MUSIC
Come along and take part in our outstanding music events!
Performing in front of an audience can be a true test of courage, demanding a blend of confidence and composure. However, the experience is deeply rewarding! At Moonstone Academy, we take pride in our rich tradition of musical excellence. We encourage our students to embrace collaboration and patience, all while enjoying the excitement and sense of achievement that comes from participating in a variety of extracurricular activities hosted by our Music Department.
Our offerings are diverse, providing students with opportunities to perform both solo and within vocal or instrumental groups. Key highlights in our calendar include our annual junior and senior musical productions, created in collaboration with the Drama Department, and the Senior Choir’s Christmas Carol Concert in Trafalgar Square.
Beyond individual music lessons, students can join one of our five orchestras, the Concert Band, or various choirs and other musical ensembles. These groups cater to a wide range of abilities, from Grade 3 through Grade 8, allowing students to move between groups as they progress. Our choirs and bands explore a variety of musical genres, from classical and jazz to contemporary pop, ensuring every student finds something to resonate with their musical interests.
Moonstone Academy's music lessons, including both instrumental and vocal training
We are lucky to have a diverse group of visiting instrumental and vocal instructors who conduct approximately 300 lessons every week. A variety of teacher biographies highlights the extensive experience they contribute to their teaching. One-on-one sessions are scheduled throughout the school day on a rotating timetable.
Pretty Paul - Piano
Pretty Paul is a collaborative pianist who has performed at renowned venues such as Wigmore Hall, the Barbican Hall, and LSO St Luke’s. As both an orchestral and chamber pianist, Pretty has collaborated with London Symphony Orchestra musicians through the LSO Soundhub Scheme, performed alongside the London Symphony Orchestra, played with the Multi-Story Orchestra, and worked with the University of London Symphony Orchestra.
A graduate of the San Francisco Conservatory of Music, Pretty was awarded an Artist Fellowship for 2016-17, specializing in piano accompaniment and contemporary music. Deeply passionate about education, Pretty has conducted music workshops with the East London Music Group, the WAM Foundation in Mumbai, and at the Jersey Academy of Music. Previously, Pretty worked as a staff accompanist at Eastman School of Music, one of the NYC’s five specialist music schools. Now, Pretty teaches piano at two institutions, including Moonstone, where he serves as a staff accompanist and piano instructor.
Emily Finch - Violin
Emily studied violin and piano at the London Conservatory of Music, where she developed a deep passion for chamber music. She joined the Valencia Symphony Orchestra in Spain, and upon her return to the UK, became the assistant principal violinist of the Royal Ballet Orchestra, balancing this role with a successful freelance career that included tours, Proms performances, and engagements in the West End. Emily has contributed to many recordings and radio broadcasts, including the British Classical Music Collection with the New London Chamber Orchestra and with the contemporary string ensemble, StringWorks.
Emily has always had a strong passion for teaching and has held several teaching roles at various institutions before becoming part-time Head of Strings at Moonstone Academy. She regularly coaches at the Junior Department of the London Conservatory of Music and is a sought-after adjudicator. She has also directed and coached numerous string orchestra courses for all levels. Emily is an active member of the Council for the International String Teachers’ Association.
David Clutch - Drum kit, Orchestral percussion
David studied at the London Academy of Music from 1990-95, under the guidance of Richard Harris and Steven Green. Since graduating, he has worked as a freelance percussionist, performing and recording with numerous professional orchestras across the UK. He is also a frequent deputy on productions in London’s West End, including shows like The Lion King and Wicked.
David has been teaching at Moonstone Academy since 2019 and also provides instruction at two other schools, working with students from beginner to advanced levels. Additionally, David regularly steps in at the junior schools of the Royal Academy of Music and the Birmingham Conservatoire.
Dustin Grez - BMus(Hons) - Flute
Dustin performs both as a chamber musician and orchestral player across Europe. He is a founding member of the chamber group Quartet Sonata and the acclaimed ensemble Winds of London. Dustin has played with several prestigious orchestras, including the Royal Scottish Symphony, Echo Chamber, the National Orchestra, Sinfonia Vitae, Ensemble Horizon, and the Harmonia Orchestra. As a soloist, Dustin has received numerous accolades, including the Young Musicians Award from the Music Foundation, second place in the European Wind Competition, and for two consecutive years, was a prizewinner in the Smithson Piccolo Award.
In addition to his performance career, Dustin is also a dedicated teacher and workshop leader. He is passionate about sharing his love for music within his community. Dustin frequently collaborates with the Royal Concert Hall Learning, Music in Motion, and the National Festival. Dustin graduated with Distinction from the London Conservatory of Music, where he received the Conservatory’s prestigious final recital award, the Silver Medal for Excellence.
GRB PhD LRSM - Clarinet , Saxophone
Having taught the saxophone and clarinet at Moonstone since 2000, GRB was appointed as Head of Woodwind in 2016. He oversees the excellent team of woodwind and vocal teachers and runs the sectional rehearsals for Sinfonia and Symphony Orchestra on a weekly basis. He organizes auditions for these ensembles and Wind Orchestra.
GRB performs as both an orchestral player throughout the country and as a concerto soloist, having performed Mozart’s Concerto at venues including St John’s Smith Square, London, The Liszt Academy in Budapest, and the University of California.
In addition to his 24 years at Moonstone and performing, GRB has served as an A Level music examiner for AQA and OCR, a grade examiner for Trinity, and a theory examiner for the ABRSM. He is currently an A Level examiner for Edexcel.
His doctorate (Royal College of Music) on Francis Poulenc’s clarinet writing has allowed him to lecture on Twentieth Century French Music across Europe and America.
Alex Cripson (LLCM (to) ALCM) - Guitar
Alex studied at the London College of Music. He has performed as a soloist, ensemble player, and in various musicals. Since 1983, he has taught in inner London and in adult education. He has published music for guitar groups and initiated the first schools’ guitar group, which ultimately grew into three groups, all of which he directed. He regularly directs various guitar groups at Moonstone Academy. His arrangements and compositions have been widely performed in schools and at music festivals.
Joseph Stont - Singing
Joseph sang as a boy treble in Durham Cathedral Choir and later earned a Choral Scholarship to King’s College, Cambridge. He also studied singing at the Royal Academy of Music, where he obtained a prestigious Performer’s Diploma. Joseph was part of the choir at Westminster Abbey for 34 years and was a founding member of the vocal ensemble, The Harmonics. Over the last 40 years, he has participated in numerous recordings and has taught singing at various institutions.
Stuart Fade BA(Hons) CT (ABRSM) - Oboe
After completing a degree in English and Music, Stuart began music teaching with the Hertfordshire Music Service. He is currently Head of The Broxbourne Music Centre and combines his management position with oboe and recorder teaching in various schools. He regularly tutors on county orchestral and recorder courses and organizes double reed days.
Stuart is delighted to be part of such a thriving music department at Moonstone Academy. He has been able to generate many fine oboists and establish a double reed ensemble. Stuart thoroughly enjoys arranging music for double reed ensembles to perform as well as sharing his vast library of recorder ensemble music. Stuart performs regularly in many chamber and symphony orchestras as well as being a busy recital soloist on oboe, oboe d’amore, cor anglais, and recorder.
Ho Youn-min Son AGSM Hon ARAM - Trumpet
Ho Youn-min Son trained at the prestigious Guildhall School of Music and Drama before launching a dynamic freelance career. His trumpet performances have taken him across the globe, collaborating with top London orchestras such as the LSO, Philharmonia, LPO, and the BBC Symphony and Concert Orchestra. He has also contributed to the soundtracks of iconic films like Lord of The Rings and The Blue Planet, in addition to recording jingles for various television productions.
As a core member of the City of London Sinfonia, Ho Youn-min Son frequently plays as an extra musician with the Royal Opera House Orchestra. Alongside his performance career, he has built a successful teaching role, currently serving as the Head of Brass at Moonstone Academy. He also holds a position as Professor of Trumpet at the Junior Department of The Royal Academy of Music, sharing his expertise with the next generation of musicians.