Biography

Phil Merriman – Piano

BA (hons) York, UK. dip.A.B.R.S.M. (piano performance diploma).

His performance experience ranges from solo piano concerts and frequent jazz gigs, to large-scale ensemble work with big bands and semi-professional orchestras. Phil runs several pop and soul function bands that regularly gig around the country. He also co-organises and performs in a classical and jazz concert series in London.

Many of these performances (and performing groups) have been captured on a growing list of recordings available on the ‘Discography’ page.

Phil has received tuition from jazz pianist John Taylor, and also has had the privilege of working alongside musicians such as Julian Arguelles and trombonist Dennis Rollins.

He currently teaches piano in London, where students range from beginners to music graduates. His outlook on teaching is to incorporate a healthy balance between a firm classical technique whilst equally recognising the importance of developing ear skills.

Phil also co-directs a series of workshops in the local community (Be CREATIVE workshops) which aim to inspire and enable attendees to explore and expand their creative skills, through a wide range of popular improvised musical styles, with an emphasis on making team decisions peer learning.

He regularly performs and records on bass guitar, with a variety of jazz, folk, funk, rock & Christian bands including classical performances at the Huddersfield Music Festival. Phil also plays the trumpet professionally with various orchestras and jazz ensembles. Performances range from Walton’s Belshazzar’s Feast (York Minster), jazz performances (Royal Albert Hall) and in the horn section for a live Hip-Hop band.