Born: Bury, Lancashire

Studied: I attended the Royal Northern College of Music, studying violin with Richard Deakin.

Career before joining the Royal Ballet Sinfonia: I joined Northern Ballet Orchestra in 1992 while freelancing with the main orchestras in and around Manchester.

Joined: 2001

First ballet or concert you saw: I was taken to a concert by the Hallé Orchestra at the Manchester Free Trade Hall when I was nine, and was mesmerised by the sound and huge number of musicians on stage.

First album:Hunky Dory by David Bowie. Apart from being a huge David Bowie fan, it was the first time I realised strings were so important in his music.

Why the violin? I was introduced to the violin at six years old and was lucky to have started learning an instrument when lessons were offered in school for free to all. I enjoyed it from the start and had a wonderful teacher who I am still friends with now.

What is special about the violin: There is a certain connection and communication between musicians when playing together that you don’t necessarily experience elsewhere. It is a wonderful feeling to create sounds as an orchestra and I still get goose bumps!

Favourite ballet to play: Romeo and Juliet for the amazing musical and emotional journey we take in each performance. A close runner is Cinderella – both Prokofiev’s wonderful scores and intricate orchestration.

Alternative career: Probably something to do with Geology, working outdoors.

Most challenging non-musical thing you have done: Raising my two wonderful sons!

A place that inspires you: Being on top of any fell in the Lake District with their vast stunning views and peaceful sounds of nature.