About
Mackenzie
Passionate About Inspiring Others
Mackenzie began his musical journey at the age seven, with Mrs Lloyd in Brynithel, South Wales. Mackenzie quickly showed a flair at the piano, and had a very interesting musical journey to the pivotal moment where, age 15, he received a distinction for ABRSM Grade 8 piano. Mackenzie began studying under concert pianist Nicola Meecham at the Royal Welsh college of Music and Drama, who inspired Mackenzie to think greater in his piano career, and strive for bigger challenges in his playing. Mackenzie has always felt enormous privilege to gain a place at the Royal Northern College of Music, where he gained a masters with distinction.
Under Dr Murray McLachlan at the Royal Northern College of Music, Mackenzie had countless opportunities to work with some of the most distinguished artists in the classical music industry. In 2017, Mackenzie had the privilege of performing a piece written for Piano, Euphonium and Orchestra in Carnegie hall; one of the highlights of his career to date. During his time at the RNCM, Mackenzie rigorously trained to the highest level, where he regularly competed in recital competitions, and concerto competitions. A particularly commended interpretation was that of his Shostakovich Piano Concerto No. 1. In his final masters year, Mackenzie performed Edward Gregson's 'Friday A.M' in his masters recital, which preceded him performing the piece to Gregson himself in his home in the Peak District.
Mackenzie's accompanying career began in 2012, where at the age of 15, began accompanying the Ebbw Vale Male Choir. He has since won several awards for his sensitive accompanying, most notably the Chris Petty English Song Prize accompanist award back at the RNCM. Mackenzie is an extremely skilled coach too, where he accompanies students for their ABRSM exams and gives them advice on the art of playing with a pianist. He currently holds positions at the Halle in their choral division, Gatley Choral Society and Barney Choir. Mackenzie recently performed at the national eisteddfod as visiting pianist for Risca Male Choir. The link to the performance can be found here: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=7Y7XB6tywQQ
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Enabling children of any age and ability to perform in front of an audience and receive feedback has been at the forefront of Mackenzies ethos as a musician, and contributor to the society of music. So much so, he's the secretary of the Heaton Mersey Youth Festival, based in Stockport, Manchester, which gives children a non-competitive format to perform in. He also regularly enters students into the Alderley Edge Festival, where several of his students come first in their classes.
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Ballet pianism is something not many people know about Mackenzie and his abilities at the piano; he specialises in ballet class pianism, where he was trained under Nicki Williamson at Royal Ballet in London. Mackenzie regularly visits pineapple studios in Covent Garden to accompany classes.
Certifications
DipABRSM, BMus, MMus - Distinction