Violinist Blythe Press studied with renowned teacher Prof. Yair Kless for five years at the University of Music and Performing Arts, Graz, Austria, where he gained his Masters degree with distinction in 2011. Prior to that Blythe studied with Vesa-Matti Leppanen at the New Zealand School of Music in Wellington.

Competition successes include third prize at the 2008 Andrea Postacchini International Violin Competition in Italy and second prize in the 2006 NZ National Concerto Competition.

As a freelance musician, Blythe has performed as Concertmaster of the Christchurch Symphony orchestra and recently as Assistant Concertmaster of the NZSO.