Assistant Organist

In the past we have employed an Organ Scholar who has usually been a student at Birmingham Conservatoire. In recent years we have felt that the choir has required a more experienced accompanist than we have been able to find from the ranks of students. The St. Alphege council have generously agreed to fund a new post of Assistant Organist which it is hoped will attract the excellent musicians needed to support the choral tradition here at St. Alphege.

We are delighted to welcome Jon Payne as our assistant organist. Jon brings a wealth of experience beyond his years to the post and is also a skilled choral director.

Having studied composition and conducting at university, Jon's first appointment was as Director of the Wenhaston Boys' Choir in Suffolk, during which time he also worked for Aldeburgh Festival. From 1999 to 2001, he was Organ Scholar at Norwich Cathedral
where he took part in recordings and broadcasts as well as directing the cathedral choirs and playing for services. He worked for Norfolk Music Service before taking up a post as youngchoirs Choral Animateur for Solihull Music Service.

Jon Payne now works as a freelance choral animateur and conductor, singing teacher and composer based in the West Midlands.

As a choral animateur he has directed several highly successful choirs and managed
animation projects for youngchoirs (www.youngchoirs.net) and a number of 
educational music services.

As a singing teacher, Jon provides help with examination and audition preparation as
well as specific vocal issues. His students have gone on to achieve success as soloists,
West End singers and choristers in cathedral institutions. See the singing tuition
section.

As a composer of choral and instrumental music, Jon has completed a number of
exciting commissions and has several projects under way for 2006.

He can be contacted at