The Music Man’s Review of 2024
I began writing blogs as a means of recording my Churchill Fellowship to New York in November 2019. All fellows are required to produce a formal report after their travels, and I was worried I might not remember all my experiences. Blogging every evening in my hotel room was very cathartic for me so I […]
Major Award for The Music Man Project!
The renowned Global Ambassadors of The Music Man Project have been honoured with The King’s Award for Voluntary Service for 2024. This prestigious award is the highest recognition that a voluntary group can achieve in the UK, equivalent to an MBE. Voluntary service has always been at the heart of my campaign for more inclusive […]
Music is Magic in Milan – more than just a concert!
Within months of their triumph at the Royal Nova Scotia International Tattoo in Canada, The Music Man Project Global Ambassadors flew to Milan for a ground-breaking joint concert with our Italian equivalent ‘AllegroModerato’. It was the beginning of a beautiful friendship between our two charities and another milestone in my 25-year long campaign to promote […]
Our Stars of the Royal Nova Scotia International Tattoo
The Music Man Project’s performance at the Royal Nova Scotia International Tattoo in Canada was our most ambitious adventure yet: 12 days, 5 performances, 3 workshops, 15 hours of rehearsals, 4 VIP receptions and 5 audience photo calls. I’m proud to report that the 10 remarkable global ambassadors were a huge hit. They stole the […]
My Musical Hero: The Incredible Theatre Organist, Robert Wolfe
At The Music Man Project, I often talk about the importance of role models. I’ve been blessed with outstanding musical role models in my life and the first of these is the world-renowned theatre organist, Robert Wolfe of the magical Thursford Collection in Norfolk. August 1987, the Thursford Collection. I’m 10 years old and […]
Breaking Barriers: The Impact of My Disability & Access Ambassadorship for Arts & Culture (2021-2024)
Serving as the Government’s Disability and Access Ambassador for Arts and Culture has been a great honour. Although the role is voluntary, non-political and comes without a budget or any direct power to enforce change, I have proudly influenced policy, advised stakeholders across all arts sectors around the UK and showcased the extraordinary abilities of […]
ORDER, ORDER!
UK Disability History Month showcases the story of disabled peoples’ historic struggle for equality and human rights. The Music Man Project was honoured to perform for the 2023 centrepiece event – a reception in Speaker’s House at the Houses of Parliament hosted by the Speaker of the House of Commons, Sir Lindsay Hoyle. Whether performing […]
The Music Man Review of 2023!
2023 was transformational for our charity. Our role-model musicians conquered America, enthralled six UK cities on tour with the Royal Marines, performed in the most historic buildings of the land and astounded the Prime Minister, His Majesty the King, the Speaker of the House of Commons and the legendary Michael Ball. With the help of the […]
An Emotional Freeman of the City!
On Thursday 20th May 2023, Southend Council bestowed on me the honour of Freeman of the City of Southend – the highest recognition a city can bequeath on an individual. As I entered the Council Chamber, I noticed only one name under the Freeman of the City heading: my friend and Music Man Project President, […]
An Extraordinary Workshop at 10 Downing Street
Just a few years ago, ‘SEND Music Workshop’ meant children with special needs receiving instruction from school music teachers, local music authorities or renowned orchestras running community outreach projects. The lucky children got to hold a bassoon, sing a song or listen to a virtuoso mainstream musician. Too often these workshops just showed what people […]