Rock legend Rick Wakeman has become a Patron of our keyboard department Keyboardtech.

Over a career spanning four decades, this pianist, keyboardist and composer has performed on an estimated 2,000 tracks and belonged to nearly one dozen bands.  Wakeman is known for being in Yes and Strawbs, although he has also performed in sessions with a diverse list of artists, including Elton John, David Bowie, Cat Stevens, Lou Reed, and Black Sabbath. He has maintained one of the busiest performance and session schedules in modern popular music and his career epitomises the aspirations of Tech Music Schools’ students.  

Rick said of his patronage: “There is a lot of musical talent out there, perhaps more than there has ever been, but sadly there are so few places for genuinely keen players who want to learn and progress with their music, and that's why I was extremely pleased to be asked to become a patron of Keyboardtech which does such fantastic work in supporting musical education and new talent. If you are a musician who really wants to become the best you can be, then I sincerely invite you to check out Keyboardtech and come on board to help your own personal development.” 

“We are truly delighted. Rick’s patronage is hugely important to us and to our cause.  He is an incredibly talented musician and speaker who recognises and endorses the positive work we are doing to help our students attain success in their musical careers.” says Francis Seriau, Founder and Managing Director of Tech Music Schools, “We are honoured to have Rick’s support in providing young musicians with an opportunity to gain industry training with nationally recognised qualifications in contemporary music. We look forward to having an involved and dynamic relationship with him.” 

Rick is an honorary professor at our partner institution, Thames Valley University. In a recent lecture at TVU, he spoke of his classical training and the crucial part his university education had played in his development. In her citation for Rick’s honorary professorship, Sara Raybould from TVU said: "Paramount is his love of all styles of music, his knowledge of classical and contemporary styles and genres and the symbiosis of both to his own creativity”. 

Rick is a terrific ambassador for music education and the courses offered by Keyboardtech and Tech Music Schools and we look forward to working closely with him in future.  

For more information, visit: www.techmusicschools.co.uk