Major Jon Ridley BMus(Hons) MMus(Perf) LRSM AMusTCL RM

Born in 1971, Jon was raised in Melton Mowbray, Leicestershire. His initial musical education was gained at school, as well as weekend workshops at the Leicestershire School of Music, and, after successful completion of his examinations, he decided to join the Royal Marines Band Service in 1989.

After three years studying as a bassoonist at the Royal Marines School of Music, Jon completed training, gaining awards for the best bassoonist and also for the best woodwind player under training.  Three years were spent as principal bassoon of the Royal Marines Band based in London, before a further two years with the band at Plymouth.  There then followed an appointment as the Bassoon Instructor at the Royal Marines School of Music, and with it came promotion to Band Corporal. 18 months later he became principal bassoonist of the Band of Her Majesty’s Royal Marines Portsmouth and further promotion ensued.

In the summer of 2001 Jon completed a Bachelor of Music (Hons) degree course with Portsmouth University and, after passing with First Class Honours, he was selected to attend the year-long Royal Marines Bandmasters Course, which he passed with distinction. During this period Jon was awarded the LRSM Diploma in Directing, the AMusTCL Diploma in Music Theory, Criticism and Literature, and was very proud to receive two silver medals from the Worshipful Company of Musicians. He was commissioned within the Royal Marines in 2004 and this gave him the opportunity to study for a Master of Music degree in conducting at the Royal Northern College of Music, which he achieved in 2005.

In October 2006 Jon became the Director of Music of The Band of Her Majesty’s Royal Marines Britannia Royal Naval College.  After 18 months at Dartmouth he then spent some time in a staff appointment at HQ Band Service, before taking up the appointment of Director of Music of The Band of Her Majesty’s Royal Marines Scotland.  After promotion to Major in 2010, Jon was appointed the Staff Officer RM Band Service within HQ Band Service. He is married to Laura.

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Last updated 19 October 2010