Caroline was on the Live Music Now scheme from 2011 to 2017. She now works as a mentor for new musicians on the scheme, sharing her knowledge of about working with children with complex needs.
What did you enjoy most about being on the Live Music Now scheme?
Developing a way of approaching ‘performance’ in a more communicative way – connecting with people through the music. On a more personal level, it was fun to spend time with my trio mates – we had some excellent adventures!
How has it influenced your work and career aspirations? Hugely. It opened my eyes to the possibilities beyond performing and teaching, and gave me a really thorough grounding in the skills to continue my work as a SEND (special educational needs and disabilities) music practitioner.
What are you working on at the moment? My colleague Bea Hubble (another LMN alumna) and I have recently started our own business, aChord Music, offering music projects and training in special schools. I also work as an academic, lecturing in music psychology and arts and health. At the moment, I’m researching the impact of various music and health projects on participants’ wellbeing, and thinking about the implications of social prescribing for the work we do.
What advice would you give to musicians who are leaving the scheme?
Reflect on your time on the scheme. Think about the skills you have gained, what you have enjoyed and what you will miss, and then look for opportunities to keep doing those things. Keep in touch with other LMN musicians and mentors. We are lucky to have such a fantastic network of knowledge and ideas to draw on and contribute to.
Here’s a video from Caroline’s time on the scheme working with a student at Kingfisher Special School.
