Education
Julia Usher began music studies at York University and Cambridge, and studied under Robert Sherlaw Johnson. She graduated with a Master of Arts degree and afterward lived and worked in London.
Julia Usher began music studies at York University and Cambridge, and studied under Robert Sherlaw Johnson. She graduated with a Master of Arts degree and afterward lived and worked in London.
Besides composing, she also works as a music therapist. In 1980 Usher set up the composer-publishing firm Primavera with Welsh composer Enid Luff. In the 1980s, Usher collaborated in a series of cross-arts projects with the sound sculptor and painter Derek Shiel.
In 1999 Usher moved to Colchester and since 2001 has concentrated on developing works within community arts projects in North Essex.
Usher has worked as Composer in Residence with the Colchester Youth Chamber Orchestra. As part of the Lullaby Project in Colchester she recorded, transcribed, and translated songs (with the help of the contributors) to provide English versions of traditional folk songs from different cultures.
Recordings of her work have been issued on Civil Defense/Digital Video Disc, and she has conducted music therapy sessions for Nordoff-Robbins.
Usher was a founding member of Women in Music in 1987, and she has worked with ensembles including Sounds Positive, the New London Wind Ensemble, the Nash Ensemble, E2K, Ivor Bolton and Inter Artes.
