Pianist Derbyshire – Chesterfield, Buxton, Ashbourne, Matlock

Available in Derby, Chesterfield, Ilkeston, Swadlincote, Buxton, Matlock, Ashbourne or any other area of Derbyshire.

Keyboard - Pianist Derbyshire

Working as a Pianist in Derbyshire

My name is Eugene Portman, and I am often hired as a pianist in many of Derbyshire’s venues. The quality of the venues can only be matched by the beauty of the countryside. These venues range from golf clubs to fine hotels. Examples are Ashbourne Golf Club, Matlock Golf Club,  Ringwood Hall Hotel, near Chesterfield, and the Cathedral Quarter Hotel in Derby. The wide range of venues makes things easier for anyone organising an event in the area.

The Music

I perform a lot in the Derbyshire area as a jazz pianist and I hope this continues. Jazz and swing are my first love, so I am happy if I am performing this type of music.. I play songs made famous by the likes of Nat King Cole, Frank Sinatra, Ella Fitzgerald, and Tony Bennet. My style of piano playing has developed through listening and studying the greatest musicians of the past. These include Erroll Garner, George Shearing, Oscar Peterson, Teddy Wilson, and other keyboard greats from that era.

Although jazz is my main thing, I have to be versatile in order to provide music for events. Some of the bookings I get from the Derbyshire area are as a wedding pianist. This can be real test of my versatility. To play for the various parts of a wedding day, being able to play different styles of music is a must. The styles I play include pop, Latin, rock, classical, ragtime, blues, and even sing-along.

Performing as a Sing-along Pianist in Derbyshire

The Derbyshire area has shown a recent trend in booking me as a sing-along pianist. This is mostly for Cockney and Wartime themed events. However, sometimes a good old sing-song goes down well at quite formal functions including weddings.

I can provide a complete entertainment package for those who are thinking of organising a Cockney themed party. I bring all the song sheets and arrive in full Cockney attire. My outfit includes Bowler hat, grandad shirt, Albert chain and watch, red neckerchief, waistcoat, etc. All that you have to do is provide some enthusiastic singers. Please see the Sing-along Page or alternatively visit www.uksingalongpianist.co.uk for more information.

Different Line-ups

Most of my performances in Derbyshire are as a solo pianist. However, I can provide larger line-ups from duo combinations, trios, quartets, right up to the full five-piece jazz band. Here is a list of all the line-ups available:

  • Duo – piano and vocals or piano and bass
  • Trio – piano, bass and vocals or piano, bass and drums
  • Quartet – piano, bass, drums and vocals or piano, bass, drums and sax
  • Five Piece Jazz Band – piano, bass, drums, sax and vocals

I always use musicians of the highest calibre and this ensures that the music is of the highest quality.

I try to make my music have a feel-good quality, whether you book me as a soloist or the full jazz band. Furthermore, I try to make the music sit comfortably in any situation. Hopefully adding sparkle to your event without drowning conversation.

Please do not hesitate to contact me should you need help choosing a line-up. I can help you find a line up that will match both your budget and space at the venue.


Here are some of the many venues around Derbyshire that have used my services as a pianist:

Shottle Hall, White Lane, Belper DE56 2EB
Breadsall Priory, Moor Road, Morley, Nr. Derby, Derbyshire DE7 6DL
Cressbrook Hall, Buxton SK17 8SY
Maynard (The), Main Road, Grindleford S32 2HE
Ringwood Hall Hotel, Brimington, Chesterfield, Derbyshire S43 1DQ
Thornbridge Hall, Ashford in the Water DE45 1NZ

Here are just a few of Derbyshire’s towns I cover:

  • Derby
  • Chesterfield
  • Long Eaton
  • Swadlincote
  • Ilkeston
  • Glossop
  • Staveley
  • Heanor
  • Alfreton
  • Belper
  • Buxton
  • Dronfield
  • Clay Cross
  • North Wingfield
  • South Normanton-Pinxton
  • Bolsover
  • Matlock
  • Shirebrook
  • Killamarsh
  • New Mills
  • Clowne
  • Chapel-en-Le-Frith
  • Wingerworth
  • West Hallam
  • Borrowash
  • Ashbourne
  • Whaley Bridge
  • Creswell
  • Duffield
  • Kilburn
  • Melbourne
  • Wirksworth
  • Whitwell
  • Bakewell
  • Tibshelf
  • Shirland
  • Pilsley