Chris Blurton
Chris's love for music started at just five years old, he began piano lessons, marking the start of a lifelong connection with music. His dedication to the instrument was clear from a young age, as he went on to take his grades and to perform and compete in the Torbay Festival of Music. His talent didn't end with the piano, however. Chris had a passion for dancing and amateur dramatics, and one of his childhood highlights was starring as Oliver at the Festival Theatre in Paignton. This blend of music, dance and drama laid the foundation for a future rooted in creativity and performance.
As Chris grew older, his interests expanded, and while many expected him to pursue a music-related career, his path took an unexpected turn. He initially started a degree in accounting and finance, but soon realised that crunching numbers wasn’t his true calling, “Boring!”. He needed something more dynamic, something that resonated with his passions and interests. Psychology at Plymouth University was the answer, and his fascination with human behavior and learning grew from there.
The world of education beckoned, and after completing his psychology degree, Chris decided to follow a more teaching-focused route, enrolling in a PGCE program at Exeter. This opened up new possibilities for him, allowing him to combine his love for teaching and his passion for music.
Chris began developing his instrument teaching skills while working as a primary class teacher. His time in the classroom gave him valuable experience in managing groups of children and understanding how different students learn. But it was music that continued to tug at his heartstrings, leading him to focus on combining his love of education and music in his professional life.
His first formal teaching position took him halfway across the world to the United Arab Emirates, where he spent two sunny and fulfilling years. Teaching in the UAE allowed Chris to further hone his craft and experience a new culture, both in and out of the classroom. After those vibrant years abroad, he decided to return to his roots in Devon, bringing back not only teaching experience but also a fresh perspective on education.
Now back in the UK, Chris continues to nurture his students' musical talents, sharing with them the same passion he discovered all those years ago at the piano. His journey from young piano prodigy to a well-rounded educator shows the importance of following your passions, even when the road seems uncertain. From the festival stage to the classroom, Chris’s story is a testament to the power of creativity and lifelong learning.
