STEPHEN AUSTIN.
PLAYS THE MIGHTY COMPTON THEATRE ORGAN.
Stephen was born in Taplow, Bucks in 1952 and spent the next 21 years living around the Home Counties during which time he studied piano and classical organ (with Anne Jones, Alan Parry and Roy Wise) to Grade 8. On leaving Shenfield High School 6th Form, Stephen was offered a position at Hammond Organ UK on the recommendation of Ena Baga whom he had come to know through local Hammond Organ Societies (and the Ideal Home Exhibitions). Stephen was appointed assistant to Keith Beckingham and to George Blackmore (the Musical Director) at the time when Ena, Bryan Rodwell, Hubert Selby, Len Rawle and Stanley King were regular visitors to the office. Stephen was later offered a job as demonstrator/salesman/in-house teacher at the famous Cavendish Organ Centre in London's West End - this, Stephen eagerly accepted. During his time there, many lunch hours were spent at the New Gallery Theatre Wurlitzer in Regent Street (now a Burberry Fashion store - complete with Wurlitzer!). Saturday mornings were "lesson time" with John Stewart at the Gaumont State Theatre, Kilburn, and he also continued his classical studies at the Royal College of Organists although he dare not tell his tutors there of his theatre organ activities!