Alexis Ffrench - Songbird (Solo Piano Version) EP (2022) Hi-Res

Leading composer / pianist / producer Alexis Ffrench to partner with Associated Board of the Royal Schools as first ever artistic director to inspire diverse range of music learners around the world.

Classical-soul artist Alexis Ffrench – composer, pianist, producer and passionate advocate for music education – will partner with ABRSM as its first ever artistic director to help in its efforts to broaden the appeal of classical music learning around the world in order that a new and more diverse generation of young people can reap the rewards of musical achievement.

The acclaimed artist and classical-soul pioneer has amassed half a billion global streams and is at the vanguard of composers reframing and reimagining classical music for new audiences. Signed exclusively to Sony Classical, Alexis Ffrench’s new collaboration with ABRSM will help broaden the appeal of classical music and reach out to learners following less formal progression paths.

ABRSM Chief executive Chris Cobb said: “Our vision for the future of ABRSM is clear: to inspire as wide a range of learners as we can from around the world to experience the joy of music. We are passionate about the role music plays in our lives as individuals and in society at large.

Everyone at ABRSM is tremendously excited to be collaborating with Alexis to bring together his ambition and ours. As Artistic Director, he will help us to support musical progression in all forms, reaching out to a more diverse range of learners and musicians whose participation in music-making may be through less formal educational routes or assessments.

Alexis will help to bring to life our new Performance Grades, leading on master classes and concerts, demonstrating the impact that personality brings to performance. His influence on our repertoire will also be important as we seek to further extend the diversity of our syllabuses and the musical genres we support.”

Alexis Ffrench has devised and led music courses for the Prince’s Trust, in partnership with Sony Music UK, and posts tutorials on YouTube and social media to help young musicians develop their skills. He has also used his music to highlight mental health issues, discuss diversity and to challenge the classical world to be more inclusive.

Alexis Ffrench noted: “I am thrilled to partner with ABRSM as its first ever Artistic Director because, above all, it means that I will have the distinct privilege of helping shape and enrich the musical journeys of performers and learners of all ages, all over the world – working to raise each and every joyful voice in celebrating their progress, achievements, and collective love for music in all its forms.

Having worked across the full panoply of the musical landscape, from core classical to jazz, world, contemporary and all things in between – one of the things I am so looking forward to doing alongside ABRSM colleagues is further supporting the drive to embrace the diverse mosaic of cultural influences, genres, and progressive innovation, to form a truly representative picture of the music that inspires musicians to express their individuality: music that speaks to performers’ passions, drives enthusiasm, informs musicianship, and provides the ideal platform for artistic development.

I am particularly keen to consider new contexts for musical expression, collaborative opportunities, and explore creative pathways for musicians engaged in self-directed, non-didactic music making in recognition of, and appreciation for, the exciting and panoramic range of talents, interests, and experiences demonstrated in non-traditional arenas.

Musically speaking, my hope is to embrace a global network of learners and aspiring performers, and harness their creative potential for joyful music-making and artistic exploration to the fullest.

It’s going to be quite a ride, and I can’t wait to start working with ABRSM’s Chief Executive, Chris Cobb, and his wonderful team in service of teachers and learners all over the world!”