Facilitation/Community Music
Having completed a Royal Academy of Music Open Academy Fellowship under the guidance of Julian West in 2021-22, Holly has been granted an Early Career Placement with Wigmore Hall Learning, and works as a freelancer with the Music Workshop Company. Read about her approach to working in this sector below.
"I am passionate about collaborative music making, and believe it has the potential to change both participant’s lives and society for the better. Community music workshops cause a ripple effect out into the world, and help tackle challenges which can come from the growth and diversification of our communities. Co-creation helps us realise that despite our many differences, we are all more similar than we think, in turn promoting friendship, acceptance, and solidarity."
​
See projects in which Holly has been involved as a leader, co-leader and supporting musician:
​
"Over the last 5 years, working within the community has become the most enjoyable part of my musical output. It allows me to connect with a diverse range of people, using music to create a space where everyone feels welcome regardless of prior knowledge or background. On many projects I have encountered vulnerable people and/or those who have experienced trauma. I learnt a great deal about trauma informed practice, safeguarding, and the importance of interactions and environments where participants feel safe, supported, acknowledged, and heard.
​
Whether delivering interactive school assemblies with Spitalfields Music (see photo above), meeting and hearing from survivors of domestic violence in a Kathmandu rehabilitation centre, volunteering at a remote island school in Lombok or chatting over coffee with people attending a Wigmore Hall Music For Thought session – I approach everyone with openness and a smile. I firmly support equality of access and opportunity, and believe everyone should be given the chance to benefit from the many positive impacts of collaborative music-making."
​
​