Thank you, National Lottery!
As surprises go, receiving a special award from Musical Theatre legend, Michael Ball, in front of 12,000 people at the AO Arena, Manchester during the National Lottery’s Big Night of Musicals is definitely up there! The BBC1 broadcast reached millions, giving my 23-year-long campaign for equal opportunities in the Arts for people with learning disabilities […]
A Standing Ovation from The King!
March 2022, Royal Albert Hall My wife and I sit comfortably in our box anticipating the start of the 2022 Mountbatten Festival of Music – the annual flagship concert by the Massed Bands of His Majesty’s Royal Marines. We’re guests of our new marketing partner, TEAM LEWIS Foundation. It is 5 months after Rt. Hon. […]
The Story of San Diego and the MMP Global Ambassadors
Until this year, The Music Man Project’s international visits were restricted to tutoring new students overseas. Most were self-funded, with dedicated volunteers paying for their own travel or thanks to generous sponsorship from friends and family. Successful trips to South Africa, India, Nepal and the Philippines enabled us to reach disabled communities thousands of miles […]
Review of 2022 – A Year of Collaborations
What an extraordinary year for The Music Man Project! Our remarkable musicians made the biggest impact I’ve seen in over 20 years of teaching in this industry. They’ve shown what can be achieved with hard work, high expectations and help from incredible organisations and people. If the Music Man Project’s landmark performance at the Royal […]
‘Any Dream Will Do’ for our Wendy and the incredible Lee Mead
Several years ago, Music Man Project UK Student Ambassador, Wendy “Woo” attended class wearing a multi-coloured jumper. We joked that she looked like Joseph and we all sang ‘Any ‘Woo’ Will Do’, much to her delight and amusement. We have sung Wendy the same song every week ever since. It is always a moment of […]
When TV’s Mr Motivator met The Music Man Project!
When an opportunity arises to showcase the incredible talents of my musicians with learning disabilities I usually grab it with both hands. The chance to appear on BBC1 TV’s Morning Live programme was no exception, but the filming was due to take place exactly a week after the death of our charity President, Sir David […]
Next steps for the SEND Music Curriculum in England
I was recently invited to deliver a Keynote Address at the Westminster Education Forum policy conference. The conference was entitled “Next steps for the Music Curriculum in England and implementation of the new National Plan”. It was an opportunity to explain the rationale behind my work on the refreshed National Plan for Music Education. My […]
Disability & Access Ambassador (Arts/Culture) Year One Update
In my first year as Disability and Access Ambassador for Arts and Culture I promoted grass roots opportunities for disabled people as both creative artists and consumers. My particular focus was on adults with learning disabilities who are traditionally the last to achieve equal access and inclusion. Most cannot speak up for themselves so struggle […]
A National Plan for Music Education to help children and young people with SEND thrive
Last year I was invited to join a panel of advisors to help the Government produce their new National Plan for Music Education (NPME). It was an excellent opportunity to raise standards in music education for all children, but especially those with special educational needs and disabilities. The work has become an integral part of […]
My Video for the United Nations in New York
In November 2019 I travelled to New York to learn about music education and performance for people with learning disabilities in America. I visited charities, special schools, performance venues, churches, the British Consulate and Ellis Island. I taught at Salvation Army care homes, played for the homeless on Thanksgiving and even attended a concert by […]