with Alexander Massey
Hello, and welcome to my website. I am a composer and songwriter; a professional singer, cantorial soloist and multi-instrumentalist; a creative liturgist and prayer leader; a researcher and writer; and contributor to interfaith work. In order to focus on these activities more, I stepped back in April 2022 from 40 years as a teacher of singing, voice and communication, songwriting, and music and theatre. (Read detailed biography here.)
Composing
My Jewish sacred music compositions, instrumental music and arrangements of traditional vocal music are used in the UK, Germany, France and the USA (including the Hava Nashira Reform songleading camps). My music has been published by the Reconstructionist movement (on Ritual Well), Adding Our Voices (Jewish Renewal gender-inclusion initiative by Reclaiming Judaism and Soundscape Synagogue Hanover University), and Reform Judaism UK (Shirei Ha-T’fillot / Songs of Prayer), and in anthologies by Transcontinental Music Publications; my compositions have also been regularly shared on the Cantors Assembly SongSwap sessions (Conservative Judaism, USA). For 20 years, I have performed in a duo with David Roth (former member of the Allegri Quartet, 1976-2000), and written music for us, both voice and violin, and violin and piano. Most of my Jewish compositions are available to listen to here.
Presenting, performing and leading
As a speaker and performer, I have presented for the British Voice Association, British Institute of Composing, Liberal Judaism UK, Jewish Music Fair, UK Reform’s Shirei Chagigah music conference, Oxford Psalms Network (Oxford Research Centre in the Humanities), Limmud Festival, Council of Christians and Jews, SOAS Faiths in Tune, and the International Jewish-Christian Bible Week (Germany). I am involved with music and service leading for both the London Ruach Chavurah (a Jewish Renewal community) and the Oxford Progressive community, and founded the Jewish Music UK Facebook network. Prayer and people are the two priorities in my music making and composing.
Get in touch
As you can see, my work and interests are wide ranging – the threads weave together creatively and effectively. If you would like to have a conversation on how might I be able to help you, please get in touch using the contact page, or call me on +44 (0)7771 988207.