OUR PATRONS
AND AMBASSADORS
PATRON
Comedian and musician Bill Bailey hails from the West Country. He is a classically trained pianist and probably best known for his television work on shows like Nevermind the Buzzcocks and Black Books. His first TV appearance involved accompanying a mind reading dog on the piano. His stand up shows often incorporate music and musical parodies.
We are privileged to have Bill as a patron. His multi-faceted abilities inspires many of our pupils learning music, and in particular has been immensely supportive in those with additional needs including autism. As an ambassador for Youth Music Bill is well placed to support our many music projects, sessions and performances.
PATRON
Sophie Ellis-Bextor is a singer and songwriter, who has been performing with bands and solo since she was in her teens. She first came to prominence in 2000 performing the vocal for the number 1 single Groovejet (If This Ain’t Love). Since then she has released six albums, including 2014’s Wanderlust, 2016’s Familia and soon to be launched The Song Diaries in 2019.
We are thrilled to have Sophie endorsing our important work in early childhood music research, teaching and resources, particularly our work with birth to five years including those with profound need. Sophie’s love of children (she has five of her own) is evidenced in her enthusiastic commitment to many Music House projects. They include vocal recording for our music teaching books, presenting performances and inspiring a whole new generation of young musicians.
AMBASSADOR
Joel Amey Drummer from Wolf Alice.
This is what Joel says
"It was chance that got me to discover Music House for Children. After a late music night, I found myself next door in Bush Hall’s restaurant together with a motley crew of lovely musicians. Emma was there. I invaded her table for somewhere to sit and we got talking. Emma then took me on an impromptu tour round her charitable school. And a sobering experience that was too. The goodness of Music House for Children’s work was evident from the off. Ever since then I’ve been looking for a way to be involved.
Sometimes zipping around the world (like me and Wolf Alice have been lucky to do so during our career) it can be a little tricky to find the best ways to give back. I’m hoping that my position as Music House for Children's Ambassador allows me to do just that - no doubt finding inspiration myself in the amazing children who attend and the people who work there! Music has been very kind to me; it’s changed my life many times over. I know Music House for Children does the same for so many wonderful
children. I’m truly honoured to now be
part of the Music House for
Children family."
PATRON
Adam Ockelford is Professor of Music and Director of the Applied Music Research at the University of Roehampton. He retains a lifelong fascination for music, as a composer, performer, teacher and researcher. Adam gained a PhD in music at Goldsmith's College in London in 1993, in which he set out his 'zygonic' theory of musical understanding. This theory has proved a valuable tool in music theory and analysis, in investigating musical development, and exploring interaction in music therapy and education.
​
Adam is Secretary of the Society for Education, Music and Psychology Research (SEMPRE), Chair of Soundabout supporting music provision for children and young people with complex needs, and founder of The AMBER Trust, a charity supporting visually impaired children in their pursuit of music.
​
Music House for Children is delighted to have Adam as a patron with a particular interest in nurturing musicality, communicative and social skills in those with profound needs. We value his wisdom and support in our developing work with young children, many of whom have emerging or additional needs.
