Gail Ford

An accomplished, versatile and experienced pianist/accompanist, I began playing the piano at four years old - just loafing around before that. I play music because I love it, it's my means of expression, and I really enjoy sharing my enjoyment with others. My experience covers everything from corporate & private entertaining, to music hall, classical recitals, musical theatre, music hall, accompanying silent movies, and costumed period events. I have a particularly wide repertoire in vocal and musical theatre accompanying classical instrumental and vocal music (including opera and lieder), musical theatre, pop, TV, movie themes, jazz standards, and light classics. If you have a particular request, which I don't already play, I'm happy to learn the song, and add it to my repertoire! I've played at some beautiful venues, including the Fitzwilliam Museum, Audley End House, the Czech Embassy, Italian Consulate, and at some prestigious events, such as corporate banking evenings, University of Cambridge and business events, and the Waterloo Ball for the Napoleonic Association. As much as I love playing just for myself anyway, it's the audience that brings the music and the experience completely alive for me, and I am happy to say that I'm known for expressive, emotional and exciting playing. I'm also used to playing for children, and being 'helped' at the keyboard - and if there are guests who have a party piece, I can accompany them (changing the key to suit if that helps!) Going beyond the usual, and taking extra care to make sure that clients, audience, customers - and indeed anyone listening - enjoys the music. I'm known for the commitment I give to each event I perform for, for keeping the client involved at every stage, and for the expressive playing I produce to bring the best kind of atmosphere to their event or day. That's as standard. I've had a lot of experience playing for and with children, and am an experienced dance pianist and Nanna. (Yes, I can supply references from a happy two and a half year old grandson, on request). Any more extras a client requires, well - it's their day, so that's what goes! I honestly try and do everything to ensure that I'm either asked to play for the client again, or to be recommended to others.