Music Therapy Works News
WHAT'S HAPPENING 
AT MUSIC THERAPY WORKS?
Music Therapy Works News
WHAT'S HAPPENING AT MUSIC THERAPY WORKS?

Introducing our new Chief Exec!

We are thrilled to announce that Doug Bott will join us as our new Chief Executive starting 25th April 2024! Doug is not only a seasoned leader in driving positive social change through music but also the Artistic Director and co-founder of Open Up Music. His innovative work with the National Open Youth Orchestra has opened doors for young disabled musicians, creating new opportunities and showcasing their tremendous talents.


Doug will continue his role with Open Up Music, balancing his time and passion between both impactful organisations. He shares his enthusiasm: "I’m honoured to have been appointed Chief Executive of Music Therapy Works. We know that music therapy delivers profound personal and social benefits. My focus will be to secure a bright future for Music Therapy Works, building on the team’s achievements to ensure that these benefits can be experienced, appreciated, and celebrated as widely as possible."


Our Chair of the Board of Trustees, Sandra Bristoll, expressed her excitement, saying, "The trustees are really pleased to welcome Doug into the CEO role at Music Therapy Works given his background in charity leadership and his vision for our charity. We look forward to working with Doug to support our team of music therapists so that they can deliver more of the therapy we all feel so passionate about to those who need it."

Music Therapy Works' tributes to MTW Trustee, 

David Perkins, 1954-2019

John Clemson, MTW Chair of Trustees:
"I knew David both as colleague and friend for almost thirty years. As Head of the Music Service in Birmingham, he laid the foundations and enabled the development of a now flourishing and vibrant service. 

Throughout the last quarter century, and in a wide variety of roles, he remained constant in promoting the widest opportunities for all children, regardless of their circumstances, to access educational provision of the highest quality. He was open minded, happy to hear, and be persuaded
by the views of others. 

Naturally collegiate in his approach but decisive when required, he was a
man of principle, with great integrity and total commitment. He had a vast appetite for work, paying close attention to detail, and was tenacious in attaining his goals. He was also great fun to work with.

All this was, however, only part of him. He was a devoted father and grandfather, widely read and cultured. When not attending school or Services for Education (S4E) concerts and events, he was an avid devotee of musical theatre, concerts, and bridge. Above all, his sense of humour was legendary with laughter often echoing from his office. It was a privilege and a real pleasure to work with him for all those years and I am truly grateful for his unwavering support.

Having played an important part in the establishment of Music Therapy Works, David had only recently become a Trustee but in that short time, made a real impact on the work of the Board."

Music Therapy Works is hugely grateful to receive a donation in the memory of: Jo Watkin

Jo's daughter, Jemma, says:

"The benefit of music to life was something my mum firmly believed in. She encouraged her children and grandchildren to play a musical instrument and took every opportunity herself to sing.  Three days before she died, she was strumming away at the Severnside Ukulele Strummers Association - something she found to be a real tonic.  She would have been happy that the money given at her funeral would be used to enable others to share in the joy and healing that music bring."


Music Therapy Works is pleased to provide two workshops dedicated to the memory of: Philip Higgs

Each year Music Therapy Works provides a series of workshops and training events which are an opportunity for professionals and carers to learn how music can be used to support vulnerable individuals.

MTW provides workshops either free of charge, or at a financial loss as we believe in the importance of sharing the power of music to support vulnerable people, and in developing skills which can be transferred to others. We will be using the generous donation made by friends and family of Philip to allow us to provide two workshops.
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