Part one of this interview is here
You are now the manager of Making Music in Northern Ireland?
Yes. I haven’t worked in the arts on the other side of the desk so I’m really looking forward to getting involved again. I still play music every day and would class myself as “leisure time” musician but I have missed all those things that come with playing with other people – the fun, the sense of community, improving, learning, performing – what Making Music is essentially about.
You have a few groups in Northern Ireland?
And there should be a lot more. This place is coming down with music and musicians. I know lots of people who play for fun and so I thought that I could be part of making that grow.
What is the thing you want to do in your new role?
Simply to promote the idea making music for pleasure – the thing that attracts us to music in the first place – and all the incredibly powerful things that happen when we make music with other people. It’s a very simple thing that can get lost when you start pursuing music as a career or as an academic subject. Music should be there for everyone, regardless of ability, income, age, location, ability to read music etc. Making Music is a place where individuals who are looking to play with other musicians purely for the fun, can connect.
For example, I’d love to play in a Motown Orchestra. To be able to find people with a love of soul music, who would be open to forming a group would be fantastic thing. Making Music has the potential to help create something like that.
Is there a key event or proposal you will be working on in the New Year?
Making Music Day is on the 21st June. Part of my orientation will be to grow that over the coming years and get as many organisations, groups and individuals involved in being part of that celebration – to make the day a much bigger event than it has been up to now.
There will be a meeting to discuss making Music day which will be held on Friday February 14th at the Arts Resource Centre from 2pm to 3.30pm. Everyone who think they might be interested is more than welcome to attend.
There will be a meeting to discuss Make Music Day which will be held on Friday February 14th at the Arts Resource Centre from 2pm to 3.30pm. Everyone who think they might be interested is welcome to attend.
