Biography

There, I studied piano, piano accompaniment and flute, graduating with a GRSM* honours degree in 1987.  (* GRSM - Graduate of the Royal Schools of Music.  The Royal Schools of Music are:  the Royal Academy of Music, London and the Royal College of Music, London).

At the Academy, I spent a lot of time accompanying other students.  I loved working with the sound and quality of different instruments and voices, the variety of repertoire, and the musicians' contrasting personalities.  As an accompanist, I enjoyed providing support and being creative with someone else.  Instead of heading to the bar for a drink, I'd rush to a practice room with a fellow musician, to try out a new piece - what a nerd!

I was lucky to have been part of the Academy’s very first jazz course, mentored by UK bandleader/jazz trumpeter Graham Collier and jazz pianist Michael Garrick.  My  fond recollections include performing my composition “Horn Lines” at the famous Bass Clef jazz club in London, watching US sax player Art Porter Jnr improvise on a soprano sax for 20 continuous minutes while circular breathing,  and making music with the RAM Big Band.  When UK sax player Courtney Pine asked me,“where did you learn to sing jazz like that?”, a young Mei replied (not knowing the man was Courtney Pine), “you don’t learn to sing jazz … you’re born to sing jazz!”

After travelling and living in various countries, I am now a proud Australian citizen.  I moved to Hobart in 1997, where my musical activities included:  resident pianist at Hadleys Hotel;  accompanist at St Virgil’s College and Fahan School;  founder and musical director of the Dawn Chorus gospel choir (Tasmania’s only originals choir) and of the Hobart Jazz Choir;  composer (commissions include: Tasmanian A Cappella Festival, Tasmanian Three Peaks Race);  arranger;  teacher, mentor and coach; Musician In Residence at the Moonah Arts Centre; and facilitator of the Music Showcase series of concerts at Hadleys Hotel.

Following 2 thyroid operations in May 2005, I was unable to sing or even speak normally.  Years later, I am only now regaining some control over my singing voice.  For more detailed information, click here:  Voice.

From 2007-2009, I was based in Sydney.  I did some accompanying at the Sydney Conservatorium, and was an official accompanist for the Sydney Eisteddfod. 

Currently, I am living in Repton on the New South Wales mid-north coast (just south of Coffs Harbour, of Big Banana fame, and a short drive from Bellingen, noted for its annual jazz festival).  I've been embraced by the local music community and am enjoying music-making in these lovely surroundings. 

I enjoy using my wide range of musical talents to help, enhance, nurture and encourage others with their music.  I vow to take on any musical project with passion, commitment and excellence. 

I am a keen snooker player and an organic food enthusiast.