John Keys

John Keys, MA, LRAM, ARCM and an Honorary Fellow of the Guild of Church Musicians, retired as Director of Music at St Mary's Church, Nottingham in September 2025 having been in post since 1984 and is now Organist Emeritus. He fostered a flourishing musical life in the Church, as well as following an independent career as solo organist, continuo player, accompanist and conductor. He is also Nottingham University organist and City Organist, and the Vice Chair of the Board of Trustees for the Binns organ in Nottingham’s Albert Hall. Born and educated in Chester, John obtained the Diplomas of the Royal College of Music and the Royal Academy of Music in organ playing while still at school. After A-levels he was assistant organist at Chester Cathedral for nearly three years before going up to New College, Oxford, as Organ Scholar. After graduating in 1981 he went to Geneva to complete his organ studies at the Conservatoire with Lionel Rogg, aided by grants from the Worshipful Company of Musicians and the British Council. In 1984 he won First Prize at the Fourth Manchester International Organ Competition. John Keys gives many recitals each year, and has played in France, Germany, Italy, Holland, Denmark, Norway, Spain, Sweden, Gibraltar, the Ukraine, Switzerland, Malta, the USA and Australia, as well as widely in the British Isles. He has appeared as organist, accompanist, continuo player and conductor on Radio Suisse Romande, Télévision de La Suisse Romande, Netherlands Radio, Radio France and for the BBC.