My interest in music started at an early age. My grandparents had a grand piano in their house (a Blüthner), which I played nonstop each visit. Eventually, my parents convinced me to get some piano and theory lessons to supplement the music education I was receiving in school. I was fortunate to have some great teachers back then: Charlie Adambery, Mrs Pissarello, Michael Costa and Hector Cortés, who left a positive mark on my early musical life. Luckily I also found my way into Joy Burton‘s classes, which were excellent for my piano playing development. However, it was Helen and Charlie Chiappe who had the most significant effect on me. Thanks to Helen and Charlie’s encouragement, training and advanced lessons, I got accepted to music college.
After graduating from Bretton Hall (Leeds), I took a year in Liverpool to focus on a postgrad in education (Liverpool Hope). On my return to the Rock, I teamed up with the late Phillip Valverde and a fantastic bunch of musicians to form a function band. At the same time, I helped out the late Hector Cortés at the Gibraltar Music Centre (in the afternoons after work). The job at school was also enthralling as I had the chance to work alongside the late William Gomez and the late Joseph Pratts. Thus began my post-Uni study and practice of music.
Over the years, and various schools and music positions, I continued to be involved in music productions, performances and concerts. The latter led to some great moments on stage, in and outside of Gibraltar, with some outstanding performers. Surprisingly, it was during these years involved in secular music that my love for Christian music deepened.
At one point, I took some studies in Liturgical music. I was then fortunate to direct a Diocesan choir (for Bishop Heskitt’s ordination) and lead prayer and praise music at numerous masses and retreats. As this love for Christian music grew my involvement in the secular music world slowed down.
Perhaps, one of the most notable influences on my change from secular towards religious music was the time I spent at the Franciscan University of Steubenville, Ohio, USA. Even though I majored in education there, and had little if no involvement in music, the liturgical life at that university was very inspiring.
Moving back to Gibraltar, after the USA, I took the plunge. Alongside Richard Gomila, and a few other good friends, I produced and recorded Victor Francis‘ album: Listen to Him. Since then I have dedicated my composing time to Jesus and, while I continue to work on liturgical music, I mainly publish prayer and praise songs.
And so, here we are now, making music when fatherhood and family allows!
God bless you, and thank you for listening to my music.