About Craig

Craig is 23 years old and have been playing the electronic organ since the young age of 8 years old.. His love for the organ began with his grandfather, who had an old hammond organ sitting in the corner of the room. His grandfather could only play by ear and he told me that I couldn't play the organ unless Craig learnt to play it properly, so thats exactly what he did.

Craig immediatly began taking lessons from a lady by he name of Edith Bracey who lived just around the corner from him. Craig spent a good many years being trained by Edith until she introduced him to the late master of the organ, Bryan Rodwell in 1994 and he began taking lessons with him that same year. Unfortunately Bryan passed away after a fight against cancer early in 1995, but in the course of that year Bryan had taught Craig a huge amount.

Later that same year Craig began taking lessons from the wonderful Jean Martyn at her home in Staffordshire, he stayed with Jean for 4 years in total, eventually finishing my lessons in August 1999. Not one to want to hang around Craig had also by this point begun taking piano lessons and went on to gain my Associated Board of the Royal Schools of Music Grade 7 in Piano.

Craig is heavily involved in the local community, belonging to many different organisations including being Joint Musical Director for Cwm Male Choir. Producer / Musical Director for Blaenau Gwent Young Stars Youth Musical Theatre Company, former Musical Director for Tredegar Operatic Society and former Musical Director for Brynmawr Pantomime Society. Shows which he has directed the music for include: The Sound of Music, 42nd Street, Little Shop of Horrors, Pippin, Mister Scrooge, Children of Eden, Godspell the Boyfriend and many more.

Craig has been recently appointed as Musical Director for Cor Meibion Gwent, which will be touring Canada in 2006 and also Conductor of the Black Mountain Male Chorus who will be touring America in February 2005.

He also enjoys, as amyone who has seen his shows will understand, performing on stage and has taken a number of lead roles in amateur productions including playing the part of the Narrator in 'Pippin', God in 'Children of Eden', Judas Iscariot in 'Godspell', Daddy Brubeck in 'Sweet Charity' and Doody in 'Grease'.

Craig turned professional in 1996 at the age of 17, giving his first concert for Blaenau Gwent Organ Club, since then he has performed at venues all over the country, inluding, Ludlow, Merseyside, Stafordshire, Hereford, Sussex, Burgess Hill and many more.

Craig always ensures that he performs everything live at his performances and believes strongly that audiences come along specifically to hear live music. He has developed a style from both Bryan and Jean as a style of his very own. All audiences are catered for within his programme, which varies from Big Band to Light Classical, to Musical Theatre and Pop. Audiences are often treated to some vocals.

Craig played Yamaha for many since he began playing the electronic organ, but recently made a change over to Roland AT80r, a move he does not regret, with its beautiful tones and traditional look he believes it to be the perfect companion.

Craig's Photo Gallery

Craig's Concert Diary