Creative Music Facilitator and Technologist
Dream
Make
Do
Making Ideas Reality
I love working with people to turn their musical ideas or goals into reality, whether that be learning or improving their instrumental skills, designing a new mode of musical interaction, sharing musical dialogue, group music making or developing their 'voice' as a song-writer, producer or sound designer.
I help people give life to their ideas by providing the scaffolding, musical and technical know-how, encouraging the creative spark, instilling trust and confidence, while using my knowledge and skills to help shape, structure and produce something which is authentically of the musician.
Musical expression builds confidence and worth and gives voice where people might otherwise feel voiceless, allows them to be seen when they feel invisible, and feel accomplished in achieving something they weren't sure was possible.
"I don't think I'll / they'll be able to do that" is a phrase I love to prove wrong.
The music mentoring services I offer include:
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song-writing and composing
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Production and electronic music
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Disability/ASN instrumental lessons
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Finding a way... when traditional instruments and methods aren't right
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Group music facilitation
Where appropriate I aim to create something tangible with people, whether that be a video or recording just for family and friends - or wider release - and can use my network and contacts to create opportunities for performance or further musical experiences.
If you or someone you know would like to find out more about working with me to achieve some musical goals please reach out via the contact page, I'd love to chat with you.
Examples of recent work
My Father
'My Father' is a track that was written and produced collaboratively with two pupils in a High School. The track explores difficult emotions and themes, providing an outlet for the expression of experiences which were hard to talk about. The two pupils had very different musical interests but we journeyed towards a way of working where each contributed equally and meaningfully, with one taking the lead on lyrics and structure while the other lead on sound design and production.
We released the track digitally and both pupils derived a tremendous amount of pride and confidence from their achievement.
Under The Acacia Tree
we collaboratively worked on the feel and edit, making sure to showcase the client's skills and abilities while telling a story which felt hard but ultimately triumphant. His family, friends and even doctors were blown away by what he produced. This work felt pivotal in his journey back to health and sense of self. We continue to work together on original material, to be released soon!
'Under The Acacia Tree' is an ABRSM Initial Grade piano piece reimagined. I had been working on it from a performance perspective with a multi-instrumental client when we discussed how unintentionally 'metal' it felt, this seemed like a great opportunity for creative exploration.
As we worked through the possibilities for the piece a sonic journey emerged which drew parallels from the clients very recent health difficulties, which had been costly in many aspects of life. The client had ideas for an additional mid-section which later proved to be our favourite part of the track - the section which was most 'of him'. No instrumental epic is complete without a video so
Born This Way
'Born This Way' was a track written and produced with a client with complex intersecting needs. It reflects both pride and defiance, blending the client's love of country and pop music.
As part of my work with this client we wrote, demo'd and released three original songs, created a professional electronic press kit - inc biography, media and photos and developed an access rider. All of which allowed this clients to move forward on her musical journey on her own terms. Giving people the tools and skills to work independently towards their goals is one of the most empowering things you can do for someone, when a client no longer 'needs' my involvement I know that there is a job well-done.