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From O2 stages to BBC airwaves and even a Pointless trophy, meet LCCM’s new Associate Deans, Lisbee Stainton and Dan Green, here to back your creative journey at every step…
Meet Lisbee
If you’ve ever wondered what it takes to build a career that touches the O2 Arena, BBC Radio and even Eurovision, just ask Lisbee. A songwriter and session musician for over 16 years, Lisbee began writing songs aged seven, inspired by their parents’ record collection of Fleetwood Mac, Joni Mitchell, The Beach Boys and more. Those influences remained as they developed their own sound, often performed on a bespoke handmade 8-string acoustic guitar.
Lisbee’s toured across Europe, supporting legends like Suzanne Vega and Joan Armatrading, as well as many others, while also making their own name as a headliner. To date, they’ve released six albums independently and even became the first unsigned artist to perform on the O2 stage.
Sessions, Songs and Surprises
As a session player, Lisbee spent years with Seth Lakeman and Rab Noakes, switching between guitar, banjo, bouzouki, harmonium and backing vocals.
They’ve also co-written with artists across the UK and Nashville, including BBC 6 Music’s Tom Robinson, Ivor Novello nominee Charlie Dore, Violet Skies, Eleanor McEvoy and collaborators linked to India Arie, Wyclef Jean and Pixie Lott. They even co-wrote Latvia’s Eurovision entry in 2018. Right now, they’re developing a new musical with West End director Cressida Carre.
Why LCCM?
Lisbee spent a decade teaching songwriting, lyricism, performance and cultural studies, and five years leading Songwriting courses at BIMM London. Now they’re joining LCCM to help shape the student experience and keep talent pipelines open and inclusive.
“I come to LCCM with the drive to be a part of creating a positive and lasting impact on the shape of its courses, student experience, and learning & teaching.”
they’re also part of the Artist’s Council for the Featured Artists’ Coalition (FAC), a fellow of Hereford College of Arts and a fellow of the British American Project, showcasing their commitment to supporting emerging artists.
“I’m excited to witness the creative work being made at LCCM, see the students navigating their studies, and importantly, hear from them how they envision LCCM developing from here and where they need it to go next.”
Meet Dan
Dan describes himself as having a mixed background in music, but the throughline has always been rhythm. Having started out on drums Dan says he’ll always feel like a drummer. Later he moved to piano, where he discovered a love for chords, melodies and creating textures. That opened the door to composition and songwriting, where he found the space to be at his most creative and expressive.
Projects and Highlights
Dan’s work has taken him from presenting at international conferences to being profiled on BBC Radio 3 and hosting his own artist gigs. In recent years he’s become more involved in arranging and producing for other people, including co-producing James Rees’ Normal People project. He’s now also undertaking a PhD in popular musicology.
Why LCCM?
Dan had visited LCCM a few times before joining and was struck by the dedication and drive of the students. With more than 15 years of experience as a lecturer and academic leader, he knew straightaway that the Associate Dean for Learning and Teaching role was the right next step.
“I’d visited LCCM a few times before working here and was always impressed with the students and their dedication.” For Dan, it’s all about the power of good teachers and the impact they can have on shaping careers and communities.
As for what excites him most about being here, Dan’s answer is simple: everything. “I’m learning all the time from my students. When I hear them mention an artist I haven’t heard of, I go and check them out. Engaging in their creativity helps me learn about their perspective, life and views. I know it goes without saying, but the students are the lifeblood of any educational institution.”
Beyond the Stage
Outside of music, Dan’s world includes his dog Pandesal, or Sal for short, who has plenty of personality. He also once won an episode of the TV quiz show Pointless and still has the trophy to prove it.
Together, Lisbee and Dan bring a mix of artistry, teaching experience and real-world music know-how that makes LCCM feel more than just a place to study. Lisbee’s journey as a songwriter, touring artist and advocate meets Dan’s path from drummer to composer, producer and educator. Their stories show there’s no single route into a creative life, and that’s exactly the point.
You’ll see both Lisbee and Dan around campus, so don’t be shy about starting a conversation. As you can tell, they have plenty of stories and experience to share.
