Why do you do it? Music is all I've ever known. I grew up in the UK and trained at the Royal College of Music in London before moving to Australia.
I've freelanced as a violinist throughout Australia's iconic arts and culture festivals, and after completing a masters in Community Development I moved into roles of administration and production with the Woodford Folk Festival and Sunshine Sounds Festival.
What do you love about the city you live in? The outdoor lifestyle. I love walking and swimming in the ocean; you can swim in the ocean all year round here. Quite a contrast to growing up in the North East of England and paddling in the North Sea!
Where did you go for your last holiday? Noosa. It's local but we figured, why go overseas when Noosa is on our doorstep. You feel like you're on holiday on Hastings Street.
What's your favourite item of clothing? My Salt Water Sandals. You can wear them with everything, even wear them to the beach and get them wet.
What was your favourite TV show when you were a kid? (If you've got kids, what's your favourite show to watch with them?) 'Top Of The Pops, for sure. I couldn't wait to see who might be #1 and performing every week. I've got two kids, they're pretty grown up now. When they were little I loved watching 'Play School' with them.
If you could travel back in time for a day, where would you go? I'd go back to London, to the Royal College of Music and just soak up every word of wisdom from my teachers and mentors there.
If we were coming over to your place, what would you cook us? Mmmmm, I love Jamie Oliver. I'd cook you something from my favourite cook book of his which I must have had for over 20 years now. I also love Italian food, wish I was Italian really. We have homemade pizza night every Friday in our house.
What's the best lesson you've ever learned? Never judge. You don't know what someone might have been through, what they're carrying or going through.
Tell us one thing about yourself that nobody else knows... Hmmm...... I don't think there is anything.
Are you happy with your work/ life balance? It's hard to find balance in the music industry; work comes in waves and is often not conducive to family life. But, it is possible to find balance. You can make it work if you're adaptable and focussed.
How do you define success? Success for me is personal. It's not about material things or whether your following society's norms. For me, it's whether you're staying true to yourself, kicking your goals and staying open to learn.
What's your spirit animal? A big mummy elephant.
