Edward Leaker
Edward graduated from the Royal Academy of Music with a Masters Degree in Music Performance having studied with Richard Addison, Martin Speake and Duncan Lamont. Since then, Edward has built an enviable reputation as a freelance saxophonist and educator. As a freelance musician, Edward has performed in a wide variety of settings, both classical and jazz, from big bands and jazz ensembles to solo recitals, quartets, orchestral and television work. Edward is always in demand as a saxophonist for his versatility and is well respected among musicians for his sound and approach.
A passionate educator, Edward currently holds the positions of Head of Instrumental & Vocal Coaching, Coordinator of Woodwind Studies and Coordinator of Jazz & Popular Music Studies at Wells Cathedral School. Edward’s extensive experience as an educator includes teaching the saxophone, clarinet, improvisation and jazz studies at several leading independent schools and for Kings College, London. In addition to this, Edward leads workshops and ensembles nationally and is a mentor and tutor for South West Music School. Edward also leads his own projects including Swing Machine Jazz Orchestra (a South West based big band featuring some of the top jazz musicians in the country), Blaze (a groundbreaking classical crossover group which features the saxophone with strings) and pop jazz ensemble The Edward Leaker Band. These groups perform nationally and have all released music available of CD or download.
Edward plays: Yanagisawa A9932J and S992.