Meet Our Team

Strategic Development Manager

Dan Merrick

For the past twelve years I've been the strategic lead and manager of the University's International Concert Series. Details of my wider School role can be found here: https://ahc.leeds.ac.uk/music/staff/366/dan-merrick-

I caught the home computing bug, learning to program the Sinclair ZX81, as a teenager. That thirst for precision grew into a love of electronic music, and an obsession with sound, and sound making equipment. 70's/80's culture continues to fascinate me - Kraftwerk, Gary Numan, The Human League | pinball, jukeboxes, arcade and gaming machines | even the computer and boardgames I play are vintage! During 20 years in the School of Music, my appreciation of all forms of music, and music making, has broadened significantly, and life off-campus continues to reflect that.

Concert Series Coordinator

Jessica Ward

I began working for the University of Leeds International Concert Series in 2012 after graduating from the University with an undergraduate degree in Music and Maths and a Masters in Composition. I currently programme the series and oversee its day-to-day running and development. Alongside working for the University, I enjoy a varied part-time career as a freelance music educator: teaching piano and providing piano accompaniment for a range of concerts, productions, and instrumental and vocal exams. From rural Derbyshire, I love the outdoors, nature and countryside walks.

Recording & Music Technology Technician

Prior to starting work for the School of Music in 2014 I built and ran my own 185 square metre recording studio and toured the world with various bands (Opeth, Lacuna Coil, Cradle of Filth, Uriah Heep) as either a sound engineer, monitor engineer or backline technician. I now handle all technical aspects of the Concert Series show, which can involve lighting the stage, setting up and mixing multiple microphones including immersive multi-speaker set ups, setting up and vision mixing multiple cameras including coordinating live streaming events online with pre-rolls and overlays. Taken from my touring background, I like to make every event a “show”, which could mean anything from having extra stage lighting to having a professional online video stream. Outside of University, I accompany a community choir, Big Al’s Big Choir, founded by School of Music alumni, Alice Higgins, and enjoy console gaming, cooking, and 3D printing.

 

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Concerts Events Assistants 2026/27

 

Bethan Cole

Hi, I’m Bethan and I’m a 3^rd year BA Music student. I’m a flautist, harpist and singer, and I’m really excited to be working in the Concert Series this year, as a concerts and events assistant. Since joining uni, I’ve been a part of LUUMS- the university wide music society, and LUUMIC- a music volunteering society, and have enjoyed spending my time playing in different ensembles and running music sessions. I also enjoy researching about the intersection of music and politics, with my final year project looking at the development of protest songs in Wales, and how it was influenced by Welsh folk music! Outside of music, I enjoy reading, drinking coffee, going for walks, and catching up on my four favourite sports- rugby, cricket, ice hockey and cycling!

Cecily Graham

My name is Cecily, and I am doing a master’s in performance. Throughout my time at Leeds University, being part of the LUUMS ensembles has offered me numerous performance opportunities, including tours to places such as Amsterdam, Belgium, Ireland and Scotland. During my third year of undergraduate studies, I had the privilege of studying in Australia, where I broadened my academic focus to include music production, astronomy, and Indigenous Studies. Some of my musical highlights there included attending performances of Mahler’s 5th Symphony and Dvořák’s 7th Symphony at the Sydney Opera House. On returning, I had the pleasure of working with the concert series for two years, helping to deliver an exceptional experience for both musicians and audiences alike. I very much look forward to working with the team for a third year.

Louis Stephenson

Hi, my name is Louis, I’m a second year BA Music student. I’ve been classically trained on piano and I’m self-taught on guitar. I love philosophy and have all sorts of questions about music I want to explore. Currently, I’m trying to explore a passion for music education and ways it could be improved or reformed. I really enjoy stories in all their forms, so I’m a fan of films, books, and video games. Some of my goals include learning jazz piano, joining a band, finding the meaning of life, and getting a dog. This year, I’m looking forward to taking on more opportunities, which include being a part of the concert series, joining one of the LUUMS choirs, getting more involved in the School of Music and more!

Jasmine Lee

I am in my third year studying Music and Music Psychology. I play the flute and have played multiple times in the Concert Series, I am thrilled to become an assistant this year, where I can work closely with professional musicians, and audiences who shares the same interest of music as me! I am a part of LUUMS-the University’s music society, I have thoroughly enjoyed my time there being in multiple ensembles since my first year. This year I also took up the role as Secretary, it has been an exciting experience for me so far! Other than playing flute, I also enjoy conducting, I am thrilled to begin my internship as the Opera North Youth Orchestra’s Assistant Conductor where I can’t wait to continue developing my skills. Outside of music, I enjoy spending time with my three cats, travelling in Europe and Asia, as well as drinking bubble tea!

Student Technicians 2026/27

 

Minsoo Kim

Hi, my name is Minsoo, and I’m a second-year BA Music and Enterprise student. I’m a producer, and I play the piano and drums. Last year, I was a BA Music and Music Technology Course Representative, and although I’ve slightly changed my course this year, I really enjoyed the experience. I found it incredibly valuable to communicate with others, learn from their ideas, and have meaningful discussions about how we could find better ways to do things.
I’m really excited to support the university this year as a Student Technician from behind the scenes. I’ll do my best to make sure that the musicians and performers can fully take the spotlight while I support them technically from behind the scenes. I’ve always enjoyed experimenting with new technology, including plugins, and all kinds of music equipment, which is one of the main reasons I was excited to apply for this role.
I’m also a big fan of R&B and hip-hop, so if you enjoy them too, feel free to come and have a chat with me anytime!