The final episode in this series of podcasts reflects on previous episodes and the need for change within the industry. I'm joined by Greg Lawson (Violinist, Conductor and Teacher), Dave Mastrocola (Head of Visual & Performing Arts at The Bourne Academy) and Ronan MacManus (Singer/Songwriter).

We reflect on a whole host of points raised throughout the series. We talked about the current lack of visibility for new artists due to streaming platform saturation. We discuss the need for patience and understanding as a performer because so many musicians are now left feeling cynical, jaded and exhausted after years in the profession.

We also discussed the need for a reform in music education and a change in attitudes towards teaching the subject, and how so many positives changes could be made if some of the "lesser known" examining bodies were recognised for their content, not only at a high school level but into further education.

Intro/Outro track: "Battle" by Ian Prowse

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Scottish Percussionist, Marimba soloist and Conservatoire Professor, Calum Huggan, joins me for Episode 9. Calum's journey as a musician and a teacher is a really inspirational one, as he talks so passionately about what a privelige it is to be a musician and have this as a career.

Calum's commitment to education is at the forefront of everything he does and this is largely down to the amazing support he was given from a young age by his high school percussion tutor and then his specialist tutors at conservatoire level. He felt fortunate to have teachers that looked after his body and mind as well as his musicianship and this is something he strives to take forward into his own teaching.

We talk about finding the best structure for your day and your week as a freelancer, making use of "out of office" to give your mind a proper break from working, finding time for self care and rest, and also how important it is to continually learn - whether that's from CPD within the Music industry or learning from other industries.

We also talk about how kindness is needed, now more than ever, within the Music Industry. Calum is passionate advocate for LGBTQIA+ and works hard to represent all musicians regardless of sexual preference or gender.

Intro/Outro Track: "Battle" by Ian Prowse

Middle Track: "Prelude Number 1" - performed by Calum Huggan

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Dave's journey to Music as a career wasn't a conventional one, as he was actively encouraged not to do a degree in Music, so he specialised in Maths and Physics at University instead. However, due to the amazing inspiration of his Music teachers at school, plus constantly gigging throughout his time at uni, he chose to study a PGCE in Music education.

Dave is now Head of Visual & Performing Arts at The Bourne Academy, a school based in one of the top 10 most deprived areas in the UK. When he initially started, he was the only music teacher and there were only 8 students taking music as a core subject. Fast forward to the present day and his department is one of the most successful in the school, with the highest grades for GCSE and A Level in 2022.

We cover so much throughout the episode. Dave talks about how giving students the best possible experience on stage through detailed set up and proper equipment raises the aspirations of each individual as a whole, how he, alongside a dynamic team of teachers and musicians have turned the department into a creative hub within the school, where in Year 9 alone, there are now 55 students taking music as a core subject!

He also talks about the importance of being a practicing, performing musician in order to be the best possible teacher so that the young people are inspired, which is why Dave goes to incredible lengths to make sure he is regularly able to go on tour with "Ian Prowse and Amsterdam."

All this and SO much more!

Intro/Outro Music: "Battle" by Ian Prowse

Middle Track: Live performance of "Running Down A Dream" by Tom Petty by Year 13 students at The Bourne Academy.

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