Hilary and I met whilst studying music together at Edinburgh university in the early 1980s. Music has played a central role in our lives both as performers and in enabling others to participate in and enjoy their musical experiences. We have worked in education with children, we have directed music in church, we have worked with fellow professional musicians in a wide variety of settings. Go to the various pages in this website to see what we do and are able to offer and to read what others have said about us.
Bill and Hilary Jones are able to provide a wide range of music services including:
* online and live performances
* composition and arrangements
* music for special occasions including weddings and funerals
* community singalongs
* years of experience in classical and jazz music
* conducting and directing
* musical education
* freelance performance
* musical consultation
* birthday video greetings
Bill Jones
Bill Jones B Music (Hons) PGCE(Primary): I am a singer, trombonist, pianist, arranger, composer, and former headmaster.
I love music and the joy it brings to others. Music to me includes everything from the excellent art that is produced by choirs and orchestras, esoteric and clever arrangements as well as the spontaneity of community singing. As a singer I have performed professionally as a soloist and within chamber choirs. As a jazz musician I play trombone, piano and sing. As a former headmaster of an independent prep school, director of church music and conductor of choirs and ensembles, I can offer years of wide experience in music-making as well as original compositions and arrangements suited to a variety of amateur and professional ensembles.
* Jazz trombonist, pianist and singer with a variety of bands
* Director of Music at St Peter’s Church, Musselburgh (1987-1995) and at St Michael's Linlithgow (2021-present)
* Member of Capella Nova (1987-1995) - Scotland’s foremost professional chamber choir
* Cathedral lay clerk (St Mary’s Edinburgh, Lincoln and Canterbury Cathedrals
* Singer, recitalist, and soloist with choral societies
* Tutor for Strathclyde University Centre For Lifelong Learning (through the Cappella Nova Outreach Programme)
I have sung for as long as I can remember, and a life in music thrills me.
When I sang as a cathedral chorister I discovered the thrill of singing music that does what you want it to do. It sent a thrill through me.
When I discovered and played jazz I found delight in creating and improvising and the joy of music that swings.
When I busk on the streets of Edinburgh, Paris, and Bruges or performed to hundreds on concert platforms I am thrilled by the excitement and danger of live performance and providing pleasure through music.
When I became a teacher I discovered the thrill of imparting that love of music to others.
When I have arranged and directed musical shows and community programmes I am thrilled by the experience of seeing a project come to life and the joy it brings to both audience and performers.
I am thrilled by the enlivened response from care home residents to our singalong programmes which include songs and instrumental from all traditions.
Hilary Jones
Hilary Jones B Mus (Hons) LGSM PGCE(Music): I have worked as Head of Music, running Ceilidh bands, string ensembles, recorders, guitars, and full orchestra.
I enjoy playing quartets and especially the baroque and classical repertoire. I have been a class, violin, and piano teacher, and have coordinated a team of visiting music teachers assisting in church with both choral and instrumental groups.
Bill and I have worked together on many varied music projects including community music-making for both young children and the elderly. Walking, cycling and Scottish dancing keep me active.
