01/06/2023
Who am I?
I am a creative arts producer, with 12 years of experience in the non-profit arts sector. I was a founding director of Soundcastle, a charity using music as a tool for wellbeing, between 2011 and 2023. During this time I designed and managed a range of community music programmes, using creative-music making to increase confidence, reduce isolation and enhance wellbeing for marginalised communities, including families in social housing, families with disabled children and adults living with mental ill health. I was involved in developing a Theory of Practice, a framework for participatory music-making that places community members at the heart of the creative process, which was published in 2016.
Throughout my career I have continued to work as a music facilitator, constantly developing my skills and understanding in connecting with and engaging people who face a range of barriers. I love creating music with people and being part of the magical moments where music can open doors for communication and empowerment. This understanding is crucial to my work as a producer and consultant, and makes me a better human! As a facilitator I work with a huge variety of people on both formal and informal settings. My specific career journey has led me to work more with some groups than others, which include disabled adults and children, families, early years children and people living with dementia. I have worked with a range of organisations including Drake Music, Create, Live Music Now!, Take Art, Barbican Creative Learning and the Historic Royal Palaces.
I am committed to supporting others to pursue the practices of inclusion and project design.
I have trained and mentored music practitioners and staff in special needs schools, and I designed and delivered a Trinity Level 4 Accredited Certificate for Music Educators in Inclusive Practice for Bristol Beacon. I was also a Creative Producer at Bristol Beacon, managing programmes for disabled children and adults. I am a guest lecturer for the Creative Careers Centre at the Royal College of Music, where I support students in developing entrepreneurship and professional project ideas. I have given presentations at the Royal College of Music and the Associate Board for the Royal Schools of Music on Teaching for Neurodiversity, and I have written about accessible singing for the SingUp Singing Schools Handbook.