“I was thoroughly impressed with your playing on each of the three days. You are a real storyteller with your tuba. You have a complete grasp of technique, and are expressive and shape the music at all tempos, and in all moods of the music.

Your preparation was immaculate, there was not one phrase that was not thought out and delivered pretty much to perfection. I love the control of dynamics and at certain moments, a thoroughly beautiful expression in your sound. Never overdone and always in perfect balance to the music that comes before and after.

I know just how much work this involves, and I congratulate you for your dedication to your art and hope that in the future you don’t lose any of the passion and attention to detail that you show now. Again, congratulations this was a thoroughly deserved, result and receive universal praise from everyone of the judges, not to mention the audience. I hope we meet again soon. All the best,“

Steven Mead

Antibes Tuba Competition, France, March 2023 (after winning the 1st prize).