Dr Jonathan Ayerst is a professional organist, pianist, and researcher. He is normally resident in Portugal where he works as principal pianist and organist with Remix Ensemble, Casa da Música, who are leading specialists in the performance of contemporary music.
In addition to this he performs recitals as a classical improviser, especially demonstrating Baroque techniques of improvisation on the organ.
Since completing his PhD thesis Learning to improvise as Western classical musician: a psychological self-study, he regularly gives workshops helping classical musicians (trained in interpretive performance) to mobilise their skills in improvisation.
