My name is Kate Boden and I am the driving force behind Sound Roots. I have worked as a professional musician and instrumental tutor since 2006, and hold a Licentiate (with Distinction) from the Royal Academy of Music, where I also studied for my Postgraduate Performance Diploma (Trumpet) from 2006 – 2008. Trumpet is my first instrument, but I have experience in teaching all brass instruments, piano, recorder and music theory. More recently I have also completed TES training modules in Safeguarding: Child Protection in Education (Music), Safeguarding: The Prevent Duty and Duty of Care: UK Data Protection (Education) (click here to view certificates).

I took up playing the trumpet at the age of nine, where I had lessons in school. I was invited to join the Championship section Aveley and Newham Brass Band at the age of 14. During my stay with the band, until I left to go to University, I played in numerous competitions, took part in a BBC radio recording, a Nike advertisement recording for Channel Four, and played on stage at the National Theatre for the London leg of the production “Brassed Off”. I was a member of the National Youth Brass Band of Great Britain for three years and a student at the Junior Guildhall School of Music & Drama for five years, performing in concerts and competitions at the Barbican, Royal Festival Hall and other venues around the country.

I read Business & Management at Exeter University, whilst keeping a high involvement in musical activities. I was Principal Trumpet of both the Exeter University Symphony Orchestra and Exeter University Jazz Orchestra. I also played in musical theatre productions put on by University Societies as well as performing music at graduation ceremonies.

After a two year stint working in London’s financial industry on the investment banking scene and playing in orchestras in my spare time, I returned to study at the Royal Academy of Music in 2006, where I received the W T Stephen and the Winifred Disney Awards to study for a Postgraduate Performance Diploma. As well as taking part in the LSO Side By Side scheme and performing regularly in masterclasses I played in the Academy’s many ensembles (Concert Orchestra, Leverhulme Orchestra, Manson Ensemble, Symphony Orchestra, Symphonic Brass). I also achieved the Licentiate of the Royal Academy of Music (LRAM) Teaching Diploma with Distinction.

I am now working as a freelance musician in the UK and abroad. Outside of the orchestral environment my work has included such diverse elements as performing at the Hua Hin Jazz Festival (Thailand), writing, recording and performing with the legendary Pete Brown (Cream), and performing with The Bombshellettes (a 15-piece ensemble paying homage to the all-girl swing bands of the 1940’s). Highlights in the years since graduating from RAM have included played Principal Trumpet in a joint recording venture with BBC Philharmonic and The Hallé orchestras for a Children In Need special and working with the Orchestra of English National Ballet in their new productions of Le Corsaire and Akram Khan’s Giselle, as well as the Christmas run of The Nutcracker. I also enjoyed a trip to Ireland to perform alongside my husband Samuel Boden with vocal group Sestina in a semi-staged production of The Fairy Queen with a period orchestra, performing on Natural Trumpet alongside Neil Brough. I have worked as a full time member of a number of function bands since graduating from RAM, as well as working as a Dep on many occasions for bands on an ad hoc basis, performing both at small private events and large corporate and public events.

I am a happy Mum of 3 children and enjoy juggling family and work life!

I look forward to taking your child on an exciting musical journey and would be happy to answer any questions should you wish to contact me directly.