1. Alexander Abbott BMus (hons), Cert HE (Th), ALCM
28 Duncan Close, Welwyn Garden City, Hertfordshire, AL7 3XP
07905 984126
a_abbott@hotmail.co.uk
CHARACTER:
I am an enthusiastic, good humoured, organised and committed person who is able to work well under
pressure and capable of meeting deadlines whether individually or in a group. I thrive on learning new skills
and working in a challenging environment. I possess strong people skills which have been developed in roles
both as team leader and team member involving interaction with all ages.
CAREER HISTORY:
2015 – Freelance pianist and keyboard player
• Worked for venues such as Soho Theatre, Wales Millennium Centre, Oxford Playhouse, Warner
Hotels, Courtyard Theatre and Coltsfoot Centre
2012 – 15 Musical Director, Saga Sapphire
• Joined in Sept 2012 since when the band scores have been consistently good
• Worked with artists such as Lionel Blair, Dana, Anita Harris, Lyn Paul, Mike Sterling, Elaine
Delmar, Madeline Bell
• Arranged and composed music for special events such as Christmas, St Patrick’s Day, Burns Night,
Valentine’s Ball
• Liaised with Cruise Directors, Hotel Directors and Captains as well as Stage Managers, band
members, administrative staff, agents and Head Office
• Directed several Passenger Choirs achieving consistently high scores
• Performed solo cabarets
• Presented and compiled themed Band shows
• Completely reorganised the band’s music
• Responsible for the day-to-day organisation and administration of musicians onboard
• Clean disciplinary record
1997-2012 Company Administrator, Vocal Coach and Lecturer in Music Theatre at The Bridge
Theatre Training Company, London
• PA to the Joint Artistic Directors including diary management and administrative support
• Administrator for all college activities including timetabling, liaising with advertising agents,
arranging staffing, website upgrades, performance rights and external venues, designing and
producing adverts, arranging and administrating Trustees Meetings, maintaining financial records,
filing, typing and drafting emails and letters, receptionist.
• Extensive use of Microsoft Word, Outlook, Publisher and Excel, Quark and Dreamweaver.
• Singing Teacher for all students, preparing them for auditions and showcase performances.
• Lectured in Musical Theatre, especially the works of Stephen Sondheim.
• Compiler and designer of programmes for performances in major West End theatres.
2006 Temporary Administrator with Reed Employment Agency
Employed at Roche Products Ltd in the Pharma Division Outsourcing Resource
department
• PA to the Head of PDOR including diary management and administrative support.
2. • Main administrator for the Central Laboratory Preferred Partner Initiative working globally in
preparing PowerPoint and Excel presentations, arranging a major conference and due diligence tours
of laboratories in Europe and the US.
• Travel planning and organising meetings for the department.
• Extensive use of Microsoft Word, Outlook, PowerPoint and Excel, Global Expenses and PPS.
2005-6 Temporary Secretary with Adecco Employment Agency
Employed at Tesco Head Office in the Trading Law and Technical department.
• Main administrator for Tesco Bird Flu policy liaising both internally to boardroom level and
externally with government departments and EU representatives.
• Main administrator for Tesco Product Improvement Programme communicating regularly with
suppliers.
• Assistant to the organiser of the department annual conference.
• Data entry and extensive use of Microsoft Word, Excel and PowerPoint as well as Lotus Notes.
• Preparation of documents for board meetings and public display.
• Basic secretarial tasks such as mail distribution, letter writing, dictation from tape, preparing minutes
and Next Steps, booking and arranging meetings, answering telephone calls, typing.
Composer and Arranger
• Composer of 6 musicals with performances in various London theatres
• Composer of numerous sacred and secular choral pieces including major works commissioned by
societies throughout Britain
• Arranger of music for orchestra, dance band, choirs and soloists
1994-9 Director of Music at the Parish of Wisley with Pyrford, Woking, Surrey
1995-7 Accompanist and Vocal Coach at Drama Centre, Chalk Farm, London
1996-8 Music Teacher at Pyrford Primary School, Woking, Surrey
1985-95 Director of Music at Allen House Preparatory School, Woking, Surrey
1986-9 Tutor in Music Theatre: Adult Education, Surrey County Council
1986-7 Musical Director, Opera Omnibus
1984-6 Piano Teacher at King Edward’s School, Witley, Surrey
1981-6 Tenor Choral Scholar and Lay Clerk at Guildford Cathedral
EDUCATION AND QUALIFICATIONS:
• 1974 – 81 Nantwich and Acton Grammar School
7 O levels: Maths, English Language, English Literature, Music, Economics, Biology,
French
3 A/O levels: English, Maths, General Studies
4 A levels: English, Maths, Music, General Studies
• 1981-4 University of Surrey
Degree: BMus (hons)
Diploma: ALCM (piano performance)
• 1998-9 London Bible College
Diploma: Cert HE (Theology)
INTERESTS: Composing, conducting and performing music, watching rugby, cricket and football,
collecting 20th
century pottery and glass.
REFERENCES (details on request)
Mr Ralph Salmins
