Peter Cooke, born in Stafford in 1987, began studying classical guitar at the age of 10. He studied under Selina Copley from 1997 until 2004, when he received a place at the Royal Scottish Academy of Music and Drama to undertake a Bmus (Hons) degree in classical guitar, where he is currently under the tuition of Philip Thorne MBE and Allan Neave. Whilst at the RSAMD Peter began studying Lute with Dr Peter Argondizza and now continues his studies with the renowned Lutanist, Rob Mackillop and works with talented classical singer Jessica Leary, performing lute and guitar song.
Away from his formal training Peter discovered the electric guitar in his mid teens and this sparked his interest into the many different musical styles the guitar has to offer. He now plays electric and acoustic guitar as well as bass guitar, mandolin, drum kit and of course classical guitar and lute.
Peter is a versatile musician and enjoys playing anything that a plucked string instrument has to offer, from the music of the early 16th century to modern day rock, pop and folk. Being so varied has led Peter to perform in a vast array of musical settings from the tranquillity of the concert hall to the noise of open-air venues. He has played on stages ranging from the orchestral pit of the theatre to performing ‘off the back of a lorry’…literally.
As a freelance guitarist Peter has been involved in a wide variety of rewarding music making, such as working on school plays, amateur dramatic productions and music company showcases. He has played guitar for musicals including Grease, Bugsy Malone, High School Musical and Smike as well as various pantomimes. He has also been involved with a number of productions staged at the prestigious Edinburgh Fringe Festival.
As a classical guitarist Peter has won both the Guitar Recital and Overall Festival Recital trophies at the Dudley Competitive Music Festival and performances with The Lobos Classical Guitar Duo include the renowned De Vere Belfry in the West Midlands and providing music at events attended by Alastair Campbell, Rt. Hon. Lord Peter Mandelson and HM the Queen.
Peter has played with the National Youth Guitar Orchestra, the Staffordshire Guitar Orchestra and the Staffordshire Youth Jazz Orchestra; whose appearances include Victoria Hall, Dudley Castle, Quorn Hall and a tour of Austria.
Peter has performed on guitar for rock band EMP, drum kit for metal band DeadAir and currently plays guitar with rock band Holm Street.
In January 2008 Peter began playing acoustic guitar for contemporary folk singer, Eilidh Grant as part of The Eilidh Grant Band, debuting with them at the Rutherglen folk festival in March 08. This opened a whole new world of music to Peter, which he is thoroughly enjoying.
Pauline has been playing the flute for more years that she cares to remember. She has been playing in various classical groups for years and also in the good time ceilidh band 'The Roaring Mary'. She enjoys playing a variety of different styles and cites as influences whatever session she was last at. In her other life, she spreads health messages round schools.
