Jon Shone, former Music Director of One Direction, is one of three new Popular Music Tutors to join the RNCM this academic year.
After a stint arranging strings for Radio 1’s Live Lounge, Jon – who has previously presented masterclasses at the College and is the resident pianist and arranger for ITV’s X Factor – has been at the forefront of music direction, working with artists including Pixie Lott, Michael Bublé, Bryan Adams and Olly Murs. In 2011 he became Musical Director of One Direction and over the last five years toured extensively with the band.
In his new position Jon (pictured above – bottom right – with One Direction) will now work with RNCM popular music students, delivering a new Musical Direction module designed to train students in the multi-dimensional role of the modern pop MD.
had a great day @RNCMvoice ! thanks for having me. One of the best university if you want to study pop music Ive seen! great students! — Shoney (@JonShoneKeys) October 23, 2014
This year also sees freelance saxophonist and RNCM alumnus Simon Willescroft (Duran Duran, Joss Stone, Seal, Katie Melua, Michael Buble, Chaka Khan, Gary Barlow, Paloma Faith and, amongst others, James Morrison) join the department to offer the UK’s only degree level module in Horn and Rhythm Section Playing, and Stuart McCallum – guitarist for the Cinematic Orchestra – takes up the position of Principal Study Guitar Tutor for final year BMus and Master’s students.
