Charlotte Spencer, Head of Learning and Participation, Manchester Camerata.
Bill Farren
Bill was Head of Music at my secondary school, and he was one of those teachers with enthusiasm for his subject that was truly infectious, coupled with a belief in making sure all of his pupils had a good grasp of basic musicianship skills. He and his department got me involved organising groups and concerts and generally encouraged me to make opportunities to perform in public with my friends. He also introduced me to the music of Berg, opening the gate to the post-1945 musical world to me for which I am eternally grateful.
Marie-Louise ONeill
I first met Marie-Louise when I was working on my first education project. She greeted me with the words, Welcome to the madhouse! This was an indication of the individual and relaxed teaching style that helped her class of slightly rough and ready 16-year-old girls (along with a composer and some university music students) to produce some highly original and accomplished compositions for their Higher music exam. She showed me that if you expect the highest standards of all pupils and give them the skills and opportunities to meet them, they will probably surpass their own expectations as well as yours, and get a massive confidence boost along the way. Above all, this was the first time I had seen the empowering effect music can have for young people, and confirmed for me that working in Education was what I wanted to do.
Dr Myra Soutar
Myra lectured at the Royal Scottish Academy of Music and Drama and Glasgow University whilst I was a student and her classes were (still are!) the stuff of legend I dont think I have ever known anyone play Wagner or Mahler so damn loud! Myra also conducted many choral societies in and around the Glasgow area, and would often engage the Kelvin Ensemble (the chamber orchestra I ran at uni) to accompany the choirs she was working with. She became an informal mentor to me during this time, always offering support and ideas for keeping the Ensemble solvent and raising its profile. She showed me that arts management could be exciting.
David Whelton
My first job was working as Davids PA at the Philharmonia Orchestra. Having a London orchestra as my first experience of the world of work was a bit of a baptism of fire, but hugely enjoyable. David has a pretty laid-back style, but that exterior disguises razor-sharp business acumen and huge intelligence. Having the chance to work for and learn from him was one of the most amazing experiences in my professional life, and I still often think, How would David approach this? when I am confronted with a problem.
Marion Friend
Marion is Director of Junior Trinity College of Music and I worked with her for nearly three years whilst I was Administrator of the Department. I dont think I have met a more supportive and encouraging person, and she helped me develop my skills by allowing me to take the initiative and responsibilities and run with them. She is a truly inspirational woman, and a great friend to me.