Our Tuba Tutors
Shaun Crowther
Shaun Crowther began playing cornet in 1967 with his local band Goodshaw. He moved to BBb Tuba in 1974 and then joined Fairey Aviation Band in 1975. He was Principal Tuba with the Williams Fairey Band (Fairey Aviation) for 25 years and then joined the Grimethorpe Colliery Band where is was Principal Tuba for a further 20 years. He studied as a mature student at the Royal Northern College of Music (RNCM), graduating with a BA in Music in 2001. He has taught tuba at the University of Huddersfield in addition to coaching the National Youth Wind Orchestra.
Since studying at the RNCM Shaun has played for a variety of professional ensembles, such as the Halle Orchestra, Ulster Orchestra, Orchestra of Opera North and the Manchester Concert Orchestra also with many Chamber Ensembles such as Halle Brass, Ulster Brass, Nemo Brass Quintet and Sandstorm Brass Quintet.
As well as his teaching with the Hull Music Service, Shaun has tutored at many workshops and courses both within the UK and as far afield as Australia.
Les Neish
Les Neish is a world-renowned tuba soloist and educator, celebrated for his exceptional musicianship, artistry, and engaging communication style. His dazzling technique and infectious enthusiasm for music-making captivate audiences worldwide.
He gave the first solo tuba recital at Manchester's Bridgewater Hall and was the first tuba player to receive the Worshipful Company of Dyers Award at the Royal Overseas League Competition.
His boundary-pushing career has taken him from Millennium Park, Chicago, to collaborations with pop icon Sting.
His three solo albums, Salt of the Earth, Shine, and Affinity, have garnered numerous accolades, including Brass Band World, British Bandsman, and 4barsrest.com Solo CD of the Year, culminating in the prestigious Roger Bobo Award for Recording Excellence from the International Tuba Euphonium Association.Les is also a dedicated educator. He shares his expertise and enthusiasm with students at all levels, holding tuba teaching positions at the Royal Northern College of Music and Birmingham Conservatoire.
He has also led masterclasses at Trinity College and the Royal Academy of Music, London and served as a tutor for the National Youth Brass Bands of Great Britain, Scotland, Wales and Switzerland, nurturing the next generation of musicians.
His commitment to music education extends beyond institutional settings, as he regularly conducts workshops and masterclasses throughout the UK, Europe, and further afield.
He is also a member of the Brass Band of Battle Creek and Fine Arts Brass Ensemble, a group with a 30 years history, having performed in over 60 countries.
His orchestral experience includes appearances with leading UK orchestras, including the Hallé, RTÉ Concert Orchestra, Ulster Orchestra, and London Symphony Orchestra.
His dedication to the wider musical community is further demonstrated by his membership in the International Outreach Committee for the International Tuba Euphonium Association.