Marion Smith

I am a viola player and alto working throughout Manchester and West Yorkshire. I am classically trained performer working across a range of musical styles, with a particular focus in folk and genre fusion - this gives me the dual benefit of being able to perform music requested from a score, and be comfortable and enthusiastic about performing ‘by ear’ and extemporising, depending on what is appropriate for a particular contract or project. Much of my work is concerned with improving the accessibility of classical music across different audiences, which informed my work as a participatory music practitioner and music teacher working with individuals from a diverse range of backgrounds. I have worked in a freelance capacity in the North of England for the last 10 years as an instrumentalist, music facilitator and music teacher. I graduated with a First Class Honours degree in Music from the University of Manchester in 2019, and with a Distinction in my Masters degree in Ethnomusicology in 2021.