Spotlight on an alumna: Tara Cunningham

Alumna Tara Cunningham (RHSB 2017) is a first-class BMus graduate from Trinity Laban Conservatoire, specialising in jazz guitar. Based in London, she is a collaborator in multiple musical projects, regularly performing in the city’s celebrated venues.

Sadly Covid put paid to Tara’s performance at our recent Music Scholars and Alumnae Recital at Steinway Hall London so we caught up with her afterwards instead.

• What are your memories of studying music at RHSB?

I have very fond memories of the band I was in with my friends - we were called Mr Mo’s Mo’s. We would rehearse on a Tuesday after school, mentored by Mr Whitlam, and would practice songs ready for the upcoming gig nights and performances. It was fun working out parts and playing songs we loved at that time.

• How did your experience of studying music at school inspire you to become a professional musician?

Mr Bradbury, having gone to a conservatoire himself, definitely had a part in opening my eyes to the world of studying music after leaving school, and had the confidence in me that I needed, in order to even consider it.

• Are you still in touch with friends from school?

Yes! Very much so - I currently live with my two friends from Royal High in London. We were actually all in the band I mentioned earlier but sadly now have given up that dream!

• Who is your musical idol? And why?

Since I can remember I have been in awe of David Byrne, singer and bandleader of Talking Heads. Watching him has always been such a huge inspiration for me - he’s such a great performer and also a huge weirdo. You can hear that in his writing too - he plays with exaggerating dynamics and uses some great, squelchy synth sounds. I never get bored of listening to his songs.

Tara will be touring with acid jazz band Red Snapper in May: www.redsnapperofficial.com