Pocklington pianist Manny Vass sets up musical summer school at former college

(HULL Daily Mail)

A pianist from East Yorkshire who has produced his own classical album and performed for royalty has returned to his roots to set up a musical venture at his former school.

Emmanuel 'Manny' Vass started playing the piano when he was just seven years old and went on to train at the Royal Northern College of Music.

Since then, the 28-year-old has forged a respectable career in classical music with one of his highlights being when he played for the Prince of Monaco in a performance that was broadcast in over 30 countries.

He also managed to crowdfund his latest album to number one in the specialist classical charts.

Now, Mr Vass works as a lecturer at the Leeds College of Music, but during the summer break, he will return to his home village of Pocklington to set up a music performance and music business summer school at Woldgate College.

The classical musician was born in the Philippines but moved to Pocklington when he was just three years old, and says he is delighted to return to his old school for this ambitious project.

He said: "I am so proud of being a Yorkshireman and I would love to give something back to my area and inspire young musicians to pursue their creative dreams and ambitions.

"I’ve recently been promoted to senior lecturer at Leeds College of Music, where I lecture music business and music marketing, and won this year's 'most inspirational lecturer' award.

"I want my summer school to be fun, inspirational, and highly educational, to demonstrate how exciting a potential career in the musical arts can be".

The summer school is open to all instruments and voices, soloists and bands, from all genres, with everyone involved set to receive intensive coaching and high-quality training.

They will also be able to gain an insight into how much the music industry works.

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