A Music Scholar at Felsted School, Joe is the National Champion in the traditional Irish Fiddle (Slow Airs), the Harmonica (Mouth Organ), the Bodhran (Drum) and Traditional Singing. Playing 14 instruments in total Joe has also achieved his ABRSM Grade 5 Piano.
These achievements are spectacular at such a young age and it is a strong testament to the Schools’ focus on producing musical excellence that he has chosen to study at Felsted. This builds on last year’s announcement of the Schools’ partnership with Junior Guildhall School of Music and Drama, which allows a select group of talented musicians from Felsted the opportunity to study music at the Junior Guildhall, as well as at Felsted. The School allows Joe, as a Music Scholar, extra time to practise his music in their state of the art Music School.
Dr Mike Walker, Headmaster of Felsted School comments: ‘This is an incredible and extraordinary achievement. Joe has also come 8th in the World Championships which took place in Ireland. We are extremely proud of this exceptional musical accomplishment across so many instruments, and at his age, I have no doubt he will go on to further extraordinary achievements.’
Joe comments “I Joined Felsted as a Music Scholar because I was attracted by the affiliation with the Guildhall, although I do not currently study there. I have regular private tutoring from the Director of Music at Limerick University, at his workshops held in Hammersmith. Until a few years ago I was playing mostly classical music, then a friend and I went to a Gaelic music workshop and this inspired me to follow the Gaelic music style. I enjoy playing Gaelic music as I am proud of my Irish roots and this is a way of preserving the culture. I also hope to start a Gaelic music band.”
