Biography
I am a fretted instrument specialist playing Guitar, Banjo and Mandolin; with a particular personal interest in the music of the 19th century : the Early Romantic Guitar, the Classical Mandolin and the Classic Fingerstyle Banjo . Having previously studied with Craig Ogden and Mark Ashford, I then graduated from Birmingham Conservatoire in June 2001. I have performed at a wide range of UK venues and festivals including at Art in Action, St David's Cathedral Festival, The Royal Festival Hall at The South Bank; The Bolivar Hall, London; the CBSO centre in Birmingham, the Royal Philharmonic Hall, Liverpool and Birmingham Town Hall; at York Guitar Festival, Bath Banjo Festival, Droitwich Festival, Jane Austen Festival, Bath; Hagley Music Festival and numerous appearances on BBC Radio and Television both as a soloist and with various ensembles.
As well as my performing career, I run a busy private teaching practice offering tuition in many different styles of music - you can find more information on the tuition page. I also direct the Midlands Fretted Orchestra, which I founded in September 2001 to promote the ensemble playing of fretted instruments. The Award Winning orchestra is based of the principles of the original fretted orchestras which were popular in the 19th Century, and is one of only a handful of similar ensembles in the UK.
You can find more information about MFO at their website www.m-f-o.co.uk
I run regular day long music workshops and a fortnightly ensemble "Friendly Folk for the Plucking Terrified" .
Please contact me for further information
Testimonials
"I engaged Danielle Saxon Reeves for a House Concert having been mightily impressed with her performances with the Midland Fretted Orchestra, the Black Country Guitar Quartet and as one half of Dodici Corde. I knew she would provide exquisite guitar music but she went an extra mile and then some, structuring her programme around folk-inspired music, of which she knew I was a fan. The result was a musical evening which was spell-binding and which enthralled my friends in the intimacy of my front room. It was one of the most enjoyable musical experiences of my life and I cannot wait to have another. In addition to her musical brilliance, Danielle is a charming artist who introduces her pieces in an informative and accessible manner, without pretension but with profound knowledge and an undoubted love for her art. Whatever she chooses to perform, Danielle will entertain you, tug at your heart-strings, make you smile, bring a lump to your throat and enhance your appreciation of the power of the guitar to do all of those things. Don't miss any opportunity to hear Danielle play as, I promise, you won't be disappointed." F. Mallon March 2019
“What a wonderful afternoon! Thank you so much; everyone appreciated your playing- it was just fantastic , really magical and especially as you played my two favourite pieces. Very well done. “ C.Booth July 2021
"I wanted something a little special for my joint
60th birthday party and decided upon a classical guitarist to perform during the drinks reception Having looked through long lists of local artists I came across Danielle’s details. I listened to some of her performances on youtube and decided she sounded perfect. It was easy to make arrangements; Danielle was very flexible and the cost was well within the budget I had set. Before the day she tied up with me to ensure all was as planned. Danielle played without hitch and I was very happy and impressed. I would not hesitate to recommend her, Thanks Danielle." J.Shearer August 2017
"I just wanted to write and thank you for the thought and skill you put into playing for our mother’s funeral .
I’m sure she would have loved the music." J. O’Hagan. March 2021
"Danielle played guitar at our wedding ceremony and guitar and banjo at our reception and we couldn't have made a better choice.
Nothing was too much trouble for Danielle, we wanted a particular song played as I walked down the aisle and Danielle learnt the arrangement, which made the song even more unique and personal to us.
Having Danielle play at our reception meant there was such a lovely atmosphere. Our guests all commented on how wonderful the music played was and how different it was to have banjo as well as guitar.
I can't recommend Danielle highly enough, having such a personal touch for our wedding day made it so special and she was totally professional and accommodating to our requirements. " K. D'Oliviera October 2018