Bio
My name is Thomas Quirke and I have been a performing musician and educator for 29 years. Coming from a musical background my father, Michael Quirke was a singer and teacher in the 60’s, who inspired myself to perform in band from the age of 10. Throughout my childhood I learnt how important music was not only for a musician but from an audience point of view as well.
In 2002, I studied a degree in World Contemporary Jazz and managed to secure a teaching post after this. In 2008, I became the Head of Music at Hayle Community School. This was a challenging yet rewarding position for me as students did not have a high level of performance skills. Over my 7 years at this school I learnt the importance of music performance for teenagers and working in groups to promote confidence, skill and an escapism from the outside world.
In 2013, I started to work for Truro and Penwith College as an educator in performance and Jazz improvisation. I currently teach A-Level Music, BTEC Music Performance and coordinate our Music Performance Academies. My role has always been to keep live music fun and exciting and over the years my students have managed to progress into many higher educational institutes as well as becoming professional musicians performing around the world.
As a musician I have the privilege of supporting artists such as Oasis, Lily Allen, Tom Jones, Olly Murs, McFly, Molly Hocking (Winner of The Voice 2019) and the Petshop Boys. I have also performed with Jason Rebello (UK Jazz award winning Jazz Pianist) and Lillian Boutte (ex Jazz Ambassador for New Orleans). I also perform with many function bands such as Joey the Lips, as well as solo performances in hotels and for wedding ceremonies and breakfasts at the Carbis Bay Hotel since 2002.
I also review pianos, keyboards and synth for a YouTube channel company called 'Keys Review'. You can watch my demonstrations here.
I also run the St. Ives Jazz Club which is a wonderful live jazz venue. I promote international touring artists as well as UK based jazz ensembles. For more details follow the link.
In 2002, I studied a degree in World Contemporary Jazz and managed to secure a teaching post after this. In 2008, I became the Head of Music at Hayle Community School. This was a challenging yet rewarding position for me as students did not have a high level of performance skills. Over my 7 years at this school I learnt the importance of music performance for teenagers and working in groups to promote confidence, skill and an escapism from the outside world.
In 2013, I started to work for Truro and Penwith College as an educator in performance and Jazz improvisation. I currently teach A-Level Music, BTEC Music Performance and coordinate our Music Performance Academies. My role has always been to keep live music fun and exciting and over the years my students have managed to progress into many higher educational institutes as well as becoming professional musicians performing around the world.
As a musician I have the privilege of supporting artists such as Oasis, Lily Allen, Tom Jones, Olly Murs, McFly, Molly Hocking (Winner of The Voice 2019) and the Petshop Boys. I have also performed with Jason Rebello (UK Jazz award winning Jazz Pianist) and Lillian Boutte (ex Jazz Ambassador for New Orleans). I also perform with many function bands such as Joey the Lips, as well as solo performances in hotels and for wedding ceremonies and breakfasts at the Carbis Bay Hotel since 2002.
I also review pianos, keyboards and synth for a YouTube channel company called 'Keys Review'. You can watch my demonstrations here.
I also run the St. Ives Jazz Club which is a wonderful live jazz venue. I promote international touring artists as well as UK based jazz ensembles. For more details follow the link.
