Lessons & Workshops by Professional Musicians

All the teachers at St Giles' can be contacted through the Parish Office or Ashley Valentine on the Contacts Page

Matt Duncan - Singing

Matthew trained at the Royal Northern College of Music and at London's Riverside Opera Studio. He recently appeared inTosca, Love for Three Oranges and Tristan und Isolde at Grange Park Opera and in Rigoletto at Bury Court Opera. His roles include Schaunard La Boheme (Opera-Up-Close), Herr Frank Die Fledermaus and Billy Budd (RNCM), Gugliemo Cosi fan Tutte (European Chamber Opera and Jackdaws Opera), Melchior Amahl and the Night Visitors (Dress Circle), Junius Rape of Lucretia (Elemental Opera), Count Marriage of Figaro (Dorset Productions), Calchus La Belle Helene (Merry Opera), as well as Masetto Don Giovanni (Opera Anywhere). 

He has also appeared as soloist in a number of Oratorio performances including Mozart's Requiem, Bach's Canata no.82 'Ich habe Genug', Nielsen's Springtime in Funen, Handel's Messiah and Israel & Egypt, Bach's St. Matthew Passion and Christmas Oratorio, Haydn's Nelson and Creation Masses, Durufle's Requiem, Bach's Cantata no. 67 and Schubert's Masses in A flat and G. 

 

Lucia Viola - Flute

Lucia Viola is a versatile flautist and has worked extensively as a solo artist and as a member of various ensembles. A busy teacher and performer, Lucia recently performed at the Festival Brazil at the Southbank Centre. Lucia has also launched her own album, 'Sundial', drawing inspiration from the rich variety of music in her native Brazil.

You can find out more about Lucia on her website - www.luciaviola.com

 

Aga Serugo-Lugo - Clarinet, Piano & Educational Workshops


As a clarinettist, saxophonist and singer, Aga has had the opportunity to explore many different styles including: classical, Jazz, soul, soul and Funk. Aga also has a keen interest in theatre, especially music theatre, writing and producing his own musical 'Celebrity'. Professionally, his style of choice has been jazz, which Aga has played across London with an eclectic mix of groups; this accompanies his private tuition and workshop leading. Improvisation and composition play a major part in his music making and workshops. Aga has done much work with Sing-up, the national singing strategy, allowing him to work with a variety of age groups and diverse levels of ability.

You can find out more about Aga on his website - www.intunetraining.co.uk 


 

Ashley Valentine - Piano & Organ

Ashley is the organist and director of music at St Giles. Ashley began playing the organ in church at the age of 12 after spending time as a chorister at Wakefield Cathedral and beginning piano lessons. He studied music at the University of York and went on to perform Brahms 2nd Piano Concerto with the university orchestra in his final year at York. Since then Ashley has become a busy piano and organ teacher in addition to his duties at St Giles. In his spare time, Ashley arranges music for various ensembles and is currently working on several original compositions.

You can find out more about Ashley on his website - www.ashleyvalentine.co.uk