Whilst at Birmingham Keith held the position of Organ Scholar at St Chad's R.C. Cathedral. He was later Assistant Organist at St Columba's Parish Church, Sutton Coldfield and toured Germany with both of these choirs. In 1991 he was a prize winner at the Oundle International Organ Festival and in 1993 was awarded the Leonard Gibbons Memorial Prize by the Birmingham Organists Association.

From 1994 to 1995 he was Organ Scholar at Lincoln Cathedral, studying under Colin Walsh — one of the country's finest organists, particularly noted for his skills in improvisation.

As a recitalist Keith has performed throughout the Country including: Westminster Abbey, Rochdale Town Hall, Victoria Hall Hanley, Liverpool Cathedral and St Georges Hall. In July 1997 he gained his FRCO whilst studying with Kevin Bowyer, Andrew Fletcher and David Ponsford.

From 1997 to 1998 Keith was Organ Scholar at Liverpool Cathedral under Professor Ian Tracey — certainly one of the most popular and exciting recitalists in the world. The Cathedral houses the mighty 5-manual 146-stop Willis organ which is the largest Church organ in Europe!

Keith is now establishing himself as a concert organist, tutor and accompanist. In August 1999 he undertook with great success a concert tour of Holland and Germany which included the amazing 4-manual Walcker Organ at St Martinikerk in Doesburg, Holland and the superb Rieger Organ at St Mariä Himmelfahrt in Kleve, Germany.

His concerts are wide and varied and are presented musically and verbally in such a style that makes the organ very accessible. He believes that organ concerts can be fun and chooses his programmes to bring new and regular listeners to the organ — ensuring that the organ is "The King of Instruments".

Contact details and further information

E-mail Keith Hearnshaw

For further details, see Keith Hearnshaw's website