Paul Hughes
Tuba
Paul Hughes is currently a Teaching and Learning Leader for Entrust Music Service Staffordshire and teaches all ranges and levels of brass instruments and Curriculum. He qualified as a teacher in July 2007 after completing his post-graduate PGCE degree at the RNCM in Manchester as a brass instrumental specialist.
Before he settled down into teaching, Paul studied the Tuba at the Royal Northern College of Music (RNCM) in Manchester for 4 years, under the direction of James Gourlay; also having master classes from Brian Kingsley, Roger Bobo, Mel Culbertson and Ewan Easton. Paul is originally from Great Barr, Birmingham and began to play the tuba at the age of 7 through the Sandwell Music Service. In the later stages of his development, Paul became the principal tuba player in The National Youth Wind Orchestra of Great Britain; a position that he held for two years.
During his time at the RNCM, Paul has been a member of the RNCM Symphony Orchestra, Brass Ensemble, New Ensemble and Brass Band. He was also a member of a tuba quartet called ‘Tuba4te’ who won the Phillip Jones Brass Ensemble competition at the RNCM in 2006. He has also been a member of some of Britain’s best Brass Bands, Sellers, BT, Fodens and Wingates. Supporting other high profile bands; such as Black Dyke, Grimethorpe and Faireys.
Along with his teachings, Paul performs as a freelance Tuba player, performing with many Choral Societies, amateur Orchestras and chamber ensembles in the country; most recently, the Wilmslow Symphony Orchestra, with whom he had the privilege of performing the Edward Gregson Tuba Concerto conducted by the composer himself as part of his 70th birthday celebrations. From playing with these fine ensembles, Paul has experienced performing in many of the UK’s prestigious concert halls in London, Birmingham, Manchester, Liverpool and York. He is now the regular Tuba player in 2 chamber ensembles, the famous ‘Corus Brass Ensemble’, based in Bolton and the WSO Brass Quintet, who regularly perform across the North West.