Colin R. Waller describes himself as “a Christian who is a musician”—a distinction he loves to emphasise. For him, music is a God-given gift, to be used fully in both his professional career and his church ministry.

An alumnus of the London Conservatoire Trinity Laban (formerly Trinity College of Music, London), Colin won numerous awards and competitions as a conductor and composer. A committed Christian from an early age, he grew up at The Memorial Baptist Church, Plaistow, where he directed and composed several faith-inspired musicals.

He went on to win the Sing Good News and BBC TV Festival of New Hymns songwriting competitions, and has appeared on both radio and television as an artist and musical director. Before the millennium, Colin performed with several Christian pop/rock bands—including Joint Relay, Mustard, and, in the 1990s, Crosstalk with renowned drummer Bob Armstrong. With Crosstalk, he appeared on multiple BBC TV Songs of Praise broadcasts, both as a featured band and accompanying songs plus performing their original music.

During this period, Colin also premiered three major musical works:

• Go Tell – A rock cantata/celebration commissioned by the South East Essex Baptist Federation

• Homing In – a video  commissioned by the Baptist Union (Home Mission Dept.)

• Something Beyond the Star – A Rock Nativity later developed into a stage musical, premiering at the Palace Avenue Theatre, Paignton

A career highlight came with the UK premiere of his rock-anthem Long Live the King at the Royal Albert Hall, London, featuring John Langley and supported by the All Souls Symphony Orchestra and choir conducted by Noel Tredennick.

In 1999, Colin became Director of Music & Worship at the renowned Upton Vale Baptist Church in Torquay, Devon, succeeding Dave Peacock. He has since retired in 2018 in order to care for his wife, who, despite her young years had developed a rare form of Alzheimer’s (she sadly passed away in 2023), and subsequently to focus on new album projects.

Colin’s repertoire spans an eclectic range of genres—from songs and concerti to a full requiem. He cites Michael W. Smith, Bryn Haworth, and Ron Kenoly as strong influences, alongside the Prom Praise ethos of symphonic worship pioneered by Noel Tredinnick. As a symphonic composer, he favours a tonal style shaped by Stravinsky, Shostakovich, and Ralph Vaughan Williams.

A multi-instrumentalist—keyboards, guitar (inc bass), french horn, and percussion—Colin is passionate about encouraging young musicians through workshops and he continues to perform live; see the Bookings page for details.