As a conductor and musical director, Stewart Lewins has travelled around Britain and Europe, and across the Atlantic where he has enjoyed the opportunities to conduct the Mid Michigan Brass Band and Midland Concert Band, and to perform with Tri-City Trumpets.
Growing up on the Sussex coast, near the vibrant seaside town of Brighton, Stewart began his musical journey as a child, learning to play the trumpet and joining the local Scouts' marching band. Making quick progress, he was soon invited to join a local brass band, The Hangleton Band, where he further developed his ability as a musician, on cornet and percussion.
From 2000 to 2003 Stewart was studying for his music degree and received excellent tuition from some inspirational musicians. He studied guitar with James Woodrow and Kevin Byrne, drums and percussion with John O'Hara and Jeremy Little, and conducting with Roger Heaton.
For a couple of years before moving away to study as a music student, Stewart was given the opportunity to conduct Brighton's award-winning Fretful Federation Mandolin Orchestra, winning prizes in national competition, and after attaining his music degree he was appointed as MD to Midsomer Norton and Radstock Silver Band and regularly conducted Filton Concert Brass. At this time he also taught brass and percussion locally and in schools in Somerset and Bristol, including Queen Elizabeth's Hospital and Clifton High School.
In 2008 Stewart relocated to Reading and has built up a busy schedule of conducting and teaching in the area. Having benefitted from the mentorship of the respected band conductors Derek Broadbent and Paul Cosh, he is currently the MD to both Pangbourne and Tadley brass bands and to Cholsey and Wallingford Concert Band, Beech Hill Concert Band, and Reading Concert Band. At the piano, Stewart also leads the Firtree Songsters, which is a choir for retired people - members of Reading's Firtree Club. He is also a tutor for Henley Music School, with whom he runs guitar, brass and drumming groups, and is the conductor of the music school's adult group Henley Youthful Orchestra, as well as visiting primary and secondary schools to deliver both individual and class music sessions. Stewart enjoys working with children and adults alike to bring out the best of their musical abilities. Before becoming a professional conductor, Stewart achieved success as a player in brass bands, competing nationally in the Championship Section at brass band contests as principal cornet in Sandhurst Silver Band. He continues to perform regularly on trumpet, trombone and percussion.
