Elle Weaver
Course: BA Hons Classical (with Jazz)
Year of Graduation: 2022
Bio: I'm originally from Gateshead and I was lucky to have musicians for parents. My main interests are live performance, as well as session work and pit orchestras. Those that know me also know I'm a bit of a dinosaur nerd!
Follow Elle Weaver on socials:
eweaver.music
Your Career
What have your career highlights been so far?
- Recording violin at Abbey Road Studios
- Premiering The Boy Who Sailed The Ocean In An Armchair at Leicester Curve with NYMT
- Performing solo violin at the Roundhouse in London
- Recording viola for Artio's album 'Soul Rot' and getting reviewed by Kerrang!
- Leading York Grand Theatre's production of Kinky Boots
- Performing at The Domino Club with Aunty Freeda
What are your upcoming projects?
- Recording an EP with Aunty Freeda in Poland
- Enjoying a Bridgerton-style wedding season with my string quartet, India Rose Strings
- Playing in Fiddler on the Roof at the Jubilee Theatre, Newcastle
- Performing electric violin at Brudenell Social Club with Aunty Freeda
- Top secret recordings for local Leeds artists, to be announced!
Your Time at Leeds Conservatoire
What's your favourite memory from your time at Leeds Conservatoire?
My recital. I started the course with severe performance anxiety and could barely stand on the stage. My final recital was not only a huge achievement instrumentally for me, but demonstrated how confident I'd become. It was a huge milestone - I don't think I've ever smiled that much in one day. My face hurt!
What was the best piece of advice you were given during your time at Leeds Conservatoire?
Say yes, even if you don't feel like the best for the job. Someone has asked you to do work because they believe you are good enough. Don't second guess yourself just because it's not perfect. Believing you can do it is half the battle.
Do you have any advice for current students?
Do stuff. Try new genres, settings and types of work. I had never been in a recording studio prior to Leeds Conservatoire and had never even thought about doing session work but it's now probably one of my most regular sources of income. Be open to new things and discover what you're good at!
Your Time in Leeds
Why did you choose to study in Leeds?
I loved how much was going on, but also how friendly it is. I'm a northerner, and seeing a big city with lots to do, while also being surrounded by northerners just felt right! There's a lot of opportunities in many genres in Leeds, and it felt like a great place to set up a career.
Have you stayed after graduating? If so, which spots do you recommend?
I have stayed! Best spots for me are Brudenell Social Club as there's so much music going on, both big and small. Oporto as it's a great place to get your first headline gig. Kirkstall Abbey is a lovely place for a walk and some decompressing. The Corn Exchange is perfect for a coffee, book and quirky gifts.
