John Sweden was born in Sydney, Australia but was educated in England and the USA.
John attended the Guildhall School of Music and Drama where he studied Bass Trombone with Dennis Wick, Piano with Neil Van Allen and Composition with Edmund Rubbra. During his time at the Guildhall, John was much in demand to compose music for the various theatrical productions, as were his skills as an arranger. John’s concertino for piano and chamber orchestra was performed during his tenure there.
John was the recipient of the first postgraduate exchange scholarship between the Guildhall School and the University of Western Michigan, Kalamazoo USA where he added conducting to his studies under the tutelage of Herbert Butler.
More recently he has obtained a postgraduate certificate in music technology and a Master of Science degree in composition and technology from the University of Hertfordshire.
John’s other compositions include Concerti for Tuba, Trombone and Trumpet, and a suite for Concert Band, also solo works for ophicleide, bass and contrabass trombones.
In addition to working in the field of education, John has presided as a theatrical musical director including work for Cameron Mackintosh Productions and has played “piano bar” at the Sheraton and Skyline Heathrow hotels.
