Lorna Parkhouse

Lorna is a Professional Musician, beginning her career as a Classically trained concert pianist, studying at the Guildhall School of Music and Drama, having completed grade 8 piano age 10, alongside grade 8 cello. Lorna performed piano concertos across Europe and worked as a Musical Director of various shows in London/touring, appointed as official accompanist for the Association of British Choral Directors and has been Musical Director of numerous choirs and musical theatre groups across the UK for many years. Lorna moved from London to Shropshire in 1999, completing a Postgraduate teaching qualification to build upon her prior experiences of being Professor of Music at Blackheath Conservatoire of Music and RADA in London. Lorna was a Senior Leader and Head of Music for 21yrs before moving into a portfolio career – combining elements of education, leadership and working as a professional musician. Current job roles include Musical Director for The People’s Show Choir Shrewsbury and The Darby Singers Community Choir, MD for multiple Musical Theatre societies (2023 includes School of Rock for Shrewsbury Musical Theatre Company, 9 to 5 for Telford and District Light Operatic Players and Joseph for Wellington Community Musical), teaching at Wrekin College/Future Talent Learning, plus freelancing as pianist, conductor, vocal workshops, consultancy work, adjudicator for festivals and competitions and published choral arranger.