Edward grew up in the West Country, studying the saxophone under prominent tutors and performing in a variety of musical settings. From an early age, he showed a great interest in studying jazz and classical styles on the instrument. Edward was awarded the status of Licentiate of the Guildhall School of Music and Drama for classical performance and later he successfully gained a first class honours degree studying with Duncan Lamont.

In 2004, Edward graduated from the Royal Academy of Music, London with a Master’s Degree in Music Performance. He studied saxophone and clarinet at the Royal Academy under the instruction of Richard Addison and Martin Speake.

Edward now enjoys a busy and varied freelance career performing in prestigious venues around Britain and Europe such as The Hotel de Paris in Monte Carlo, The Royal Albert Hall in London, The 100 Club in London and twice for The Queen! He has also performed with the National Youth Jazz Orchestra and the Emerald Ensemble and has appeared on BBC televisions ‘Born and Bred’.

Edward has many teaching commitments that include tutoring saxophone and clarinet students at Wells Cathedral Specialist Music School as well as running a private teaching practice and jazz improvisation & performance workshops. He is also a mentor for South West Music School.

Edward plays: Yanagisawa S992, AWO32, TWO32

http://www.edwardleaker.com/
Facebook: edward.leaker.7 / Twitter: @EdwardLeakerSax