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 […]
Disability and Access Ambassador for Arts and Culture: Year 2 Update (July 2022-June 2023)
In my second year as Disability and Access Ambassador for Arts and Culture, I continued to advocate for grass roots opportunities for disabled people as both creative artists and consumers. I consulted industry professionals, charity leaders, educators, politicians, Civil Servants and across all sections of the media. Since July 2021, I have attended 75 meetings, […]
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 […]