Richard Quarmby

Richard started playing the piano at an early age at home in the Lake District, and held his first professional post at the age of 11 playing the organ in a local church. Moving to Huddersfield to read Music he studied organ, and also held organ scholarships at Huddersfield Parish Church and then Leeds Parish Church under Dr Simon Lindley. After university he started a teaching career at one of the country’s leading independent schools, but soon returned to Yorkshire, teaching in various schools and building a career teaching piano across West Yorkshire, working with pupils of all ages and abilities, from absolute beginners to those working beyond Grade 8.

As well as teaching piano and in the classroom, Richard worked with a number of choirs as accompanist and conductor, leading to some fabulous opportunities, playing the organ and conducting in venues such as the Bridgewater Hall in Manchester, Liverpool Philharmonic Hall and many cathedrals around the country. Particular highlights have included playing the organ at the Royal Albert Hall, in a number of Italian Cathedrals, and playing the organ for Mass at the Vatican in Rome.

Since starting work with Calderdale Music in 2021, Richard has enjoyed teaching a large number of pupils in various different schools as well as running the choir at Brighouse High school which is going from strength to strength.