Jonathan Mead

Jonathan Mead was born in South Wales, and his early musical experiences were at the Morriston Citadel Salvation Army.

Jonathan entered Cardiff University in 1980 and studied Piano and Composition. There he discovered the music of and had lessons with the Welsh composers Prof. Alun Hoddinott and Dr. Tim Taylor. This opened his mind up to a whole new world of music composition. Jonathan wrote many compositions during this time, including a symphony, numerous string quartets, vocal solos, and a large-scale, three-movement work called ‘Trinitus’ for Brass Band and Percussion.

After University, Jonathan trained as a Teacher gaining his P.G.C.E. and spent 31+ years in the education system, and after gaining his N.P.Q.H., more than 11 of those years were spent as a headteacher. Music had always been part of his daily life in school, writing for and Directing School orchestras, choirs, and many shows and choir competitions.

In 2017, he took the plunge and finished as a headteacher to work as a professional musician. He now makes his living as a pianist, composer and arranger. He accompanies a variety of soloists, choirs, Eisteddfods and music exams, and also accompanies British Army musicians at Kneller Hall.

Jonathan writes for and has had commissions for a variety of ensembles, including choirs, string quartets, brass and wind ensembles and string orchestras. In 2024 he was commissioned to write a new SATB song for the 150th Anniversary of The Salvation Army in Wales. This was sung by over 150 singers (including the International Staff Songsters) at the main Celebration at The International Convention Centre Wales in July 2024. The song, entitled ‘Dyma Gariad’, has recently been published by the Salvation Army in its ‘Sing to the Lord’ SATB series. Jonathan regularly contributes music to The Salvation Army's publications and has several pieces published by BrookWright Music, Pennine Music and Larch Music.

Jonathan’s biggest commission to date is from Pontardulais Town Band, through funding provided by Ty Cerdd Wales, to write a large scale work for brass band, male voice choir, soprano (vocal) soloist, percussion, piano and organ called, ‘Footsteps’.