What’s your role in the music service?

I oversee a team of more than 30 musicians who provide fantastic musical experiences and learning. I do a small amount of teaching, community work, conducting ensembles and occasionally am called upon to support the music in one of our productions.

How were you introduced to music?

It’s a cliché and probably too closely related to an Abba song, but I can’t remember my life without music; my Mum and Dad are both musicians and I would attend rehearsals from a very early age.

I started violin lessons at the age of 7 and wanted to give up daily until I was 11 when I started to play in orchestras. The first time I heard an orchestra sound from the back of the second violin section was like nothing else I had experienced before; I was mesmerised and remain so to this day.

What’s the best thing about working for the music service?

No two days are ever the same! Being involved in people’s learning; recognising and valuing their achievements and sharing musical experiences is a privilege. ‘Another best thing’ is when I am out visiting schools, I can hear the children rehearsing for an upcoming performance and I am asked to stay and listen for a while … Do those things count as work?

What do you do to relax/in your spare time?

I love live sport and music and go and watch as many matches and concerts as I can. I have to say going to watch world class arts is cheaper than world class sport and it lasts longer too!

Why should people get involved with music?

I think everybody has a relationship with music, whether they realise it or not. To be involved with music is to be involved in life, I don’t think you can truly experience one without the other. The other answer is it can increase brain power, develops resilience, promotes well – being and you can make life - long friendships!