Richard Ellis Hawley Music AGMS

Richard Ellis Hawley Music provides professional live music and entertainment for weddings, funerals, church services, private parties, care homes, corporate events and special occasions across the North East and beyond.

I am an experienced pianist, organist, keyboard entertainer and DJ, offering everything from elegant ceremony music and relaxed background piano to lively keyboard entertainment and full evening DJ services. Every booking is tailored to the client, with a wide-ranging repertoire covering classical, hymns, musicals, film music, pop, rock, 50s and 60s, dance, ballroom and much more.

With decades of musical experience, award-winning entertainment credentials and performances at prestigious venues including cathedrals and major events, I pride myself on being friendly, reliable and flexible. My aim is simple: to make your event feel personal, memorable and musically perfect from start to finish.

My love of music began at a young age, but everything really changed for me in 1997 when I stepped in to play the organ for a church service after the organist was unavailable. That moment led to me becoming involved in church music and started a journey that has now taken me through weddings, funerals, theatre organ, live entertainment, teaching and major venues.

Music has always been more than just a job to me. I love seeing how the right piece of music can completely change an atmosphere, bring back memories, comfort a family or make a celebration unforgettable. Over the years I have developed a wide-ranging repertoire and now work as a pianist, organist, keyboard entertainer and DJ.

I have performed in cathedrals, churches, theatres and at special events, and I have been fortunate to receive awards for my keyboard entertainment. What continues to inspire me is the people I meet and the stories behind every booking. No two events are the same, and I genuinely enjoy creating music that feels personal to each client.

I have over 30 years of experience in music, beginning my journey as a church organist in 1992 and going on to work as a pianist, organist, keyboard entertainer, teacher and DJ. My career has included performances in churches, theatres, cathedrals and major events, with musical appearances connected to venues including Durham Cathedral, York Minster, Lincoln Cathedral and the Sydney Opera House.

I hold an HND in Music and have been recognised as North East Keyboard Entertainer of the Year in both 2018 and 2020, alongside receiving entertainment industry awards. Over the years I have provided music for weddings, funerals, church services, care homes, community events and private celebrations, building a reputation for versatility, professionalism and creating the right atmosphere for every occasion.

My typical clients include couples planning weddings, families arranging funerals or celebrations of life, churches, care homes, event organisers, businesses and private clients celebrating birthdays, anniversaries and special occasions. I regularly provide music for wedding ceremonies and receptions, church services, funerals, community events, care home entertainment, corporate functions and private parties, tailoring every performance to the audience, venue and atmosphere required.

I hold an HND in Music and am a Licensed Associate Lay Minister of the Word, with extensive experience in church music, performance, teaching and live entertainment. My professional background spans more than 30 years and includes work as a pianist, organist, keyboard entertainer and DJ, supported by continued involvement in the wider music and church music community.