A lifelong musician and educator, Paul Henry-Jenkins brings a wealth of professional experience and passion to his teaching.

Paul has led an impressive career of over 44 years as a jazz musician (trumpet), composer, arranger, music producer and educator. Paul joined Esher in 2015 to teach Music Production.

Growing up in Brixton in the late 1970s, he was inspired by a number of dedicated teachers who nurtured his early talent, instilled discipline, and opened doors to the world of music. Their encouragement, coupled with fantastic creative opportunities offered by the Inner London Education Authority (ILEA), shaped not only his career as a jazz musician and composer but also his belief in the importance of giving back through education.

Paul shares his expertise with Esher Sixth Form College music students every week, combining real-world industry insight with a commitment to fostering creativity and excellence in the next generation of performers.

Who or what inspired you to go into teaching?

My trumpet teacher Dick McPherson was both an amazing player and musician and incredible teacher. He taught me all the fundamentals of trumpet technique and the importance of focused practice and discipline and to set your gaols to the highest standard. He was extremely well known in the music industry and introduced me to many important jazz musicians and believed in my ability and had no doubt that I would become an accomplished player, which gave me great confidence and believe that if I worked hard then it was possible to become a professional musician.

I was also fortunate that through my schooling the ILEA placed much emphasis on creative opportunities especially for working class students. As a result after passing Grade 5 trumpet exam, I was awarded a scholarship that meant throughout my schooling all my trumpet lessons were free. I also was able to see (for free) many performances at ENO, Royal Festival Hall, National Theatre, etc. – an incredible and enriching experience.

All of which made me realise the importance of ‘Giving Back’ hence why I have always tried to have a balanced career that includes teaching and working as a professional musician and composer in the Performing Arts industry.

Why have you chosen to work in a Sixth Form College?

Following music college, I initially started my career as a freelance trumpet performer and teacher in London. I was then offered a position in a few schools by the ILEA, where I worked as a jazz specialist and trumpet teacher at Richmond Music Trust.

Following a few years there, I was asked to become part of a team to devise and implement a new BTEC course in performing Arts at Richmond Upon Thames College in the mid 1990s, which was the one of the first vocational diplomas in UK specifically designed for 16-19 year olds. It was during that time that I realised that Further Education colleges were the perfect fit for me. So some 20 years later I found myself at Esher Sixth form College as a part time member of staff teaching mainly on the music technology course alongside A Level composition and directing various jazz bands and ensembles.

I have always taught part time. It is very important for me still to have a professional foot in the music and theatre industry. Simply because it keeps me up to speed with the development and current trends of the industry especially regarding recording and Music technology and it also keeps me (I hope) at the top of my game.

What have been some highlights of your musical career?

I have been very fortunate in my professional career and have had many exciting and fulfilling experiences.

After leaving music college and performed in many different jazz groups and ensembles and eventually formed my own jazz quartet. We performed in major venues and festivals here in the UK including Ronnie Scott’s , Festival Hall, Vortex, Jazz café, Tenor and Bass Clef et el.

I have always composed since my college days and formed a number of writing partnerships, which eventually lead to becoming a partner and commercial music producer at a music recording Complex in North London. During this time, I composed and re arranged the music for the musical Inner City Jam where I met the choreographer and director Dollie Henry, who I fell in love with and married!

As Dollie was and still is an internationally recognised jazz choreographer and Director, I realised that my real love in music was jazz. I closed down the Studio and joined forces with Dollie to be the Co-Artistic Director of BOP Productions which is now the leading jazz Theatre company here in the UK.

When you were younger, what teacher inspired you the most? How did they?

There were several individuals who were my early inspiration to be a musician. Being a ‘Brixton Boy’ and going to Secondary School in the late 1970’s I was very fortunate to have several teachers who recognised my young musicianship and creativity and greatly supported and encouraged me.

My music teacher was a mad Welshman, Rod Waters who when it came to music did not accept mediocrity and constantly encouraged me to strive to be the best musician possible. He had an incredibly love and knowledge of music which greatly helped my early development and musical direction.

What musician or music industry professional has inspired you?

Duke Ellington, Dizzy Gillespie, Miles Davis, Clifford Brown, Freddie Hubbard, John Coltrane …the list is endless!!

What achievement are you most proud of (personal or professional)?

Marrying Dollie and creating BOP.

For nearly 30 years BOP has become my main creative and professional space, I compose mainly now for the company, and we continue to create Jazz Theatre which we perform here in the UK and Internationally. We also have an extensive education remit and portfolio.

What words of wisdom would you give your 16-year-old self?

Never have a ponytail in your late 20’s otherwise you will lose all your hair in your 30’s!