JANET LEE - CUSTOMER AND FAN (FEBRUARY 2023)

“In both of her handmade books, Gemma’s black and white illustrations and beautifully-written poems compliment each other really well, plus many of them make me laugh.

Her art pieces are all fantastic one-offs.

Gemma loves her musical instruments which she expresses herself in original ways through. She makes moving music with her guitar in the forest, and her recitals make me feel really good. They help me to forget about all of the bad things in life.”

JAUME GALLIFA - TRANSFORMATIONAL CHANGE AND FLOURISHING COACH (APRIL 2021)

“I am impressed by the honesty, energy, creativity and appreciation of beauty that is manifested in Gemma’s art.”

NAVJIT - GCSE MUSIC AND PRIVATE PIANO STUDENT (JUNE 2020)

“Gemma Boyd has taught me for over a year now and has helped to guide me through my Music GCSE course. She has given me great advice and allows me to progress and grow as a musician as well as encouraging me to explore different varieties and genres of music. I think that overall she is a wonderful teacher and was able to guide me through the difficulties that GCSEs bring.”

GARRY WALKER - AMAZON KINDLE EBOOK CUSTOMER (MAY 2020) 

"I've just finished reading 'Diaries of a Multi-instrumentalist Volume One: Busking Acoustically on the London Underground' by Gemma Boyd on Kindle about busking in the Underground stations. A fascinating read, and I enjoyed every word of it. Well done, Gemma!" 

PATRICIA - INSTAGRAM FRIEND (MARCH 2020)

"Gemma is a true artist, poet, gardener, nature lover. I love her interpretations of life and places through her wonderful words, incredible artistic mind and photos. She is kind, caring, honest, and her work enriches my life. Her poetry is from her heart, honest and inspiring, thought-provoking and incredibly emotional at times. Her photos and art show me the world in a different, better way. The artwork of her beautiful pets touches me... so perfect and beautiful with so much love for her animals and ingenious ideas. Gemma searches for the soul of a place and will always find hidden nature treasures. Finding her beautiful work was magical and so inspiring. She inspires me every day!"

HINA PANDYA - TEACHER ON NATIONAL UNION OF JOURNALISTS AND GOOGLE COURSES (DECEMBER 2019)

"Gemma is a highly creative person. Skilled in music, she has a passion and drive that allows her to perform to audiences everywhere. Gemma is multi-skilled: breaking boundaries and travelling; trying new places and embracing new experiences. She shows initiative all the time and teaches herself many things including learning to code. She's a warm and kind person and it's been a pleasure to know her." 

PETER - PRIVATE VIOLIN STUDENT (FEBRUARY 2019)

"Gemma is the best violin teacher! Always supportive, her lessons are tailored to the pupil's specific needs and tastes. Areas of weakness are identified and a plan of action developed and sympathetically implemented, while never forgetting that learning an instrument is meant to be a pleasurable experience."

NAVJIT - GCSE MUSIC AND PRIVATE PIANO STUDENT (DECEMBER 2018)

"Gemma is a very good teacher who is patient with me. She is very good at explaining how to and what to do in lessons. She has taught me a lot considering I only started to learn the piano at the beginning of September 2018."

RAJMONDA KUQI - PARENT OF PRIVATE CLASSICAL GUITAR STUDENT (SEPTEMBER 2018)

"I was looking for guitar lessons for my son, so I went on Google and came across Gemma. Knowing Gemma has been a pleasure: not only is she a brilliant teacher, but she has a unique method of teaching. She is very calm, very friendly, and most importantly, an amazing person. We are very pleased to have her as a teacher."

SUTHARSHAN SARMA - PRIVATE PIANO STUDENT (AUGUST 2018)

"I would like to say one of the best things that happened for me in recent times, was to have started learning the piano with Gemma Boyd. She is very meticulous and focused. She has a very deep understanding of music and compositions, and diagnoses my difficulties in the lessons very quickly. I always admire the way she brings out the best in me and how she plans personalised lessons to suit my objectives and needs along the path to becoming a competent pianist. I always look forward to the lessons and of course not to mention the positive vibe she brings along with her every week."

SWATI SHUKLA - PARENT OF GRADE 5 VIOLIN STUDENT (MAY 2018)

"Gemma has been teaching our daughter for four months now. She is very punctual and prepares her teaching for our daughter's lessons with an emphasis on practising and playing correctly. Our daughter is very happy with her teaching." 

JACQUELINE RAMM - PARENT OF PRIVATE PIANO STUDENT (MAY 2018)

"Gemma's teaching has been great for my daughter, Amy: She has relaxed and is enjoying Gemma's teaching. Gemma is very patient and giving with my daughter and explains everything well." 

BINA PATEL - PARENT OF PRIVATE PIANO STUDENT (APRIL 2018)

"I would recommend Gemma for anyone looking for a solid and enjoyable music education. My daughter has learnt a vast amount in the past four months including practical and theory and looks forward to her lesson. Gemma provides an all round experience with added fun. Many thanks." 

RASHMI SINGH - PARENT OF PRIVATE PIANO STUDENT (DECEMBER 2017)

"Raima has been learning the piano since July 2017. She has really enjoyed your lessons as you encourage her to do better each time. She loves the simple ways in which you explain music / rhythm to her, which helps her understanding of even difficult notes. She really enjoys your company and looks forward to her Friday's lesson. Thanks for all your help and encouragement and as a parent we are very pleased to have found you as her piano teacher." 

STUART PHILLIPS - PRIVATE JAZZ PIANO AND FOLK VIOLIN STUDENT (JUNE 2017)

"Gemma has been teaching me folk violin and jazz piano for about five months. She is very precise and technical in every aspect of her teachings. As an adult learner I've needed the chance to really focus and learn as much as I can. Therefore it's been important to find the very best teacher, so I'm lucky to have found Gemma!" 

STUART PHILLIPS - PRIVATE JAZZ DOUBLE BASS STUDENT (JANUARY 2017)

"If you want to be a good double bass player, you will need a good teacher. If you want to be a great double bass player, you will need Gemma. Gemma is very thorough in everything she teaches, which in the long run will pay dividends; from posture to the perfection of bowing and pizzicato techniques. I look forward to each lesson." 

JON NEWEY - EDITOR IN CHIEF, JAZZWISE MAGAZINE (JUNE 2016)

"Gemma Boyd was a participant in the annual Write Stuff new writers initiative that Jazzwise ran with Serious at the London Jazz Festival where she showed promise and enthusiasm. In addition to her work as a musician, Gemma was an intern at Jazzwise magazine for a month in 2014 where she wrote news stories and live reviews which appeared on the Jazzwise website. Since then she has developed as a writer and has had a number of live reviews posted on the Jazzwise website as well as starting her own blog." 

DAVID R. ALDRIDGE - PUBLISHER AND DRUMMER (MAY 2016)

"Ms. Gemma Brandy Boyd possesses skills that I consider critical to editorial and proofreading work. Her level of detail equaled and exceeded the level of construction required to complete 'The Elements of Rhythm, Vol. 1' (Rollinson Publishing Co., 2012). Her comments, suggestions, and encouragement helped me complete a very complex piece of work. I recommend her services wholeheartedly."

THANE TIERNEY - AWARD-WINNING JOURNALIST, AUTHOR, RECORD PRODUCER, AND FOUNDER OF THE HIP-O SELECT RECORDS LABEL (JANUARY 2016)

"Gemma Boyd is one of those rare triple threats when it comes to the arts; a dedicated musician with a poet's ear for language and a visual artist's aesthetic for line, colour, and composition. No doubt all these talents range beyond the confines of fences behind which the more narrow-minded would like to keep them contained and pigeonholed. But she is also a gardener (quite literally), with all the properties of nurture and patience that the term implies and confers, and it infuses her art with a fundamental humanity that, like her plants, is both rooted and reaching. I find her to be magnetic." 

TAYO ADEGBITE (OCTOBER 2014)

Re. The solo folk violin set (plus requested song) Gemma played at Tayo Adegbite's wedding at Brentwood Cathedral in Essex: 

"I came into contact with Gemma through my partner who heard Gemma playing at Green Park station. He was really impressed by what he heard and thought it would be a nice touch to have Gemma play during our wedding ceremony. She was honest about not having the song I wanted her to play as I walked down the aisle in her repertoire ('Kissing You' by Des'ree), but she was more than happy and willing to learn it for the occasion. I only heard a bit of the song as I walked down the aisle but what I heard sounded lovely and gave the occasion the tone and feel I wanted. The feedback I had from my guests who heard Gemma play as they were being seated and as I walked down the aisle, was that it was a lovely and a great touch. Everyone enjoyed the music! Gemma was really friendly and professional throughout all our communications which were predominantly via email. She was timely in her responses, thorough with her emails and pointed out things which I would have missed. I'd definitely recommend Gemma to play for any occasion and wish her all the best with her future endeavours!" 

RUSSELL NEWLOVE (JUNE 2014)

Re. The solo folk / jazz and piano accordion set (plus requested songs) Gemma played at Russell Newlove's wedding in London: 

"Gemma was a joy to have at our wedding. She was professional from the start, always available for contact, even at the last minute in the late hours of the night before. Gemma had no problem with making changes at very little notice, and even risked a brush with the law to play at an outdoor ceremony (where technically music wasn't allowed)! Above all else, her playing was wonderful, and she really brought our day to life." 

JOSH LANGLEY - AUTHOR AND ILLUSTRATOR OF THE BOOK, 'FOLLOW YOUR HEART - EVERYDAY WISDOM FOR AN EXTRAORDINARY LIFE' REVIEWED BY GEMMA (JULY 2013)

"Thanks so much, Gemma, for reviewing my book, 'Follow Your Heart'. You did a wonderful job in capturing its essence and getting across its key messages, and thanks for being able to share it on your own webpage and Facebook links." 

EIRIK ZAHL (GUITARIST) WHO PLAYED IN A TRIO WITH GEMMA IN PARIS, FRANCE (OCTOBER 2012)

"Gemma is a wonderful, professional and talented musician, poet and human being. It is a pleasure to play and work with her!"  

KEITH CHALLEN, WHO HIRED BASS & BONE (GEMMA ON DOUBLE BASS AND DANIEL REHAHN ON TROMBONE) TO PLAY AT HIS SON'S WEDDING RECEPTION AT AL FRESCO, BRIGHTON (OCTOBER 2012)

"A big thank you for your contribution to the day. A lot of people said that it added a special something. I hope we can think of a reason to bring you back somewhen." 

FIONA CORMACK - PROJECT ARCHIVIST AT THE NATIONAL JAZZ ARCHIVE, ENGLAND, WHERE GEMMA WORKED AS A VOLUNTEER (MARCH 2012)

"Since beginning my post as Project Archivist at the National Jazz Archive, I have supervised the work of the Archive's volunteers. One such volunteer, Gemma, has been exceptionally dedicated to her project which involves indexing the Johnny Simmen correspondence - an extensive collection. Through Gemma's self-imposed high standards and thoroughly detailed work, the once hidden content of these letters will be available to researchers, particularly those with an interest in jazz. I have been impressed by Gemma's attention to detail throughout the project and this is evident in the Excel database she has created and maintained over several years. She has taken a systematic approach and the database contains fields such as condition of material, keywords, a brief overview of content and has provided all items with an identifying number. As the National Jazz Archive is about to start cataloguing its holdings, the results of Gemma's project will be hugely beneficial and will feature on the Archive's online catalogue. During my time at the Archive, Gemma has been keen to receive feedback on her work. I have to say that I have been most impressed so far and therefore have had no need to offer much, if any, guidance on the instinctive approach she has taken. Her literary skills are excellent, evident in her summation of each letter. Based on the voluntary work Gemma has undertaken at the National Jazz Archive and her personable nature, I have no hesitation in recommending her for employment relating to these areas."

LOUIS ROYER - AUTHOR, MUSICIAN, COMPOSER, INTERPRETER, POET AND LEADER OF THE FRENCH CANADIAN BAND, CORTEZIA, FOR WHICH GEMMA IS SUBSTITUTE DOUBLE BASSIST (JANUARY 2012)

"Gemma Boyd is definitely a true artist with a real passion for her work." 

DEBBIE BURKE - AUTHOR OF THE BOOK, 'THE POCONOS IN B FLAT - THE INCREDIBLE JAZZ LEGACY OF THE POCONO MOUNTAINS OF PENNSYLVANIA' REVIEWED BY GEMMA (JANUARY 2012)

"A very in-depth and detailed review. Gemma obviously took the time to think about different aspects of the book and gave an honest, well-written and well thought out opinion."

DAVID R. ALDRIDGE - AUTHOR OF THE BOOK, 'THE ELEMENTS OF RHYTHM - VOLUME 1', ROLLINSON PUBLISHING COMPANY, FOR WHICH GEMMA WAS EDITORIAL CONSULTANT (JANUARY 2012)

"I'd hire Gemma Boyd to do any future proofreading. Her attention to detail is EXACTLY what I needed and more. I worked in the freelance magazine world for a decade, and Gemma Boyd has pro skills, no question."

FRANK JAY - DIRECTOR OF BRIGHTON & HOVE FOOD AND DRINK FESTIVAL (www.brightonfoodfestival.com) (OCTOBER 2011)

"As director of the Brighton & Hove Food and Drink Festival, in charge of the big outdoor events, I find creating the right ambience essential in order to keep customers engaged as long as possible, and to maximise food and drink sales.

Choosing the right band and musicians is important. I can highly recommend Bass & Bone: They bring subtle high class, yet a fun, vibrant feel to events. Gemma and Dan and co. are lovely, reliable people who tune in to the nature of the event, and then captivate the audience with lovely music and charm.

I highly recommend them to bring quality music and entertainment to grace any occasion."  

ANDY WHITELY - PRIVATE JAZZ DOUBLE BASS STUDENT (OCTOBER 2011) 

"Gemma's lessons are always really stimulating and enjoyable. She takes a lot of time and effort to understand exactly what my playing needs are, and the lessons are obviously planned specifically with that in mind. I always come away from the lessons fired with enthusiasm for the instrument." 

DAVID NATHAN - ARCHIVIST AT THE NATIONAL JAZZ ARCHIVE, LOUGHTON, ESSEX (JULY 2011)

"Gemma works for the National Jazz Archive in a voluntary capacity and has been very conscientious and efficient in the way she has dealt with the special project assigned to her. I also know that in her capacity as a musician she is extremely versatile; successfully working in various types of music."

GAVIN MCAULAY OF BRIGHTON, EAST SUSSEX (JANUARY 2011)

Re: Gemma boyd on double bass, Piers Clark on guitar, Annie Schutt on vocals and John Pargeter on alto and tenor saxophones and clarinet (quartet playing jazz standards from the 1930s and '40s) who played at Gavin McAulay's wedding:

"Your music was perfect for what we wanted and lots of people commented on how good you guys were." 

DEBBIE SHANNAHAN OF BRIGHTON, EAST SUSSEX (NOVEMBER 2010)

Re: Bass, Bone & Blue (trio playing jazz standards from the 1930s and '40s, featuring Gemma Boyd on double bass, Piers Clark on guitar and Daniel Rehahn on trombone) who played at Debbie Shannahan's civil partnership:

"Thank you so much for playing at our civil partnership. The music was perfect as guests were arriving and during the reception, and helped make for a relaxed atmosphere. From the number of pictures that were taken of the band, I think that everyone was impressed by the music. We all really enjoyed it."

KATE HASTINGS OF KINGSTON, EAST SUSSEX (SEPTEMBER 2010)

Re: Bass, Bone & Blue (trio playing jazz standards from the 1930s and '40s, featuring Gemma Boyd on double bass, Piers Clark on guitar and Daniel Rehahn on trombone) who played at Kate Hastings's birthday party:

"Bass, Bone & Blue got it just right at our recent joint 40th birthday bash: They started off the night in style as people arrived, with their fantastic choice of music and informal style of playing. My only regret is that we had not asked them to play for long enough! I would not hesitate to recommend them as professional, talented and great to have around."

DAVID STEADMAN OF ADUR DISTRICT COUNCIL; ORGANISER OF STEYNING, SHOREHAM AND WORTHING FARMERS' MARKETS (SEPTEMBER 2010)

Re: The Priory Street Stardusters (5-piece band playing jazz standards from the 1930s & '40s, featuring Piers Clark on guitar, Gemma Boyd on double bass, Daniel Rehahn on trombone, Annie Schutt on vocals and John Pargeter on alto & tenor saxophones and clarinet). This band played monthly at Steyning, Shoreham and Worthing farmers' markets:

"The band is always very professional; providing the right background music, adding to the atmosphere and ambience of our farmers' markets and events: Fantastic music that everyone enjoys and people always stop and listen."

SHIRAH SLARK OF LEWES, EAST SUSSEX (AUGUST 2010)

Re: Bass, Bone & Blue (trio playing jazz standards from the 1930s & '40s, featuring Gemma Boyd on double bass, Piers Clark on guitar and Daniel Rehahn on trombone) who played at Shirah's wedding:

"Thank you so much for playing at our wedding. You were so accommodating with all my requests regarding playing during the ceremony. The feedback from the guests was great; they really enjoyed the relaxed, jazzy atmosphere you created, and the songs you played for us in the ceremony really added to the romance of the occasion."

JANE MONEY - MUSICAL DIRECTOR OF BRIGHTON CHAMBER CHOIR (AUGUST 2010)

"It has been a pleasure to work with Gemma. She has played twice for the Brighton Chamber Choir now and on both occasions has been really well prepared and accommodating in rehearsals too. Her playing in John Rutter's 'Birthday Madrigals' certainly helped to make these one of the highlights of our recent concert for Brighton's thriving CMP Festival in July. She was an ideal choice for these, being classically trained but with wide experience in jazz; we were fortunate to find such a versatile player. Thank you, Gemma!"

HONORIA BEIRNE OF BRIGHTON, EAST SUSSEX (JULY 2010)

Re. Bass, Bone & Blue (trio playing jazz standards from the 1930s & '40s, featuring Gemma Boyd on double bass, Piers Clark on guitar and Daniel Rehahn on trombone) who played at Honoria's birthday party:

"The music was much admired by all who attended: It created a relaxed, intimate atmosphere, and your presence was discreet but very accomplished. Elegant, without being stuffy. My brother-in-law (joined you on piano - a very experienced player), suggested "sophisticated" and "lovely, subtle trombone." You were all impeccably turned out and delightful guests; most professional. It was a real treat. Will book you again." 

CHRIS LAMBERT OF PLUMPTON, EAST SUSSEX (JULY 2010)

Re. Gemma's Jazz (featuring Gemma Boyd on double bass, George N. Paterson on trumpet and vocals and Diego Parada on guitar):

"The trio created a great atmosphere for the start of our party, beginning with some gentle background jazz and building into some fun swing as more and more people arrived. Very professional, classy musicians who sensed the right music for the mood."