I started playing the piano when I was six years old, and then started the violin when I was eight. I actually continued to be a better pianist right up to the age of 18 when finally the violin took over. I studied at the Guildhall School of Music for four years. After I graduated I had a variety of freelance jobs which included orchestra trials, teaching in East London schools and even working on a cruise ship for 12 weeks. I was interested in working at the Opera House because of the orchestra’s reputation and repertoire, the London base and also that it was a fixed job with little travelling. I did three auditions to get into the orchestra, followed by a two year trial and since then have been a full time member for four years (or is it five? I've lost track!)

I usually arrive at Charing Cross at around 10:30 in the morning and sometimes do not go home until 10:45 at night. It’s a very long day. Today I am playing for a tea dance, and then have rehearsals later in the afternoon so I’m arriving a bit later than normal.

The Stage Door is where we all enter this huge building (the Royal Opera House). There’s a great coffee bar where you can meet friends and catch up.

Here I am checking the music for the Tea Dance with Sue Withers who is the Orchestra Education Manager. The Opera House used to be a Mecca Dance Hall during World War II; the tradition continues with dances in the Floral Hall once a month.

I play for the Tea Dance between 1-3 pm. It is fantastic to do something just a little different!

I check my pigeon hole daily for any messages from colleagues and sometimes even post from the audience!

Today we’re rehearsing Romeo and Juliet between 3-6pm. Rehearsal today is in the Linbury Theatre. We normally have two rehearsals just for the orchestra before working with dancers onstage.

Here I am negotiating my way through the pit in my concert dress to find my seat for the evening performance.

Alex and I are warming up in the pit before this performance of the opera 'Wozzeck'.

'Wozzeck' is unusual because it is in one long act. Most opera and ballet programmes have at least one interval. During the interval I sometimes grab a bite to eat or a cup of tea, catch up with phone calls, or practise what’s coming up in the next act.

Luckily I can leave my violin and a collection of black clothes in my locker so I don’t always have to carry everything home.

Like most jobs, ours has a routine, but I really like the variety of the music that we play. And on some days extraordinary musical moments do happen, which make it all worthwhile.

Web Link > The Orchestra of the Royal Opera House