Career progression in challenging times
Last year COVID-19 and the resultant lockdown affected all of us who work in the music sector and caused many of you to look at how you could make the most of the skills that you already had, whether it be teaching online, live-streaming a performance or working at home. As we move into the […]
You are far more capable than you think
‘You are far more capable than you think’ [written for Music Teachers’ Association Ensemble Magazine Spring 2021] These words have stayed with Bill Bailey since his time in the sixth-form. His music teacher gave him encouragement before giving a recital in his A level year and he remains inspired by her words when going out […]
That September Syndrome
The holiday period is over and we’re looking back wistfully to those feelings of freedom, the precious carefree days with no agenda, the time to relax and catch up with friends and family and to put the word ‘career’ to the back of the mind. Now that we are mostly back in a work routine, […]
Beyond the Music Department
At the 2016 MMA Conference I was asked to lead a session entitled ‘Maintaining a high profile for music in my school’. We looked at the importance of music for its intrinsic value and the evidence of the wider impact it can have on our students and the whole community. We discussed how we could […]
One of those ‘aha’ moments
There have been numerous tributes paid to Sir David Willcocks who died in September. I’ve enjoyed reading these as they often include personal memories and anecdotes from former students who have gone on to lead illustrious careers as professional organists and singers. Many were his students at King’s College Cambridge where he was Director of […]
It’s not just about the music
Looking for a seat to grab a quick lunch before the start of the Highbury Grove School/NYO Inspire project, I sat down in the school canteen and immediately got into conversation with three NYO violinists. They were friendly, welcoming and enthusiastic about the prospect of working with the combined Year 8 at Highbury Grove during […]
The T Junction
You’re driving along a road at night in an unfamiliar location and realise that you’re nearing a T junction. Your Sat Nav has broken and you’ve been meaning to sort it out. You approach the junction nervously and then what? You could go right, left, straight ahead, come to a halt and procrastinate, or turn […]
