Neil Crossley

Neil Crossley is a saxophone, clarinet and flute multi-instrumentalist who combines performing, teaching, directing and writing.

After initially studying clarinet, Neil became the first principal-study saxophonist to graduate from The University of Manchester. He then studied at the Royal Northern College of Music, winning awards from The Countess of Munster Musical Trust, Hattori Foundation, Proctor-Gregg Prize, Trevor Wye Prize for chamber music and was a semi-finalist in the BBC Radio 2 Young Musician of the Year competition.

He has performed with ensembles across the UK, including the BBC Concert Orchestra, Britten Sinfonia, Royal Liverpool Philharmonic Orchestra, Northern Chamber Orchestra, Apollo Saxophone Orchestra, National Musicians' Symphony Orchestra, Manchester Concert Orchestra and Sax Assault.

As an in-demand woodwind 'doubler', much of Neil's performing is in London's West End and he has played on over 40 productions. Shows as chair-holder include Kinky Boots (Adelphi), Evita (Regent’s Park), The Boy Friend (Menier), Billy Elliot (Victoria Palace) and Shrek (Drury Lane). Freelance shows include Frozen (Drury Lane), Moulin Rouge (Piccadilly), Book of Mormon (Prince of Wales), Aladdin (Prince Edward) and Gypsy (Savoy).

Neil also specialises in chamber music and has performed and recorded with various groups at concert halls and festivals across Europe.

Neil has been a course director for the National Youth Wind Orchestra of Great Britain since 2015. He has adjudicated for the Pro Corda National Chamber Music Festival and Abertawe Festival for Young Musicians, and written articles for Music Teacher and CASS magazines, amongst others.

Neil is passionate about music education at all levels. He has worked with young people from many institutions including Trinity Laban Conservatoire of Music, Junior Guildhall, Chetham’s School of Music and The University of Manchester.