Chris Lawson-Quick is a music educator, multi-instrumentalist, songwriter, composer, producer, and business entrepreneur based in Leeds. With over a decade of industry experience, he has performed for audiences of up to 20,000 people, collaborated with leading industry professionals, and had his compositions featured in television and film. He is also the co-founder of his own record label.

Chris is the Course Leader for BMus (Hons) Popular Music Performance and BA (Hons) Music Production at Leeds Arts University, where he plays a key role in curriculum development, student mentorship, and industry engagement. Before joining the university in the summer of 2024, he was an Academic Manager at Leeds Conservatoire, where he also served as the staff representative on the Board of Directors. That same year, he presented on AI and Music Education at Hull University's Annual Collaborative Provision Conference and is passionate advocate for AI literacy in music curriculum.

Beyond academia, Chris is an active performer as a keyboardist for The Dunwells, where he continues to perform at major venues and festivals. He also performs as part of Weetwood Mac, a tribute to Fleetwood Mac, bringing the legendary band's music to audiences across the UK, with recent sold-out shows at the Brudenell Social Club in Leeds and York Barbican Theatre.

Previously, as part of the band Shadowlark, he secured a record deal with Vital Music and a publishing contract with Warner Chappell Music Publishing / 13 Artists, leading to performances at major festivals such as Glastonbury, Cambridge Folk Festival, and Neighbourhood Weekender. The band also supported George Ezra at Cannock Chase Forest and was represented by Charlie Myatt (Radiohead, Arctic Monkeys). In 2019, Shadowlark released their album ‘Avalanche’, produced by critically acclaimed producer Dan Austin (You Me At Six, Doves). Their music has since been featured on ITV's ‘Love Island’ and Amazon Prime’s Leeds United documentary ‘Take Us Home’.

Chris has performed at Glastonbury Festival four times, including appearances on the BBC Introducing Stage and The Park Stage. He has also toured as part of Fossil Collective on Dirty Hit Records, performing at major festivals such as Kendal Calling and End of the Road festival. Additionally, he toured as a session bassist for Paul Thomas Saunders (Atlantic Records), further showcasing his versatility as a live performer.

Earlier in his career, Chris co-founded the band Ellen and the Escapades, winning the Glastonbury Emerging Talent Competition (2010) and performing at major UK festivals, including Glastonbury (2010 & 2011 main stages), Leeds & Reading, Green Man Festival and Bestival. The band’s debut album received critical acclaim, gaining airplay on BBC Radio 2, BBC 6 Music, and a broadcasted performance on Sky Arts from Cropredy Festival.

His production credits include tracks for singer-songwriter Andy West, The Dunwells, Shadowlark, and Ellen and the Escapades, demonstrating his ability to work across various musical styles and genres.

Through a career spanning education, performance, and production, Chris continues to shape our next generation of music professionals while remaining deeply engaged in the ever-evolving music industry.