About Edward Leaker

Edward Leaker MMus(London) BMus(Hons) LGSMD
Soprano, Alto, Tenor Saxophones

Edward Leaker is a saxophonist based in the South West of England.

Edward grew up in the West Country, studying the saxophone under prominent tutors and performing in a variety of musical settings. From an early age, he showed a great interest in studying jazz and classical styles on the instrument. Edward was awarded the status of Licentiate of the Guildhall School of Music and Drama for classical performance and later he successfully gained a first class honours degree studying with Duncan Lamont.

In 2004, Edward graduated from the Royal Academy of Music, London with a Masters Degree in Music Performance. He studied saxophone and clarinet at the Royal Academy under the instruction of Richard Addison and Martin Speake.

Since then, Edward has enjoyed a busy and varied freelance career performing in prestigious venues around Britain and Europe such as The Hotel de Paris in Monte Carlo, The Royal Albert Hall in London, The 100 Club in London and twice for The Queen! He has also performed with the National Youth Jazz Orchestra and the Emerald Ensemble and has appeared on BBC television’s ‘Born and Bred’.

Edward’s teaching commitments include tutoring saxophone and clarinet students at several leading independent schools in the South West of England, including Wells Cathedral Specialist Music School as well as running a private teaching practice and performance workshops. Edward is co-director of the ‘South West Saxophone Day’

Edward’s own groups include Blaze (a ground breaking crossover group comprising saxophone and strings), Jazz Machine (a funky soul band),Swing Machine (Edward’s own big band) and the Edward Leaker Trio.

Edward on MYSPACE

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