported dance classes, singing rehearsals, and end-of-term showcases, further refining her skills in collaborative music-making.

Grace’s passion for music extends beyond performance to teaching. She is committed to music education and works with several respected organisations, including Lancashire Music Service, Music in Unison, and the E & M Academy, where she teaches students of all ages, from young children to elderly adults. Grace leads sectionals, ensemble work, and conducts rehearsals, bringing her performance experience into her teaching. She also arranges music and coaches students through performances. As an ABRSM and Trinity teacher, Grace has guided her students to achieve Merit and Distinction results in exams, reflecting her dedication to nurturing musical talent.

Furthermore, Grace holds the role of Performance and Outreach Lead for the Cadishead Training Band, where she provides lessons and tuition across the Irlam and Cadishead areas. She has worked closely with several youth ensembles, including the Astley Youth Band, Lancashire Youth Orchestra, and the National Children's Orchestra of the United Kingdom. Grace’s influence in the local and national music scene is evident through her work with organisations such as RNCM Brass Engage and Minshall Music.

Beyond her musical performance and teaching, Grace is also a passionate advocate for arts engagement. She is a founding member, performer, and arranger for Brazen Brass Band, a project that merges female brass talent across the world. Grace is also an experienced presenter, having presented at the Music for Youth National Festival at Birmingham’s Symphony Hall in both 2022 and 2023. She has been a regular guest on BBC Radio Suffolk, hosted her own radio show on IO Radio, and sat on the ABRSM Youth Advisory Panel, contributing her expertise and insights to the broader music community.

Grace’s acting and musical prowess were recently on display when she performed as an actor-musician with Manchester Camerata at Factory International in the two-week sell-out production of Robin Redbreast, starring Maxine Peake. Additionally, she toured the UK as a trumpeter in Elf the Musical and served as the Musical Director for the Salford Arts Theatre's 2024 production of Cinderella.

Grace is thrilled to be joining the Kearsley Youth Brass Band organisation!

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