She is currently studying for a BMus Jazz (Hons) Degree at Birmingham Conservatoire. She is fortunate enough to have recieved first study tution from Jeff Williams (Lovano, Konitz, Liebman, Getz), Tony Levin (Tubby Hayes, Mujician), Andrew Bain (Think Drums, Think Bain), Gene Calderazzo (Partisans, Zoe Rahman) and Malcom Garret (The Rat Pack Musical).At the Conservatoire she also has the pleasure of studying with the like of Hans Koller, Mike Williams, Julian Siegel, Liam Noble, Percy Pursglove, Trevor Lines, Jean Toussaint, Ryan Trebilcock and Jeremy Price; and recieving regular workshops from Dave Holland and Mike Gibbs.Although Lydia does not directly approve of competions she gained a place in the final of the 'Tony Levin Drum Prize' in 2008. The finalists chose to see this as a tribute to their fantastic teacher Tony. In the final she got the honor of performing with two truly magnificent musicians Jean Toussaint and Percy Pursglove. Lydia was also one of the privileged students to be involved in a project with Dave Holland in late 2008. This entailed playing Dave's compositions and receiving ensemble coaching from him. It ended with the group perfroming a double bill gig with Dave Holland and John Taylor. Lydia has played with a variety of different musical ensembles during her life including orchestras, brass bands, pit bands and big bands. At the moment Lydia mainly plays 'jazz'. She currently runs her own quartet which can be heard above on the EP 'Moving On' and a sextet with Ben Goodhall which are currently performing in and around Birmingham. Lydia has also been involved in many other projects a few highlights are performing with Amy Fletcher, Jimmy Brewer, Lewis Clement, Rainbow Nation, Trevor Lines and Sarah Boughton. Lydia is currently the drummer for the Birmingham Conservatoire Jazz Composers Ensemble directed by Hans Koller and James Wilson-Rhead. As well as jazz Lydia really enjoys playing folk music. She plays percussion in a gypsy/folk band called N.O.M.A.D, the Kate Doubleday band and contributes to the mayhem that is the Conservatoire Folk Ensemble, check them out.Details of performances of all these ensembles can be found on this page.As well as playing music Lydia is passionate about supporting her local jazz scene in Birmingham. She has recently become part of the team that runs many of the local gigs called the 'Cobweb Collective'. A link to there website can be found below.
