Luca Manning

I grew up in the buzzing Glasgow music scene - playing sticky floor venues and writing songs from a very young age. Although no one in my family had forged a career in music or the arts, I was lucky enough to grow up in a family where music was celebrated and I was encouraged to pursue my passion. I received piano and saxophone lessons throughout my school years and feel lucky to have had a range of teachers who have each played a part in my development. I fell in love with Jazz music in my late teens which led me to London to study a Bachelors degree in Jazz at the prestigious Guildhall School of Music & Drama. It was here that I spent four years honing my craft as well as forging an emerging career on the UK music scene. During my time at GSMD I experienced headlining Ronnie Scott’s jazz club, taking part in ‘Jazz Voice’ : the opening of the EFG London Jazz Festival at Cadogan Hall, was awarded ‘Rising Star’ at the Scottish Jazz Awards, ‘Newcomer of the year’ at the Parliamentary Jazz Awards and the Adhjool Malde Jazz Prize by my head of department for an outstanding final recital. Since graduating from GSMD, I’ve worked in hospitality (coffee industry) to support myself which has certainly widened my perspective of life - but it is time for a change. Alongside this, I became a resident artist at London’s iconic Roundhouse and have been steadily writing, performing and recording my own music. I’ve also began my teaching journey with a range of private vocal students, and have especially enjoyed delivery songwriting webinars to Scottish Trade Union members through my work with the STUC. Recent performance highlights include being a featured pianist alongside Olly Alexander (Years and Years) and supporting Jools Holland at the St James Piccadilly Piano festival. I believe that creativity is inherent, something that we can all access if we are provided with adequate resources and a nurturing environment. I believe in the passing down of knowledge, in empathy, in helping each other, and in connecting through music.