About Us

Founded in 2014, Gifted Artists specialise in creating original music and providing professional musicians for any project, event, or production. Over the years, we’ve built a massive network of talented artists, enabling us to deliver exceptional music solutions tailored to every client’s needs.

Whether you’re looking for bespoke compositions, live performers for an event, or session musicians for recording, our team connects you with the perfect professionals to bring your vision to life. Our reputation for quality, reliability, and creativity has made us a go-to agency for clients across the country and around the world.

At Gifted Artists, music isn’t just what we do—it’s who we are. We’re passionate about connecting people with extraordinary talent and helping every project sound its absolute best.

Gifted Artists is the result of years of experience, connection, creativity, and an unwavering belief in the transformative power of music. It represents the culmination of lifelong dedication to the beauty and joy of the most beautiful art form— music.

Diego Joaquín Maximilliano - percussion section leader

Born and raised in a community where music pulsed through every street corner, Diego discovered percussion as a child, drawn to the heartbeat of traditional rhythms long before he could explain them.

Specialising in bongos, congas, and timbales, Diego brings an explosive mix of precision, passion, and deep cultural knowledge to every performance. His playing reflects the roots of Afro-Latin tradition—rumba, salsa, son, cumbia—while seamlessly blending modern influences from jazz, funk, and global fusion. Whether driving a high-energy salsa ensemble or leading percussion workshops, Diego’s rhythm is unmistakable: warm, relentless, and alive.

Over the years, he has toured extensively across Latin America, Europe, and the UK, collaborating with renowned bands, dance companies, and recording artists. Known for his infectious enthusiasm and instinctive musicality, Diego transforms every stage into a celebration of movement, community, and heritage.

A true ambassador of rhythm, he continues to share the spirit of Latin percussion with audiences everywhere.

Richard Goodwinson - string & orchestral section leader

Richard Goodwinson is a distinguished classical cellist and orchestral leader, renowned for his commanding musicianship, expressive depth, and elegant musical direction. Equally respected as a soloist and section leader, he has established a reputation for performances that combine technical mastery with a rare sense of warmth and clarity.

Trained at leading European conservatoires, Goodwinson quickly rose to prominence, joining major orchestras when he was still in his early 20s. His refined tone, instinctive phrasing, and ability to shape an ensemble from within the cello section have made him a sought-after principal cellist and an inspiring presence on any stage. As an orchestral leader, he is known for his articulate communication, musical intelligence, and an unwavering commitment to artistic excellence.

Richard has performed under celebrated conductors and collaborated with distinguished chamber musicians across the UK and Europe. His interpretations—whether of Baroque repertoire, Romantic masterworks, or contemporary commissions—are marked by emotional nuance and a deep respect for musical storytelling.

François Reinhardt - jazz & rhythm section leader

François Reinhardt is one of Europe's foremost jazz guitarists, widely celebrated for his effortless blend of tradition and innovation. Steeped in the legacy of Manouche jazz yet unafraid to push beyond its boundaries, Reinhardt has forged a sound defined by lyrical clarity, rhythmic fire, and a modern harmonic imagination.

Born into a musical family in Strasbourg, he began playing guitar at an early age, absorbing the language of jazz while developing a voice distinctly his own. His rise through the European jazz scene was swift; by his early twenties he was performing at major festivals across France, Germany, and the Benelux countries, captivating audiences with his dazzling technique and soulful phrasing.

Reinhardt has appeared on several critically acclaimed albums, each showcasing his ability to move seamlessly between intimate acoustic settings and electrified contemporary jazz. His collaborations span from traditional Manouche ensembles to boundary-pushing trios and cross-genre projects with vocalists, accordionists, and world-music artists.

A sought-after performer and educator, François Reinhardt is known not only for his virtuosic playing but also for his generosity on stage—an instinctive musical storyteller whose improvisations feel both spontaneous and deeply rooted. Today, he stands as a defining voice in modern French jazz, carrying the Reinhardt legacy forward while continually reshaping it for a new generation.

Matty Neal - compositional team leader

Matty Neal is an award-winning composer, arranger, producer, director and multi-instrumentalist. With roots in the Romany tradition, Matty's life and work are deeply informed by a passion for freedom, access, and cultural expression.

Starting out gigging in the North East and along the Yorkshire coast, Matty quickly established himself as a formidable live performer and a sought-after session musician. His versatility across instruments has seen him contribute to over 140 albums, spanning numerous genres and styles, and performing everywhere from humble beginnings in pubs and small clubs to World Cup finals, large-scale arena and stadium concerts and the Gold Cup paddock. As of 2025, he has embarked on fourteen national and international tours. Famous among the jazz circuits of Liverpool, London, Manchester and Dublin, Matty is well known for his humility and modesty in the face of extreme and ferocious talent.

As a composer, Matty has written for film and TV and has published several books on modern Western harmony, musical philosophy, and a pioneering dialectical analysis of improvisational and free jazz technique.

To contact Matty (through his secretary), send an email to:

mattyneal@giftedartists.com

Want to Join our Team? See our Apply page.

If you would like to join us please enquire here.

Everyone is welcome to enquire, however, auditions are mandatory for musicians in order to maintain our high standards of professionalism. No qualifications or grades are necessary, but in order to be considered, applicants need to be able to demonstrate a high standard of fluency and skill in their specific instrument or field. Successful instrumentalists or vocalists should be able to play or sing to ABRSM grade 8 equivalent. Depending on your role, being a strong sight reader may or may not be essential.

There is also an interview process, vetting process and a probationary period.

The only time a full audition may not be necessary is if a scout has handed you a white card. This means they have already seen you perform and consider this to constitute a part of your audition. You will then move on to the interview and vetting processes.

We can offer: Permanent employment (full-time or part-time), which includes ongoing employment with no fixed end date, guaranteed hours (weekly or monthly) and full employment rights; fixed-term contracts, which end automatically on a specified date or project end; casual and bank agreements, where you can choose your own hours and are offered shifts as needed; contractor / freelance agreements, where you are self-employed and paid per project, performance, or day. We also offer consultancy agreements for specialists in order to deliver specific target-orientated outcomes. For business-to-business contracts, intellectual property rights agreements, Limited Company Contractors and Personal Service Companies, please enquire here.

We support the rights of our employees and workers, and take them seriously; we are subject to IR35 rules to prevent employee-like arrangements being disguised as contracting. We are proud to be ethical employers., and provide workers with fair wages, safe working conditions, and free choice in employment, respecting their rights to form unions, bargain collectively, and be free from discrimination and exploitation. Key principles include transparency in recruitment, guaranteed hours for regular workers, and clear communication about terms and conditions.

We are always on the search for gifted artists and musicians. We have a need for more:

Church organists
Didgeridooists
Flautists
Timpanists & pitched percussionists
Bongoseros

Enquire here to find out more. We also have vacancies for:

Business Development Specialist - Intellectual Property (salary on experience)
Publicist & PR Manager (salary on experience)
Assistant Database Administrator (salary on experience)
Operations Assistant (37.5hr)
Part-time management accountant (16hr)
Cleaner (37.5hr)

Standards

We treat our staff and musicians with the utmost professionalism and excel beyond industry standards. We have our own guidelines and rules on professional conduct, contract review, fair play, rights for recording, and live performance. We also strive to work above and beyond union guidelines to create a fair work environment for our employees, some often working unsociable hours in a difficult industry. For more on our safeguarding and equality policies, see below.

Support & Resources

Tonic Rider: Many people working in the music industry experience mental health issues. They can be brought on by the highs and the lows, the touring, the late nights, and the lifestyle. The industry can be volatile and competitive, with no financial security. This leaves music industry professionals vulnerable to developing mental health issues.
Help Musicians: Offering free and confidential support, advice, and financial assistance for musicians at all stages of their careers, including a 24/7 helpline for mental and physical health.
Music for All: A charity that provides grants and instruments to individuals and community projects, helping people of all ages to fulfil their musical dreams.

For young musicians:

National Youth Orchestra (NYO) Inspire: Offers free orchestral music opportunities, world-class tutoring, and an extensive community for teenage musicians aged 13-18 who attend state school.
Wired4Music: A free-to-join community for young people aged 16-25 in London who want to shape the future of music and access opportunities, events, and networking.
Youth Music NextGen Community: For individuals aged 18-30, this free community offers access to exclusive offers, events, opportunities, and networking with other young artists and creatives in the music industries.
Music Hubs: These are local partnerships across England that provide high-quality music education and opportunities for children and young people, often offering free or subsidised activities. You can find your local hub via Arts Council England.
Musinc: Runs free programs and groups like "Bandjam" for young people aged 6-18, focusing on instruments like guitars, drums, and voice.

Safeguarding, Data Protection (GDPR), and Equality Policy

Gifted Artists

1. Introduction

Gifted Artists is committed to providing a safe, respectful, and inclusive environment for all customers, clients, staff, volunteers, contractors, and members of the public who interact with our organisation. We recognise our legal and moral duties to safeguard vulnerable individuals, protect personal data in accordance with the UK GDPR and Data Protection Act 2018, and actively promote equality, diversity and inclusion in everything we do.

This combined policy outlines the principles, responsibilities, procedures and behaviours expected of everyone associated with Gifted Artists. It applies to all staff (permanent or temporary), freelancers, volunteers, partners, and anyone acting on behalf of the organisation.

2. Safeguarding Policy

2.1 Our Commitment to Safeguarding

Gifted Artists is committed to safeguarding the welfare of children, young people, and adults at risk. We aim to create an environment in which individuals feel safe, respected, and heard. Safeguarding is everyone’s responsibility, and concerns must always be taken seriously, acted upon promptly, and handled with sensitivity.

2.2 Definitions

Child: Anyone under the age of 18.
Adult at Risk: An adult who has care and support needs, and who may be unable to protect themselves from harm, exploitation, or abuse.
Abuse may include physical, emotional, sexual, financial, organisational, neglect, self-neglect, discrimination and domestic abuse.

2.3 Safeguarding Principles

We are guided by the following core principles:

Prevention – taking proactive steps to minimise risks.
Protection – responding appropriately to concerns or allegations.
Empowerment – ensuring individuals feel valued and listened to.
Accountability – maintaining clear procedures and responsibility lines.
Partnership – working with appropriate agencies when necessary.

2.4 Roles and Responsibilities

Senior Leadership has overall responsibility for ensuring safeguarding arrangements are in place, up-to-date, and effective.
All personnel must familiarise themselves with this policy, follow procedures, and report concerns immediately.
Designated Safeguarding Lead (DSL) (or equivalent):
- Receives and responds to safeguarding concerns.
- Keeps written, confidential records of safeguarding matters.
- Liaises with social services, police, and relevant agencies when needed.

2.5 Reporting Concerns

Any safeguarding concern—whether observed, disclosed, or suspected—must be reported immediately to the DSL.
If an individual is at immediate risk of harm, emergency services (999) should be called first.

Concerns may relate to:

Observed signs of abuse or neglect
Disclosures made by a child or adult
Concerns regarding the behaviour of staff, volunteers, or contractors
Online or digital safeguarding risks

2.6 Responding to Disclosures

When someone shares a safeguarding concern:

Listen carefully and calmly.
Do not promise confidentiality; explain that you may need to share the information.
Avoid leading questions or assumptions.
Reassure them that they have done the right thing.
Record the information factually and promptly.
Report immediately to the DSL.

2.7 Safe Recruitment

We are committed to safe recruitment, which may include:

Identity verification
Reference checks
Enhanced DBS checks where legally appropriate
Training on safeguarding, boundaries, and codes of conduct

2.8 Training

All personnel must receive safeguarding awareness training appropriate to their role. Refresher training will be offered periodically to ensure awareness remains current.

3. Data Protection and GDPR Policy

3.1 Commitment to Data Privacy

Gifted Artists is committed to protecting the privacy and security of personal data. We comply with:

UK General Data Protection Regulation (UK GDPR)
Data Protection Act 2018
Relevant ICO guidance

We only use data for legitimate business purposes and never retain more than necessary.

3.2 Principles of Data Protection

We follow the seven core GDPR principles:

Lawfulness, fairness, transparency
Purpose limitation
Data minimisation
Accuracy
Storage limitation
Integrity and confidentiality
Accountability

3.3 Types of Data We Collect

Depending on the service, this may include:

Contact details (name, email, phone number)
Billing or payment information
Booking or service-related information
Records required for safeguarding or legal obligations

We do not knowingly collect unnecessary or excessive personal data.

3.4 Legal Bases for Processing

We process personal data under one or more lawful bases:

Consent: freely given, specific, informed, unambiguous
Contractual necessity: to provide services you request
Legal obligation: e.g., safeguarding or accounting requirements
Legitimate interests: balanced with your rights and freedoms

3.5 How We Use Personal Data

Personal data may be used to:

Provide and manage services
Communicate with customers
Manage bookings, payments, or contracts
Improve website performance
Meet legal or safeguarding requirements

We never sell personal data to third parties.

3.6 Data Retention

We only retain personal data for as long as necessary for the purposes for which it was collected and to meet any legal obligations. After this period, data will be securely deleted or anonymised.

3.7 Data Security

We use appropriate technical and organisational measures to keep personal data safe, including:

Secure storage and encryption where feasible
Restricted access to sensitive data
Regular updates, monitoring, and risk assessments

3.8 Data Sharing

We may share data with trusted third parties only when:

Necessary for delivering services
Required by law or safeguarding duties
Explicit consent has been given

All third parties must adhere to GDPR-compliant safeguards.

3.9 Individual Rights

Under GDPR, you have rights including:

The right to be informed
The right of access
The right to rectification
The right to erasure (“right to be forgotten”)
The right to restrict processing
The right to data portability
The right to object
Rights related to automated decision-making

Requests can be made by contacting us by email. We will respond within the statutory timeframe.

3.10 Cookies and Website Tracking

Our website may use cookies or analytics tools to improve user experience. You can manage cookie preferences through your browser settings. Full details are available in our Cookie Policy.

4. Equality, Diversity & Inclusion (EDI) Policy

4.1 Our Commitment to Equality

[Your Business Name] is committed to promoting equality of opportunity, eliminating unlawful discrimination, and creating an inclusive environment where people are valued, respected, and treated fairly.

We uphold the principles of the Equality Act 2010 and do not tolerate discrimination based on:

Age
Disability
Gender reassignment
Marriage or civil partnership
Pregnancy or maternity
Race
Religion or belief
Sex
Sexual orientation

4.2 Creating an Inclusive Environment

We aim to:

Provide equal access to services for all individuals
Make reasonable adjustments for those with disabilities or accessibility needs
Ensure our communication is clear, respectful, and inclusive
Challenge discriminatory behaviour or language immediately
Support diversity in staffing, volunteers, and partnerships

4.3 Responsibilities

Management ensures this policy is embedded in operations and decision-making.
All personnel must behave inclusively and respectfully at all times.
Contractors and partners are expected to uphold our equality principles.

4.4 Reasonable Adjustments

We will make reasonable adjustments to accommodate disabilities or individual needs, including adjustments to communication, environment, or service delivery.

4.5 Prevention of Harassment and Bullying

We have zero tolerance for:

Harassment
Bullying
Victimisation
Hate speech
Discriminatory behaviour

Incidents will be investigated promptly, professionally, and sensitively.

4.6 Training and Awareness

We support ongoing equality and diversity training to ensure staff understand their responsibilities and the importance of inclusive practices.

5. Policy Review

This policy will be reviewed annually or sooner if:

Legislation changes
Operational practices evolve
Significant safeguarding or data protection issues occur

Updates will be published on our website, and all stakeholders will be encouraged to familiarise themselves with the most recent version.

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