About Sleepytown Jazz: Susie Duffy

I am a freelance pianist offering live music that soothes, uplifts, and connects. Classically trained since the age of 5 and with a passion for both jazz and sacred music, I deliver tailored musical experiences in a wide range of settings. I am based in West Sussex, UK and am happy to travel within the South East. I use Roland keyboards (RD-800 and FP-30) and can bring my own amplification if required. I have worked as a volunteer in healthcare settings for many years and have used music therapeutically to support clients in sickness, in health and at end of life, but I am not a Registered Music Therapist.
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From corporate events, wedding receptions, wine tastings, restaurants or memorial services to relaxing sessions in care homes, hospices, home visits and therapeutic spaces, I can provide the gentle soundscape that you require. While I specialise in solo piano performance, I am always happy to collaborate with singers and bands and have played keyboards on rock, blues and country sets.
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I am also an experienced church musician (organist, pianist and choral conductor) with a large repertoire of music in all styles, from traditional hymns and psalms to Taize and modern worship.
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MUSIC ​​QUALIFICATIONS AND EXPERIENCE
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ABRSM Grade 8 Piano with Merit (1994)​
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Music GCSE and A Level​
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Choir Director, Organist and Pianist for St Mary's Church, Billingshurst since 2022​
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Organist and Pianist for St Gabriel's Church, Billingshurst (2010-2020)​
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Cajon player for ukulele groups and bands since 2014​
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Inside Music Open University (2012)​
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Being an Effective Teacher ABRSM (2012)
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PERFORMANCE VENUES AND CHURCHES
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Derwent Lodge, Billingshurst
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Osmund Court, Billingshurst
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Pegasus Court, Billingshurst
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Petworth Cottage Nursing Home, Petworth
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King's Arms, Billingshurst
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The Malt Shovel, Horsham
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Chichester Cathedral
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St Mary's Church, Billingshurst
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St Gabriel's Church, Billinghurst
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Our Lady of Consolation and St Francis, West Grinstead
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Our Lady of Mount Carmel and St George, Enfield
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Arundel & Brighton Lourdes Pilgrimage
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Clayton Wood Natural Burial Ground
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HEALTHCARE ENVIRONMENT TRAINING​
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Enhanced DBS​ (certificate issued 2018, renewed annually)​​
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Public Liability Insurance (PLI) cover up to £10M (certificate available upon request)​​​​
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Lived experience as sibling of older brother with ASD
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V​olunteer Communication Support Assistant and Stroke Choir Leader, Phoenix Stroke Club, Horsham (2017 to 2024)
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Volunteer Support Assistant, National Autistic Society day centre for adults, Godalming (2000)
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Safeguarding (Foundations) Certificate The National Safeguarding Team of the Church of England (2024)​​
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Safeguarding Certificate workplace training course (issued 2019 and renewed annually)​​
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Sing to Beat Parkinson's Canterbury Cantata Trust course (2022)​​​
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Dementia Friends Alzheimer's Society course (2019)
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Understanding Aphasia and Working With Groups Dyscover course (2018)​​
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A Person-Centred Approach to Death and Dying Foundation Certificate Living Well Dying Well course (2017)​​
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Cruse Bereavement Support and GriefChat workplace training courses (regularly since 2010)​​​​​​
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MEMBERSHIPS​
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Musicians' Union
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Royal College of Organists (RCO)
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Royal School of Church Music (RSCM)