Composer
My Jewish sacred music compositions, instrumental music and arrangements of Yiddish folksongs are used in communities across the UK, France, Germany and the USA (including the Hava Nashira Reform songleading camps). My compositions have been published by Transcontinental (USA), 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, and featured on BBC radio, and as world premiéres in the 70th anniversary of the Council of Christians and Jews. In 2013 I convened a panel with the UK Institute of Composing, including Sir Michael Berkley and Rolf Hind to discuss the need to honour and reflect human complexity in the music of collective worship. I am the founder and curator of the Jewish Music UK Facebook network. Every piece of music I write is deeply wedded to text, its meaning and kavanah (prayerful intention), so with every piece, I include a short essay that shares ideas about the meaning of the words within Jewish tradition, as well as refreshing ways into prayer, text and Judaism. You can listen for free here, and buy the sheet music. All the music can be searched according to categories and themes on this page. You can also see the full music list at a glance to check whether it is for solo, duet, unison/congregation, choir, or a round. 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. (Also see my website, Oxford Songwriting.)
Singer & instrumentalist, prayer leader, celebrant
I have performed for many years as a professional solo singer and multi-instrumentalist, with reviews in national newspapers. I have also been a cantorial soloist and musical prayer leader for a number of communities (including singing throughout High Holy Days as the cantorial soloist). I am a celebrant for Jewish baby blessings (including b’rit shalom), b’nei mitzvah, and interfaith marriage blessings. If you would like me to perform a concert, help with the music for your service, or be a celebrant, just get in touch. (Also see my website, Oxford Singing Lessons.)
Interfaith contributor
I have sung and taught at interfaith gatherings and conferences for many years. These events and organisations include: United for Peace (with the Muslim Oxford Foundation), Faiths in Tune, the International Jewish-Christian Bible Week (Germany), the One World Festival (Ashmolean Museum, Oxford), seminars and performances for the UK Council of Christians and Jews, the Oxford Psalms Network (Oxford Research Centre in the Humanities), and solo work for Yom HaShoah and Holocaust Memorial events in the UK and France.
Writer
My writings include articles on sacred music composition, Jewish themes (e.g. Ritual Well), academic chapters and edited books on qualitative research methodology, articles on voice, communication and therapy.
Teacher, Facilitator & Keynote Speaker
I have taught in universities, primary and secondary schools (head of department), the therapy and business worlds, and been a conference keynote speaker and workshop facilitator, including the Association for the Teaching of Religious Education in Scotland, the Guild of Pastoral Psychology, the International Association for Voice Movement Therapy, the 30th Anniversary of the Raphael Jewish Counselling Service [Patron: Chief UK Rabbi Jonathan Sacks], and communication training and teambuilding for Jewish educators at UJIA. I have led sessions for Limmud UK, Reform Judaism’s music conference in its early years, and Liberal Judaism study days. My singing teaching includes trainee and working cantors, and I offer ‘Sacred Singing’ courses to Jewish communities that want to learn and incorporate new music into their collective prayer and chanting/meditation circles. (Also see my website, Authentic Voice.)