ArtsProfessional finds out how the sector?s managers and directors made it to where they are today!
Executive Director, Live Music Now! (2001 to date)
As the UK?s largest music outreach organisation, Live Music Now is focuses on both the continuing professional development of talented young musicians, and bringing the uplifting powers of music to a range of audiences and participants ? many of whom would not normally have access to music of such calibre. Supporting the management and development of this activity via the nine branches across the country, whilst co-ordinating central programmes such as auditioning and training of musicians, constitutes the essence of my responsibilities.
Director, Live Music Now! Yorkshire/ Lincolnshire Branch (1987 to date)
From our Yorkshire office I oversee the management of Live Music Now?s activities throughout the region, delivered by the organisation?s young musicians. The groups they work with include older people, children with special needs, prisoners and people with learning disabilities. The branch now hosts more than 700 workshops and concerts every year ? an increase of more than 2,000% since the 1980s!
Founding Co-Director, Pied Piper Projects (1997 to date)
Based in Ryedale, North Yorkshire, Pied Piper Projects is dedicated to bringing opportunities for involvement in the performance of music of all styles to young people in this rural area. Watching the organisation grow from an idea into an acclaimed Ryedale institution has been a gratifying experience for me and my co-Director, Simon Thackray of The Shed. Pied Piper Projects is the only regular provider of music/performance workshops for young people in the area and is now a key consortium member of In Tune, the Youth Music Action Zone serving North Yorkshire.
Co-ordinator, Musicians in Residence, Arts Council England (1992 to date)
Musicians in Residence is one of the longest lasting subsidy schemes of its kind. It plays an important role in developing the musical life of the region through supporting its established artists and promoters of all sizes.
Founding Administrator and Fundraiser, Heslington Foundation (1988?1990)
Working for this charitable trust, established to support major developments on behalf of the Music Department at the University of York, cemented my interest in working with not-for-profit organisations.
Concerts Administrator, University of York (1987?2001)
This position, one of my first real tastes of life at the centre of an organisation involved in large professional music events, offered me a blend of responsibilities ranging from programming and financial management to marketing and fundraising. I enjoyed enormously the opportunity to work with the Music Department?s excellent student ensembles as well as organising a high-profile season of visiting artists.
Various positions in Music Administration (1979?1987)
After graduating I held a number of positions within the music industry, beginning as Personal Assistant to the Managing Director of Faber Music and eventually becoming Assistant Music Officer at Yorkshire Arts in 1984. Each of these roles in its own right, served as a useful launch pad for my career in music co-ordination and management.