Biography

Jane progressed through a classical training up to Grade 8 on piano and clarinet and began writing songs at the age of 14. Encouraged by her mother, a guitar teacher, she began singing in local churches and continued this as she went to University, singing and playing at a variety of venues in Leeds. Her first recording was made with some friends in 1992 and when she left University she joined the newly established band ‘YFriday’ playing keyboards and singing, before leaving in 1998 to concentrate on her solo material once more. After six years of teaching History, she decided to pursue music as a full time career in 2002. Her first CD ‘Simple Life’ is an EP of contemporary songs, while ‘In the Stillness’ is a collection of worship songs.

Her musical journey has continued as she has developed her music in performing, teaching piano, leading worship and entertaining older groups in the community with local songs and anecdotes. These sessions also feature her dad, Derek Minto, very popular with the older ladies!! In 2007 they recorded an album of local songs and readings, ‘Keep Your Feet Still’ and 2009 saw the release of their follow up, ‘Ca’ Hawkie’. In 2008 Jane also recorded a live acoustic album, ‘Through the Valley’, which examines aspects of our journey through life as seen through the lens of faith. 

2012-13 saw Jane back in the studio recording a new album of very personal songs, written over the preceding few years. ‘Still Waters’ is available through the website and also through iTunes, Spotify and other online music retailers. This was followed by the release in 2017 of 'A Day in These Shoes', also available via online music retailers.

Jane now divides her time between teaching music in a local primary school, teaching music privately, running a community singing group for adults and performing in various North East venues.