From one Keyboard to Another . . .
Jeff starts new career at 59
Having had a busy career in the financial sector in London, on retiring at 54 Jeff Funnell was determined to pursue other interests away from the business world. He had left school at 16 and so signed up for an Open University degree, seeing it as a chance to make up for lost opportunities.
“At that time I had no notion of any career change - in fact I was quite certain that I would never work again,” Jeff said.
Playing Jazz on Stage
The turning point came when Jeff attended an OU residential school in 2002 at Bath University. A keen amateur piano player, Jeff volunteered to accompany groups performing and during the week he played jazz on stage to the delight of the audience and tutors. It was the first time Jeff had worked with a musical director and such was the response in the final concert and his euphoria at performing, he decided to take a risk and turn his hobby into a new career.
On returning home, now aged 59, Jeff started work as a professional musician and kept up his OU studies whilst carrying out pianist duties at weddings and functions. Business has built up and he now plays more than 50 gigs a year all over the country.
Jeff said: “Without the OU experience I would probably not have launched myself into this rewarding venture. It has been extremely enjoyable and worthwhile.”
His Open University adventure continues
Six years of study will draw to completion when Jeff receives his final exam results at the end of 2007 but the fruits of his OU adventure are set to continue as his pianist career goes from strength to strength.
www.jeff-funnell-pianist.co.uk
The Open University
Tel: 0870 333 4340
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