David Setchell was born in Blackpool, Lancashire, where he received his early musical education. He studied pianoforte with the late Edith Kaye-Perry, winning many prizes for pianoforte performance at musical festivals across the North of England.
He was part of a generation of talented musicians originating from Blackpool at that time, including David Ball (later of ‘Soft Cell’) and Chris Lowe of ‘The Pet Shop Boys’, with whom he formed a successful swing band in the late 1970s. Having graduated from Exeter University, David attained a Post-Graduate Certificate of Education in English and Music from the University of East Anglia in 1984. He taught at Hinchingbrooke School, Huntingdon, for many years, and was Organist at the Free Church, St Ives (1986-2002), Organist and Choirmaster at the Bunyan Meeting Free Church in Bedford (2004-2006). A versatile musician, David has played in many different capacities - from organist at the wedding of the ‘Bride of the Year’ to rehearsal pianist for the New Zealand Royal Ballet! David now combines a busy schedule as teacher of piano and music theory with piano performances at weddings, drinks receptions and corporate events. He offers a wide-ranging and extensive repertoire encompassing jazz, swing, ‘cocktail- lounge’, popular and light classical styles, aiming to make every programme of as wide appeal as possible, whilst offering a uniquely personal service to each client. David has been delighted to play recently at the following prestigious venues: Kelmarsh Hall, Northampton; Whittlebury Hall, Towcester; Sidney Sussex College, Cambridge; Leez Priory, Chelmsford;The Marriott Hotel, Huntingdon; The Rickety Barn, Staploe; Yaxley Hall, Suffolk; Longstowe Hall, Cambridge; Chippenham Lodge, Newmarket; New Hall College, Cambridge; Maison Talbooth, Dedham; Gosfield Hall, Essex; The Samuel Pepys Diary Rooms, Huntingdon; Vaulty Manor, Maldon; Orwell Park, Ipswich; Sheene Mill, Cambridge; Pipewell Hall, Northamptonshire |