Meet Our Staff - Musica Kirklees

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Woodwind STAFF

Mrs N Bell AREA MANAGER - MIRFIELD Woodwind Teacher Mrs Bell plays flute, clarinet, saxophone and piano. She first started on the flute in Year 5 after being inspired by one of her teachers playing in assembly. Mrs Bell loves ‘the buzz of playing in an ensemble’ and ‘knowing your part of the jigsaw fits with 40 other players and makes this immense sound!’. She enjoys sharing her passion for music, and feels privileged to be able to see her pupils improve and learn to love music as much as she does. Her favourite piece is the chamber orchestra piece ‘Appalachian Spring’ by Aaron Copland.

Mr J Curgenven Woodwind Teacher Mr Curgenven first started playing at 6 years old in a classroom recorder ensemble, that then developed into a passion for woodwind, leading to him performing on top of a moving bus for Cork Jazz Festival! He loves anything to do with improvising and jazz music.

Mrs J Curgenven Woodwind and Keyboard Teacher Mrs Curgenven plays saxophone, flute, clarinet, recorder, and piano (with her favourite being sax). She has played piano since she was 6, and has picked up her woodwind skills along the way. She loves how music brings people together to express their creativity. She enjoys arranging and performing with her sax quartet when she isn’t teaching for Musica Kirklees.

Mrs E Dyson Woodwind Teacher Mrs Dyson's musical journey started at infant school learning to play the recorder before moving on to the clarinet as well as singing and playing the piano. She loves teaching and helping musicians to develop their confidence and skills. With a special interest in romantic and early twentieth century music, Mrs Dyson enjoys arranging music and finding creative ways to bring pieces to life. 'Music has given me so many wonderful opportunities, friendships and memories, and I hope to inspire others to discover the same enjoyment through making music.'

Mrs H Heath Keyboard and Woodwind Teacher Mrs Heath teaches keyboard and woodwind predominantly in the Colne and Holme Valleys.

Mrs J Isaacs AREA MANAGER - BATLEY Inclusion Officer Woodwind Teacher Mrs Isaacs has been playing woodwind instruments since she was 11 years old (when she got thrown out of Recorder Club for not being able to read music!). Her first job in music was to climb a tree and play ‘cuckoo sounds’ on her clarinet as part of a sound walk. As well as her passion for teaching, she likes playing chamber music and the musical conversation created between players when playing in smaller groups.

Mrs L Kingham Woodwind Teacher Mrs Kingham plays the woodwind and piano. She feels it is a privilege to teach and to see the sense of joy and achievement when her pupils learn and improve. She also loves to play for her own enjoyment as she loves the creative, emotive expression of music. One of her all time favourite pieces is Francis Poulenc’s Sonata for Flute and Piano She has performed up and down the country in concert bands, choirs and orchestras, with her most memorable performance being at the Royal Festival Hall in London.

Mrs R O'Sullivan Woodwind and Keyboard Teacher Mrs O'Sullivan plays the piano all woodwind instruments, with her favourite being the oboe. As well as teaching individual pupils in Kirklees schools, you can find Mrs O'Sullivan at Musica Youth Orchestra on a Wednesday evening, or at Musica Colne Valley on a Friday evening.

Mrs J Robinson Guitar and Woodwind Teacher Mrs Robinson plays classical guitar, bass guitar, ukulele, recorder, bassoon and clarinet, with her favourite being the classical guitar. She fell in love with music as a Girl Guide in Wakefield, with whom she is now a committed volunteer for the Girlguiding Community. She first tried the guitar at a summer camp accompanying camp fire songs, and then began her classical training. From there, she was the first ever Classical Guitar candidate at Wakefield Trinity College examination centre!

BRASS STAFF

Mr J Atkins

Brass Teacher

Mr Atkins mainly teaches in North Kirklees.

You can also find him online teaching the Musica Kirklees Theory Group on Monday evenings.

Mr G Brown

Brass and Ensemble Teacher

Mr Brown is a brass teacher working with ensembles and students in schools and at Music Centres.

He also plays lower brass in many bands across the local area.

Mr N Dolling

PRINCIPAL

Brass and Ensemble Teacher

Mr Dolling plays all brass instruments, but particularly loves to play the tuba.

He has been an avid player since he was 13 and has played all over Europe in many prestigious venues (even in a water taxi!).

He appreciates a wide range of styles and pieces, and loves composing, arranging, conducting, and teaching to share his passion with musicians of all ages.

Mr D Johns

Brass, Keyboard, Voice and Ensemble Teacher

Mr Johns plays all brass instruments with his favourite being the trumpet. He also sings and plays the piano and ukulele.

He began his musical journey at 5 years old with the violin – he fell out with the violin but kept loving music!

He has since performed all over Europe in Big Bands at school in The Netherlands, Belgium and Germany.

He loves spending time behind mixing desks in music studios and bringing joy into classrooms.

Mr A Kingham

AREA MANAGER - SHELLEY

Brass and Ensemble Teacher

Mr Kingham conducts Musica Youth Jazz. He also can be found at Musica Shelley every Saturday morning.

He mostly plays the trumpet, but enjoys all brass instruments.

He loves to both play and listen to jazz music.

Mr C Lennon

Brass and Ensemble Teacher

Mr Lennon’s favourite instrument to play is the soprano cornet.

He started playing the trumpet when he was 10 years old; he was inspired by a group of brass players that came into his primary school and let him have a go on their instruments.

He loves the ‘sense of camaraderie you get from playing in a band or group.

His (and his grandad’s) favourite piece to play is Flowerdale written by Philip Sparke – a great one to listen to for any brass enthusiasts.

Mr Lennon has played at many professional engagements around the world including on the Pyramid stage at Glastonbury.

Percussion STAFF

Mr N Austin Double Bass, Percussion, and Keyboard Teacher Mr Austin began making music in high school because wanted to play in ensembles with his friends, so he initially took up double bass and percussion as a way to join in. He enjoys the community and constant learning that comes from being in a band. He enjoys playing challenging pieces - 'the sense of achievement at the end is like getting to the top of a mountain!'

Mr S Barrans Percussion Teacher Mr Barrans plays a wide variety of percussion instruments, but particularly likes the drum kit. Mr Barrans has a diverse musical background, having played the piano since age 10, was a chorister at his local church, and being an avid brass band percussionist. He was inspired by bands such as Blondie and Status Quo as a pre-teen, and started drum lessons. He enjoys playing group pieces, especially technically challenging ones, as he loves to perform and entertain an audience. Mr Barrans enjoys playing in a variety of genres, such as Glenn Miller’s Big Band tunes, or more traditional, orchestral pieces. As a Primary School teacher, he found working with whole classes towards their first performances to be ‘immensely rewarding’. He is ‘thoroughly excited to bring his passion for percussion and his love of teaching together’ while teaching with Musica Kirklees!

Mrs C Clegg Percussion Teacher Mrs Clegg plays all percussion instruments. She has lots of experience playing and competing as a percussionist with brass bands, such as with Hepworth Brass Band. As well as delivering lessons, Mrs Clegg can also be found at Musica Shelley on a Saturday morning conducting ensembles and helping all of our percussionsists.

Miss L Emms Percussion Teacher Miss Emms plays percussion and piano. She first started on the piano at 6, followed by the flute, and then took up percussion in high school. Miss Emms enjoys introducing people to percussion instruments they have never seen or heard before. She loves the variety of percussion instruments that are available, such as timpani, marimba and drum kit. Miss Emms spent 3 years playing with the Band of the Royal New Zealand Navy in Auckland, NZ. As part of this, she played for the King of Tonga on his birthday!

Mr R Hunter Percussion Teacher 'If you dream of becoming a working musician, go for it. There's no better feeling than making a living doing what you love. Keep practising, keep learning, believe in yourself and others will do too.' Mr Hunter was inspired by attending gigs with his dad and bought his first drum kit when he was 20. Within 6 weeks he'd joined a band started attending local jam nights. Since then he's been able to make music his career and would like inspire others to do the same.

Mr T Merry Percussion Teacher Mr Merry plays anything in the percussion family, and also dabbles in bass guitar. He started when he was 7 with Musica Kirklees lessons. He was drawn to the drums when our recital team did a performance in his school. He calls sitting behind a drum kit his ‘comfort zone’ – he loves playing on his own, in a band, or recording at the studio. He loves seeing the ‘spark of enjoyment’ in his students, and likes them to ‘take ownership of their own playing’. He plays all genres as a percussionist. He has even played on Blue Peter with Kirklees Percussion Ensemble (and with Lewis Hamilton as a Blue Peter guest!).

Mr P Needham Percussion Teacher Mr Needham is a percussion teacher with a wealth of experience teaching and performing as a musician. He also conducts the Musica Holme Valley Pop Choir.


Mrs L Thompson Percussion Teacher Mrs Thompson plays drum kit and percussion. She started playing when she was 5, with percussion lessons through Musica Kirklees in her primary school. She loves ‘teaching and inspiring the next generation of musicians’. As a drummer, she can take part in many different types of ensemble, but particularly likes Motown. Her favourite musical moment is performing at the 2022 Glastonbury Festival on the Pyramid stage. She met Stormzy, Paloma Faith, and musicians performing with Diana Ross and Herbie Hancock!

Mr M Zakers Percussion Teacher Mr Zakers is a steel pans specialist, as well as playing other percussion instruments. He performs at carnivals (such as Leeds Carnival) and functions with bands and on his own, bringing joy to all who hear his music!

guitar STAFF

Mrs A Bowers Mini Musica Groups Leader and Guitar Teacher Mrs Bowers teaches guitar as well as running the Mini Musica groups at Musica Holme Valley where toddlers, pre-school and EY pupils get the perfect introduction to music making. Mrs Bowers' own musical journey started at school with playing the recorder and she hasn't stopped since. She views music as a universal language and hopes her passion for music (and Disney musicals!) will inspire our youngest pupils to take up singing or playing an instrument.

Mr M Crone Guitar Teacher Mr Crone runs Musica Rock School on a Wednesday evening in addition to teaching acoustic and electric guitar across Kirklees. He loves to play and listen to rock music, and is a specialist in the electric guitar.

Mr N Darwent Guitar Teacher Mr Darwent is a guitar teaching working in schools in Shelley and the surrounding area.

Ms G Eady AREA MANAGER - HOLME VALLEY Guitar Teacher Ms Eady plays the guitar and ukulele – she says ‘Guitar will always be my favourite as it feels like you have a whole orchestra to yourself’. Her favourite thing about music is that it can be enjoyed at every ability level and for her there is no better feeling than bringing musicians together for shared experiences in any setting. She enjoys classical and folk guitar music and likes to play outdoors, often composing her own music while on holiday. As a teacher for Musica Kirklees, she has organised many events including performances with internationally renowned guitarist Craig Ogden!

Miss S Edwards Guitar Teacher Miss Edwards started playing the guitar when Santa finally dropped off a guitar for Christmas after her asking for one for many years! She enjoys the versatility of the guitar and being able to play many different styles of music on the different types of guitar, and the opportunity to inspire her pupils to develop a lifelong love of music. Her favourite piece to play is Joaquin Rodrigo’s ‘Concierto D’Aranjuez’ – if you are a budding guitarist, go and give it a listen for some inspiration!

Mr E Ellis Guitar Teacher Mr Ellis plays all sorts of plucked string instruments, including ukulele, classical, acoustic and electric guitar, and electric bass.

Mr C Hanks Guitar Teacher Mr Hanks first took up the guitar when he was 8 years old and has been playing music ever since. He enjoys the creative side of music with an interest in playing in a band, composing and coming up with new ideas. You may have already heard Mr Hanks's music as he played on the soundtrack for two Ricky Gervais films ('The Invention of Lying' and 'Cemetery Junction') and performed a song with Mel Brookes ('Ain't Misbehaving'). He was also the banjo player in a travelling Italian Circus!

Mr T Kamba Guitar Teacher Mr Kamba is a multi-instrumentalist who first took up music when, at age 10, his Sunday School teacher gave him a guitar. 'The thing I enjoy most about music varies from one situation to another: when I am teaching the whole focus is on the student, their performance, their enjoyment, their success as a musician; when I am performing in an ensemble, or a recital the focus is to bring happiness to others; when I am learning or composing a piece its for my personal enjoyment.'

Mrs J Robinson Guitar and Woodwind Teacher Mrs Robinson plays classical guitar, bass guitar, ukulele, recorder, bassoon and clarinet, with her favourite being the classical guitar. She fell in love with music as a Girl Guide in Wakefield, with whom she is now a committed volunteer for the Girlguiding Community. She first tried the guitar at a summer camp accompanying camp fire songs, and then began her classical training. From there, she was the first ever Classical Guitar candidate at Wakefield Trinity College examination centre!

Miss H Roulson Guitar Teacher Miss Roulson plays the classical and acoustic guitar as well as the ukulele.

Mr M Scriven Guitar Teacher Mr Scriven plays the acoustic and electric guitar, as well as the electric bass.

Mr T Vasdaris Guitar Teacher Mr Vasdaris plays the classical guitar. He started playing at 9 years old and has developed a love of improvisation, teaching, and composing. ‘There is no such thing as bad music’ according to Mr Vasdaris – he loves Flamenco, Latin jazz and Gypsy jazz particularly.

piano and keyboard STAFF

Mr N Austin Double Bass, Percussion and Keyboard Teacher Mr Austin began making music in high school because wanted to play in ensembles with his friends, so he initially took up double bass and percussion as a way to join in. He enjoys the community and constant learning that comes from being in a band. He enjoys playing challenging pieces - 'the sense of achievement at the end is like getting to the top of a mountain!'

Miss A Berry Upper Strings and Keyboard Teacher Miss Berry conducts at Musica Mirfield on Friday evenings. She also teaches violin, viola and piano in schools across Kirklees.

Mrs S Bennett Vocal Strategy Lead Voice and Keyboard Teacher Mrs Bennett is a soprano singer, and she also plays the piano. She first started singing in primary school, and joined her first choir at age 7. Singing is a big part of her Welsh culture. Her favourite musical to watch and sing is Les Misérables. Mrs Bennett believes that singing is accessible for everyone, and enjoys enabling groups to develop their skills and confidence by singing together. One of the exiting places that Mrs Bennett has conducted a choir was for Cliff Richards’ performance of the Millennium Prayer on BBC Songs Of Praise in Millennium stadium in Cardiff.

Mrs J Curgenven Woodwind and Keyboard Teacher Mrs Curgenven plays saxophone, flute, clarinet, recorder, and piano (with her favourite being sax). She has played piano since she was 6, and has picked up her woodwind skills along the way. She loves ‘how music brings people together to express their creativity’. She enjoys arranging and performing with her sax quartet when she isn’t teaching for Musica Kirklees.

Mrs J Dolling Keyboard Teacher Mrs Dolling plays the piano, keyboard, and cello, but piano is her favourite. She learnt to play at 6 years old as her mum was her piano teacher! One of her favourite pieces to play is Suite de Danzas Criollas by Ginastera – ‘it’s a very creative and crazy piano piece that’s great fun to play’. To any aspiring pianists – go and have a listen! She has performed in many great venues in the UK with her favourite being in the Royal Festival Hall in London on their Steinway piano.

Mrs J Frith Keyboard and Voice Teacher Mrs Frith plays piano and sings, as well as dabbling in violin, ukulele, and recorder. She started playing after her parents bought her neighbour’s piano when she was 5. She says she was inspired and encouraged enormously by teachers, which is what she now does for her pupils in her lessons. She has performed at the Royal Albert Hall with a professional orchestra. Mrs Frith loves being part of ensembles and choirs and seeing children become inspired and keen to learn how to read music and perform.

Mrs R Garside Keyboard Teacher Mrs Garside plays the piano. She is mainly based in the Holme Valley and Colne Valley area for her teaching.

Mrs H Heath Keyboard and Woodwind Teacher Mrs Garside teaches keyboard and woodwind predominantly in the Colne and Holme Valleys.

Mr D Johns Brass, Keyboard and Voice Teacher Mr Johns plays all brass instruments with his favourite being the trumpet. He also sings and plays the piano and ukulele. He began his musical journey at 5 years old with the violin – he fell out with the violin but kept loving music! He has since performed all over Europe in Big Bands at school in The Netherlands, Belgium and Germany. He loves spending time behind mixing desks in music studios and bringing joy into classrooms.

Mr L Kelly Keyboard Teacher Mr Kelly has played the piano since he was 8, when he tried to recreate film and TV music after hearing them. He really enjoys composing and improvising with other musician. Mr Kelly also loves to teach and perform, both of which he finds very rewarding.

Mr S Kitchen Keyboard Teacher Mr Kitchen plays the piano, clarinet, saxophone, and flute. He first started on the keyboard and recorder when he was 10 years old, and soon after joined his local music centre. He is a big fan of musical theatre as the Musical Director of many local productions, but is a fan of classical, jazz and pop as well.

Mrs A MacFarlan Keyboard Teacher Mrs MacFarlan is a keyboard teacher working with pupils predominantly in the Colne and Holme Valleys.

Ms J Mellor Keyboard Teacher Ms Mellor has played the piano since she was 6, as her grandmother had a piano and encouraged her to have lessons. She is a big fan of Mozart and playing duets with, or accompanying, other musicians and encourages pupils to form partnerships with their musical friends and play music together. While she was studying at university, she played alongside the famous comedy drag act Hinge and Bracket!

Mrs C Middleton Keyboard and Voice Teacher Mrs Middleton has an abundance of classroom experience, as she is a classroom teacher as well as specialist music teacher with Musica Kirklees.

Mr M Pounce Keyboard Teacher Mr Pounce was encouraged to start music by his grandparents as a young boy. He loves that he can ‘express himself in every situation, whether happy or sad, through music’. Mr Pounce’s favourite piece to play is Nocturne in G Minor by Chopin. Once, he found a piano in an airport in Germany and entertained people as they waited for their flights!

Miss L Shaw Upper Strings and Keyboard Teacher Miss Shaw plays the violin, viola and piano – she says viola is definitely her favourite. Playing and teaching are the things she enjoys most about music.

Miss S Tse Keyboard Teacher Miss Tse teaches piano and keyboard at schools across Kirklees.

vocal STAFF

Mrs S Ball Voice Teacher Mrs Ball sings and plays the keyboard and piano. She started to play the piano when she was 6, and she also played the recorder and oboe when she was at school. Mrs Ball loves the enjoyment music brings to people. As she is classically trained, she enjoys performing music from Purcell and Mozart and is a fan of musical theatre (especially Les Misérables).

Mrs S Bennett Vocal Stategy Lead Voice and Keyboard Teacher Mrs Bennett is a soprano singer, and she also plays the piano. She first started singing in primary school, and joined her first choir at age 7. Singing is a big part of her Welsh culture. Her favourite musical to watch and sing is Les Misérables. Mrs Bennett believes that singing is accessible for everyone, and enjoys enabling groups to develop their skills and confidence by singing together. One of the exiting places that Mrs Bennett has conducted a choir was for Cliff Richards’ performance of the Millennium Prayer on BBC Songs Of Praise in Millennium stadium in Cardiff.

Miss G Bourke Voice Teacher Miss Bourke's musical journey started with playing the recorder at junior school. She then moved on to flute and developed a love of musical theatre. She's worked as a professional actor and singer across the UK including singing with a musical theatre choir and full orchestra at Cadogan Hall. As a teacher, Miss Bourke enjoys seeing pupils progress and grow in confidence as they develop their vocal skills.

Mr S Bradnum Voice Teacher Mr Bradnum loves to sing, and also plays the French Horn. He loves to perform, conduct and arrange as a musician. He has performed and conducted in many prestigious venues such as the Birmingham Symphony Hall. Some of his arrangements include his version of the Irish Blessing, which is played all over the world. He loves to engage with his students, and makes sure everyone has fun and learns something valuable.

Mrs J Frith Keyboard and Voice Teacher Mrs Frith plays piano and sings, as well as dabbling in violin, ukulele, and recorder. She started playing after her parents bought her neighbour’s piano when she was 5. She says she was inspired and encouraged enormously by teachers, which is what she now does for her pupils in her lessons. She has performed at the Royal Albert Hall with a professional orchestra. Mrs Frith loves being part of ensembles and choirs and seeing children become inspired and keen to learn how to read music and perform.

Mr D Johns Brass, Keyboard and Voice Teacher Mr Johns plays all brass instruments with his favourite being the trumpet. He also sings and plays the piano and ukulele. He began his musical journey at 5 years old with the violin – he fell out with the violin but kept loving music! He has since performed all over Europe in Big Bands at school in The Netherlands, Belgium and Germany. He loves spending time behind mixing desks in music studios and bringing joy into classrooms.

Mr B Lawrence Early Years Lead Voice and Upper String Teacher Mr Lawrence is an Early Childhood Music specialist. He has a particular interest in how music can be used as part for childhood development and enjoys working with pupils of all ages.

Mrs C Middleton Keyboard and Voice Teacher Mrs Middleton has an abundance of classroom experience, as she is a classroom teacher as well as specialist music teacher with Musica Kirklees.

Mr P Needham Percussion Teacher Mr Needham is a percussion teacher with a wealth of experience teaching and performing as a musician. He also conducts the Musica Holme Valley Pop Choir.



Miss H Rockcliffe Voice Teacher 'I love singing. It makes me feel great and I enjoy helping children learn to sing and watching them grow and develop'. From the age of 3, Miss Rockliffe has been playing, singing and making her own music. She's a fan of soul music and has a gold record for songwriting.

Mrs T Waller Voice Teacher Mrs Waller is a singer and a woodwind player; she plays a number of different recorders and the clarinet, but she loves singing the most. She started singing in her church choir when she was 6, and began playing the recorder shortly after in her primary school. She loves to sing Baroque music, with her favourite composer being Henry Purcell. Through sharing knowledge, she enjoys sharing her pupil's journey of progression and seeing the joy and pleasure that music gives them.

Strings STAFF

Mr N Austin Double Bass, Percussion and Keyboard Teacher Mr Austin began making music in high school because wanted to play in ensembles with his friends, so he initially took up double bass and percussion as a way to join in. He enjoys the community and constant learning that comes from being in a band. He enjoys playing challenging pieces - 'the sense of achievement at the end is like getting to the top of a mountain!'

Miss A Berry Upper String and Keyboard Teacher Miss Berry conducts at Musica Mirfield on Friday evenings. She also teaches violin, viola and piano in schools across Kirklees.

Miss M Fisher Upper String Teacher Miss Fisher has played the violin since she was 7 and took up the viola at age 16. She's loves to play as part of a group, especially chamber music, and enjoys championing works by female composers. Miss Fisher has perfomed in lots of different venues, including a multistorey carpark!

Mrs C Kelly AREA MANAGER - COLNE VALLEY Upper String Teacher Mrs Kelly plays violin and viola, and has played since she was 7 years old. She says she does the ‘best job in the world every day – making music’. She loves working with children and adults. She is a member of the Yorkshire String Quartet, where she plays anything from pop to Bollywood to Disney favourites. She has had many wonderful opportunities through her musical career, including meeting renowned classical violinist Nicola Benedetti.

Mr B Lawrence Early Years Lead Voice and Upper String Teacher Mr Lawrence is an Early Childhood Music specialist. He has a particular interest in how music can be used as part for childhood development and enjoys working with pupils of all ages.

Mr W Mace Lower String Teacher Mr Mace plays the cello and the double bass. He started playing cello in primary school. He has grown to favour orchestral music, and even composes for students and ensembles. Mr Mace loves feeling ‘immersed’ in music whilst performing and composing. One of his favourite musical memories is playing Mahler's 8th Symphony in Bridgewater Hall, and he has also played in a string quartet at the summit of Ben Lomand for a friend’s birthday! He has also recorded a contemporary album on iTunes called ‘Borderlands’ with Monty Adkins – check it out for some lower strings inspiration!

Miss L Shaw Upper String and Keyboard Teacher Miss Shaw plays the violin, viola and piano – she says viola is definitely her favourite. Playing and teaching are the things she enjoys most about music.

Mr P Simons ASSISTANT PRINCIPAL Upper String Teacher Mr Simons plays a wide range of instruments, including violin, viola, keyboard and ocarina. He has been playing the violin since he was 4. He loves playing in groups rather than alone, as it’s a great way to learn and make friends. He really enjoys conducting and composing. His favourite genre to listen to is actually rock, with him being a massive Queen fan. He also enjoys Baroque music as ‘you can really explore the phrasing’ and ‘feel the music!’. Mr Simons advocates for the mental health benefits of music, and how much joy everyone can get out of giving it a go.

Mrs K Smith Upper String Teacher 'I love how music is an outlet for emotions, to be able to express the way you are feeling. I also find it so enjoyable and rewarding teaching music both in the classroom and to individuals / small groups. It has been a real privilege over the years to see students who may find other subjects hard, shine like stars when performing on the stage.' Mrs Smith comes from a musical family. She and her twin sister were inspired to play by their mum and grandpa (both music teachers) this led to career as a teacher, including performing at the Royal Albert Hall with her pupils.

Mrs J Worboys-Hodgson Lower String Teacher Mrs Worboys-Hodgson plays the cello, double bass, piano, guitar and recorder. She first started on the recorder when she was 6 (helped by her dad). Her mum used to make her practise in the bathroom as she would not put it down! As a musician, she loves to perform, especially at weddings and with the staff orchestra at Christmas. She also loves teaching – she gets a ‘real buzz when a student masters something they have been struggling to learn, and seeing [her students] become accomplished musicians is a fantastic feeling.’ Mrs Worboys-Hodgson loves ‘heart-wrenching’ music, such as Elgar and Dvorak’s Cello Concertos, Rachmaninov’s Cello Sonata, and Mahler’s 5th Symphony.

EARLY YEARS

Mrs A Bowers Mini Musica Groups Leader and Guitar Teacher Mrs Bowers runs the Mini Musica groups at Musica Holme Valley where toddlers, pre-school and EY pupils get the perfect introduction to music making. Mrs Bowers' own musical journey started at school with playing the recorder and she hasn't stopped since. She views music as a universal language and hopes her passion for music (and Disney musicals!) will inspire our youngest pupils to take up singing or playing an instrument.

Mr B Lawrence Early Years Music Lead Voice and Upper String Teacher Mr Lawrence is an Early Childhood Music specialist. He has a particular interest in how music can be used as part for childhood development and enjoys working with pupils of all ages.