Photo by Richard Moulton
Course Studied:
BA (Hons) Music (Jazz)
Year of Graduation: 2023
Fee (she/her) is a talented trumpet player who is deeply involved in Leeds' jazz scene. You can catch them performing in numerous bands like Naali Collective, Ferg's Imaginary Big Band, Heritage, and Gustavo Andrade & the Brasukas.
When did you first start pursuing your career and what inspired you to do so?
I’ve dreamt of playing huge stages since I was probably 15, but I didn’t really start taking this dream seriously until I started uni and I met people who were supporting themselves just through performing.
Photo by Ciaran Wils
How did studying at Leeds Conservatoire prepare you for working in the wider industry?
Studying here helped me in the wider industry because the conservatoire is full of incredible musicians, and I made numerous contacts who have given me work and gigs that have really boosted my musical CV. I learnt a lot about the importance of networking, and on top of that I was introduced to many new genres. Being given a safe space at uni to approach and explore these genres meant that I had experience performing in many different styles when I began working professionally.
How important were the connections you made during your studies?
Most of the people I’m working with now I met through my connections at the Conservatoire, and the sense of community here is one of my favourite things about the Leeds music scene. The more you get to know people and network by going to gigs, the more gig opportunities come up.
Photo by Matt Crockford
Could you tell me about some of your most memorable performances to date?
One of my most memorable performances was guest featuring on August Charles’ set at Love Supreme last summer. It was the biggest crowd I’ve played to yet, and it was really exciting. In my second year I was lucky enough to perform four times at We Out Here festival, which I was able to do through the connection that the conservatoire has with the festival, and those were some of the best times I’ve had on stage. Additionally, I played to a sold out Blues Kitchen last year with Gustavo Andrade’s Brazilian band, and the energy in the room was incredible. I also played with Ruby J supporting Scouting for Girls, which again was really exciting.
Photo by Ciaran Wils
What's coming up next for you in terms of projects or releases?
I have just successfully passed an audition to work on a new Ministry of Sound project, performing alongside world class musician Ellie Sax. We are touring the UK, with plans to tour internationally next year, starting off with the Piece Hall in Halifax. I have also been working on my own project, in which I sing and play the trumpet alongside my amazing band, and our debut performance is at the Brudenell on the 16th of March supporting Brazilian singer Sueli Gilpt. I have a slot on the ‘Welcome To Leeds’ stage at Leeds Jazz Festival this year, and I plan to release a single this summer. In addition to this, I am touring with the Belgrave House Band, performing the music of Amy Winehouse in many notable venues in the UK.
Photo by Misha Warren
How did you start as a gigging musician?
My life as a gigging musician didn’t properly start until my second year of uni. Unfortunately my first year was affected by the pandemic, and before that I had only ever performed with concert bands and brass bands, and in rock/pop bands with my college back home. It was a big adjustment to go from that to the kind of gigs I do now, but I really love it, and having that experience behind me still helped a lot.
Photo by Ciaran Wils
What's your approach when working with big bands such as NYJO (the National Youth Jazz Orchestra)?
I say yes to every NYJO performance opportunity that I’m available for, and I make sure to show up on time and prepare for rehearsals. I show up as confident, and I take opportunities to solo if there’s a chance. I make connections with the other musicians in the room, and I try to learn as much as I can about the London jazz scene.
What is your best memory from Leeds Conservatoire?
My best memory from Leeds Conservatoire is in first year when we used to have these big Friday night jams in uni until really late at night, and everyone from our year used to join. I also loved the first lesson we all had together after COVID, and how fun it was to all be in the same room together.
Photo by Ciaran Wils
What was the most important lesson you learned during your time in Leeds?
The importance of maintaining professionalism, and being easy to work with in musical settings, even if I’m just working with friends. Whilst being a competent musician is extremely important, I feel that it’s equally important to have a positive attitude in the band room, and to be reliable, as this is what has brought me many of my gigs and much of my session work.
What advice would you give to a prospective student thinking of applying to your course?
Say yes to every opportunity you’re given, and don’t be afraid to experiment with all styles because that's what helps you to discover your own. Be reliable and turn up to all lessons and rehearsals, as these are the people that are going to be potentially booking you for gigs in the future, and make sure you are easy to work with. It’s important to be confident, without having an ego. Enjoy the time and resources you have whilst at uni, and sow the seeds now so that when you leave you won't be at a loss for work.
We'd like to say a huge thank you to Fee for chatting with us!
Check out Fee online: Instagram
Find out more about BA (Hons) Music (Jazz)
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