I taught myself to DJ a couple of years ago, and then shortly after that I learnt how to use the music software Ableton. Because I’d grown up involved in a lot of music, I understood the music theory behind it so the skill came quite naturally to me once I knew what all the buttons did!

On weekends, I perform in a variety of settings as a DJ, but mainly in clubs. Then, in my spare time, I’ll tinker on my laptop, finding new songs for my sets or even making new tunes myself using music software!

When I was around 16, I didn't know whether to do music full-time or just as a hobby - I was trying to decide between doing a Maths or a Music degree. Now, I work full-time in finance, but I absolutely love having the balance of the creativity I get as an artist and DJ to come home to after a long week in the office.

• Creating new blends, using vocals and backings from different tracks. 
• Putting my music theory knowledge to the test. E.g. making sure the keys of subsequent tracks are compatible using the circle of fifths. 
• Having my songs played on the radio - my songs have been played on BBC Radios 1 and 6!
• Making connections with people all over the world through music.
• That you can collaborate on tracks with other producers regardless of location.
• Giving back to my community. I founded a project called the Beatriarchy; we run beginner DJ workshops, club nights, and panels to provide opportunities and learning for marginalised communities within the DJ scene. 
• Interacting with people through music in such a different way than I did growing up.

I started in First Blow Band at Musica Shelley when I was 5 years old playing the clarinet. This was actually my second instrument as I’d been playing the piano at home with my mum since I was 3. My mum said that she remembers me playing the clarinet in First Blow and my feet didn’t even touch the floor so I was just playing with my legs just swinging around!

From there, I moved up through the ranks to Senior Wind Band with my clarinet. I then joined Shelley Big Band on the keys and saxophone. I also joined Musica Youth Jazz on the keys and Musica Youth Orchestra on the clarinet. As you can see, I interacted with a lot of different ensembles throughout my time at Musica.

I think, for me, it was the openness to having a go. I wasn't just piegon-holed to do the grades of one instrument. While having clarinet lessons with Musica, I was then encouraged to have a go at the saxophone. I was then able to join the Big Band and do jazz as well as classical. I was able to do orchestras as well as the more improv stuff which was super cool as I was exposed to such different types of music.

I really appreciated the openness and receptiveness of my teachers to let me have a go at other instruments. After I'd done my clarinet grades, they let me have a go at learning the flute - I think I even had a go at the bassoon at one point! I loved trying out loads of different things; not only different types of music, but also different types of instruments, and learning to play with people in different styles and in different settings.

I think definitely playing the Royal Albert Hall for sure. I live in London now and I actually watched Holst's Planets Suite a couple of months ago, and as I was sat there, I thought back on the multiple times that I have plated here, and it’s amazing to think about. I played at the Albert Hall through Music For Youth with a lot of Musica ensembles that I was a part of. I think what an amazing thing to have been able to do and say that I've done in my childhood and I'm really grateful for that.

• Enjoy and try music in all forms! Music can be whatever you want it to be. 

Growing up, I mainly focused on getting all of my grades and learning the theory, but looking back, the things I enjoyed the most were trying out new instruments and playing with other people. 

• Don't just focus on solo practice - branch out and involve other people. 

An instrument can be quite solitary if you're just practicing by yourself. Excelling in your instrument is great, but think about where you can go from there. For instance, with all of the theory I learnt in my childhood, I can now apply it to electronic music and DJing.