Born: London

Studied: Royal Academy of Music.

Joined: 2007

Career before the Royal Ballet Sinfonia: I was a freelancer but had already started a brass ensemble with Amos Miller who also happens to be the orchestra’s Principal Trombone.

Favourite pieces of music:Romeo and Juliet, Cinderella and Petrushka are all rich, beautiful scores for us as an orchestra. Away from ballet, the works of John Adams and Richard Strauss are hard to beat.

First album: The Muppet Show album – so many good songs. After that it was the The Smurfs followed by The Wombles.

Favourite ballet to play:Romeo and Juliet – so much for the tuba to do and you actually feel like you are important for a change. Prokofiev has a unique sound, too, which I love.

Why the tuba? I was a large ten-year-old and was the only person in my junior school who could hold it. I love its deep, blooming sound.

Most challenging piece you’ve played: The Penderecki Capriccio. Technically almost impossible, plus you have to try and thread all the hard stuff together to make it sound cohesive.

Alternative career: A London cabbie.

Most challenging non-musical thing you have done: I have been a humanist funeral celebrant for the last seven years. Working with bereaved families is enriching and rewarding but also full of challenges.

Who inspires you? People who feel able to speak out on important issues in a caring, empathetic manner in order to try and help others. We need more of this.

Places that inspire you: Venice and Edinburgh – beauty and gorgeous vibes.