Spotlight on Staff - Robin Grace

Robin Grace:

How did you get involved with Leicestershire Music?
When I was 13, I discovered that I really liked to play music with my friends. Through my teenage years I was in several rock / punk / indie bands where I created my own music, leading me into taking Music as a GCSE and A level subject. I became really interested in composition and writing songs so much so that I decided to study music further at university. I found a great university which I thought would push me in new directions and was accepted on provisioned that I gained my grade 5 theory. My musical journey had started informally (teaching myself) so despite being a competent guitarist (rock/blues/punk/some classical), I had many gaps in my musical learning which needed further work. Fortunately for me I attended the Leicestershire Music After School Music Theory lessons and achieved my grade 5 theory in less than a year.

Much later on in life, I now work for Leicestershire Music as a Music Leader delivering WCIT/ CIL lessons, and also in a role as Inclusion Lead.

What's your favourite thing about Leicestershire Music?
I love to see how music can have positive impact on the students I work with. It's also fun!!!
I feel very fortunate to be able to share some of my skills with new students. It's great to see students confidence and interests develop.

What is one of your best moments at Leicestershire Music?
I am fortunate to work in many ways with my Music Leader role. I often work with children who have additional education needs. I have too many personal stories to share …….. immediate ones that spring to mind writing really funny ad lib songs, and sharing moments together that are often not accessible without the power of music.

Tell us a little about your work outside of Leicestershire Music
I continue to perform regularly in original bands, and I also perform in tribute and function acts nationally. I also work as a freelance musician, leading workshops and teaching privately.

What is the main skill you have learnt at Leicestershire Music?
As a Music Leader it's a privilege to develop new teaching methods. Delivering daily sessions in different schools has given me deeper insights into how individuals can learn.

What book have you read that you would recommend to others?
I was diagnosed with dyslexia a very early age and sadly through my life I've never really enjoyed reading. I enjoy listening to and viewing lectures online often about history, sociology and music.

What advice would you give to yourself when you were just starting out as a facilitator/musician?
Have a big dream or ambition, and chase it. If you catch it dream further and wider.
Check in with yourself regularly, survey what's happening musically, have multiple paths and options open.