David Newsholme
(Assistant Organist and Director of the Girls' Choir at Canterbury Cathedral)
How did you find your way into your current position?
At the end of my first year as a PhD student, I was appointed Assistant Director of Chapel Music at Winchester College. At this point I opted to continue my research on a part-time basis. I subsequently became Assistant Organist at Canterbury Cathedral (later Director of the Girls' Choir).
What are your strongest memories of your time at York?
My abiding memory of York is undoubtedly the excellent support I received from my supervisor, Jo Wainwright. His constant personal encouragement and his enthusiasm for my research was invaluable.
How did York prepare you for your career?
Working as a performing musician within a liturgical context, I frequently draw directly upon my research into cathedral music of the seventeenth and eighteenth centuries. More broadly, I would like to think that principles of intellectual curiosity encouraged during my time at York inform all aspects of my work as a musician.
What advice would you have for current students?
Enjoy the relatively short time you have available for you to broaden your intellectual and cultural horizons.