About Me - Pianist, Singer, Songwriter, Teacher
Musical Story
From a young age I have enjoyed playing the piano, singing, and sharing in musical activities. I have often sung in church choirs and worship groups, and as I became more competent playing piano I was encouraged to lead worship with other musicians.
A significant time for me musically was in my early teens: having been awarded my Grade 8 at 13, I was given the opportunity to play piano alongside a capable church choir and organist. They encouraged me to experiment, improvise and learn how to add new harmonies; enriching the songs and hymns we used. My enjoyment, confidence and musical imagination grew and I recognise that special season as the start of my journey towards writing worship songs. I have often made use of that ability to improvise when playing songs in community events, school assemblies, and at many retreat days and ‘alternative’ church services.
Musical Highlights
In my early teens I was also involved as an accompanist for a semi-professional choir, which was fun and a rich learning experience! Since then I have had the pleasure of accompanying soloists for special Birthday celebrations, Festivals and exams.
Playing Bob Chilcott’s A Little Jazz Mass for a Girl’s Choir at Southwell Minster was a highlight, and so too have been the times I have led worship for significant services with other contemporary musicians. These have included senior clergy licensing and an Ordination service at Christchurch Cathedral, Oxford.
I appreciate these collaborations as special opportunities to learn more with others, and extend my musical repertoire.
Teaching & Learning
In my early 20s I worked for a church in the Welsh Valleys, having been invited to go there to help establish a new faith venture for adults outside of regular church. This had a strong rock music vibe and so I learnt more about rhythm and harmony in that band. It also broadened my understanding of how music communicates personally and tells a story.
Subsequently, I gained my PGCE and whilst teaching in a Middle School led an orchestra, helped to develop the singing, and wrote the Music syllabus. I often worked with other teachers to further their confidence teaching music in the classroom!
Present & Future
These days I work as a Musician and a Minister. I continue to train as a singer and gained my DipABRSM (Performance) in 2020. My love for a wide range of music continues to grow!
Children, teens and adults come for lessons in my studio, many have achieved Merits and Distinctions in their exams. I enjoy imagining and crafting musical moments for our local community, bringing out the potential of others.
I have continued to compose worship songs since the 1990’s. Currently I am preparing to share songs that are more recent, having had wonderful opportunities to compose whilst on sabbatical in beautiful places in western USA and the UK.
Get in touch
I'd love to hear from you
What People Say About Me
BBC Radio Oxford interview:
"I like the way Debbie’s music brings fresh ideas to songs and makes the words dance as you are singing them and reading them off the song sheet. Her music brings your soul alive and you feel the enjoyment around you as everyone is singing the songs."
Dave, Didcot
"I am very impressed with Debbie’s song writing. The words are so meaningful and the tunes are very catching; which just draw you in. She is an extremely proficient pianist."
Rob, Didcot
"My children and I love learning Debbie’s new worship songs! They feel tailored to us and our worship group, always feels like the song is something related to our theme."
Natalie, Didcot