BIOGRAPHY...

Kerin Bailey was born in Kadina, a rural town 150 kilometres north west of Adelaide, in 1949. He commenced piano lessons at age seven and his interest in jazz dates from then. He began playing for local dances and concerts at eleven, a key element in developing his improvisational skills.

In 1977 he graduated from the University of Adelaide with an Honours degree in music, majoring in Classical piano under renowned concert pianist and teacher Lance Dossor. Trumpet was studied as a second instrument and later flute. Since then he has enjoyed a varied career in music including eight years as a music lecturer with TAFE, contracts with the University of SA, and continues to be in demand as a professional musician and teacher.

Composition initially came in response to a practical need - recital pieces for students and collaboration with writer/lyricist Dave Brown on several critically acclaimed youth musicals. The experience of working at close hand with young aspiring musicians has enabled Bailey to refine his unusual skill of being able to compose in a way which is not only musical but also accessible to students in the early to upper intermediate grades. His classical training ensures all pieces are composed using proven classical techniques.

Bailey's introduction of syncopated freshness and originality - a cross-over mixture of jazz and classical styles - has also made his music attractive to examining bodies around the world. Recent commissions include organ and vocal works for Trinity College London; piano, trumpet and saxophone pieces for the AMEB; music and a CD for the Gillian Rubenstein play Each Beach; and arrangements for the CD A Golden Christmas for flute and harp (Move Records MD 3169)