Mentoring
Available free of charge and exclusively to Music Mark Members, our trained mentors will work with you to support your professional development. Through mentoring sessions you will be able to access their knowledge, insights and experience to help you achieve your goals.
Available exclusively to Music Mark Members working in the music education sector, our trained mentors will work with you through four sessions to support your professional development. Through mentoring sessions, you will be able to access their knowledge, insights and experience to help you achieve your goals. This free-to-access programme is funded by Music Mark.
Music Mark Members can benefit from our mentoring scheme, providing funded access to four one-hour sessions with one of our mentors. Offering a range of experience within music education at different levels, all our mentors have completed a training programme delivered by Relational Dynamics 1st and are looking forward to working with you.
Is mentoring right for you?
A mentor is someone who helps you to learn and develop, drawing from their own experience and knowledge. They will work with you, usually with a broad, future-focused approach, supporting you to identify what skills and learning are needed to reach your goals, and how you might achieve them. A mentor will provide advice and guidance, and explore challenges through discussion, sharing their insights and offering encouragement and inspiration.
Our mentoring programme is intended to provide professional support for people currently working in music education. When you apply, we will review your application to ensure that the programme is right for you. If you are not currently working in music education but would like to explore our mentoring programme further, please do get in touch.
How does it work?
Once you’ve completed our Get Mentoring form, we will review your application to ensure that the programme is right for you. If approved to progress, we will arrange an initial conversation between you and a matched mentor to explore what you’d like to get out of the sessions. If both parties wish to continue, you will agree mutually convenient times for you and your mentor to meet. Anything discussed in these sessions will be treated confidentially.
Mentees will be required to sign up to our Mentee Agreement and are expected to read and follow our Mentee Guidance.
Whilst we endeavour to match you to a preferred mentor, this is not always possible due to availability.
This programme is funded by Music Mark, with support from Arts Council England however due to resources, it may not always be available.
In addition to mentoring, we can support you through peer groups and coaching. We also have a training and events programme that members can access for free or at preferential rates.
If you have any queries or would like to discuss mentoring further, please get in touch with us.
Meet Our Mentors
James Dickinson - Head of Hull Music Service
How can I help you?
I began learning the French horn with Hull Music Service and read music at Oxford University (Lady Margaret Hall). After a spell as a mastering studio manager, I became marketing manager of two IT companies before becoming Projects & Activities Manager for Hertfordshire Music Service in 2003. I became Head of Hertfordshire Music Service in 2007, winning three Diplomas of Merit from the National Music Council under my leadership. In October 2018, life came full circle when I became Head of Hull Music Service.
I was Federation of Music Services / Music Mark Eastern Regional Convenor 2012-16 and was elected as a Music Mark Trustee in 2016 and Chair 2017-2023. I am a Trustee of Grimethorpe Colliery Band and Yorkshire Young Musicians.
Areas of Expertise
Leading a music service within a Local Authority | Multi Local Authority Hub leadership | Workforce Reform and remodeling | Partnership working
Rona Topaz - Freelance Singer, Vocal Coach, Choir Leader
How can I help you?
I am a singer, choir leader, vocal coach and facilitator. I have worked in multidisciplinary contexts, including leading poetry, rap and songwriting sessions. I currently lead choirs for Wise Thoughts and Shelter from the Storm. I have previously mentored for Diverse City.
Areas of Expertise
Singing | Coaching | Facilitating | Performing | Choir leading
Sharon Walker - Area Relationship Manager at East Riding Schools' Music Service
How can I help you?
I have taught within two music services for 34 years and during the last 18 years I have undertaken several management roles. In addition to mentoring I have been a syllabus consultant and selector for the ABRSM.
Mentoring and supporting teachers/managers along their journey is very important to me; nowadays these roles require many diverse skills and the challenge of managing these can, at times, be overwhelming – I try to help my mentees prioritise what to focus on and, more importantly, how to maintain a balance between work and home.
Areas of Expertise
Managing successful relationships with external organisations | Managing relationships with work colleagues | Helping a mentee to understand and value themselves
Gennie Joy - Musician, Music Education Consultant
How can I help you?
I am a musician and music education consultant based in London. I have worked in a range of fields across orchestras and chamber ensembles, music theatre and community music as both a performer and leader around the UK. I am a woodwind specialist and have performed in some of the world’s most prestigious concert venues.
With over ten years of experience in music education, I have a wealth of skills, knowledge and experience in planning, delivery and evaluation of creative music projects. I have worked as a freelance music education consultant in partnership with organisations including The Amber Trust, Soundabout and in my role as Education & Community Engagement Trustee for Southbank Sinfonia. I am also the co-founder, writer, composer and actor-musician of Merryweather Theatre, a London-based arts collective which writes, develops and performs original folk musicals for children at schools, theatres and arts festivals around the UK.
Areas of Expertise
Project and people management | Developing partnerships | Creative education delivery | Curriculum development | Inclusive practice
John Stephens - Senior Manager at Surrey Arts
How can I help you?
I work in the education and youth sectors, currently senior manager at Surrey Arts and chair at Cultureboxsurrey.org.uk. Former roles include Head of Greenwich Music Service and primary deputy head Fossdene School SE London. Freelance: Voyage Youth London and others. RSA Evidence Champion 2018-20 PG Dip Social Science Research Methods (UCL 2016); MA Social Enterprise (Goldsmiths, Sept 2014).
Skills include strategic development; measuring impact and quality; fund raising; equalities. diversity. and inclusion; social enterprise; safeguarding. Specialist expertise in educational arts and music provision, but enjoy working across disciplines.
Other interests: Chair of Trustees charltontoylibrary.co.uk; making music and film photography (member @thegatedarkroom); #Linux; Live Charlton SE7 London.
I have a mentor coaching approach, happy to help and support mentees to address a range of issues eg:
Areas of Expertise
Strategic development | Measuring impact and quality | Fundraising | Equity, diversity and inclusion | Safeguarding
Peter Bolton - Freelance Consultant
How can I help you?
From October 2008 until May 2025 I was Chief Executive of Kent Music. Prior to that I ran my own consultancy business, was Chief Executive & Artistic Director of Norfolk & Norwich Festival and ran the Turner Sims Concert Hall in Southampton. I have also held posts at Arts Council England.
I can offer the experience of running a music service and hub lead organisation over a number of years, during which I have been through several periods of change. Now that I have left Kent Music I feel that I am able to take a step back more objectively to support people within the sector.
Having been the chief executive of a Hub/Music Service for nearly 17 years I feel able to offer support across a number of areas that concern the running of organisations large and small.
Areas of Expertise
Leadership | Strategic planning | Charities | Organisational development | People management
Beth Higham-Edwards - Musician and Educator
How can I help you?
I am a percussionist and educator who works in theatre and classical music. I have appeared in numerous shows at Shakespeare’s Globe and The National Theatre, and was recently on tour with the musical Come From Away. I am well known as an educator. I teach percussion at Junior Trinity Laban, am a workshop facilitator, and am on the Board of Trustees with the National Children’s Orchestra.
I founded and run an initiative called Gender and Large and Shiny Instruments which is about gender equality for instrumentalists.
I hold a practitioner level qualification in coaching and I also mentor for the Benedetti Foundation and Young Sounds UK.
My practical experience working across the sector, alongside my experience behind the scenes sitting on boards and running GALSI gives me multiple perspectives. I find these different angles helpful when coaching/mentoring.
Areas of Expertise
EDI (specifically gender equality) | A performer and teacher’s perspective
Jennifer McKie - Head of Lincolnshire Music Service
How can I help you?
Jennifer trained at the Royal College of Music and has held leadership roles in music education for 25 years. Initially, as the Music Lead for Hammersmith & Fulham, securing Advanced Skills Teachers status, and then as Head of Service for Lincolnshire Music Service which she’s led for the organisation for 16 years. In 2019, she was awarded a Clore Fellowship, recognising her exceptional leadership.
As an accredited professional coach, she uses coaching communication and facilitation skills in her leadership and mentoring. Jennifer is acutely aware of the challenges, and opportunities, within music education and has the expertise to support others within the sector. She is an experienced Music Mark Mentor having supported numerous individuals over the years which has led to positive transformative practice, change and engagement for all.
Jennifer is a Trustee for Music Mark UK and is currently supporting the Midlands Area Council for Arts Council England.
Areas of Expertise
Improving Communication and Influence | Developing Positive Relationships / Partnerships | Managing Change including Conflict Management
Scott Welcomme - Educator, Mentor, Coach, Multi-Instrumentalist, Songwriter, Composer
How Can I Help You?
You’ve worked hard to get to where you are & deserve opportunities to develop your expertise further, with a professional who can appreciate your point of view. In a world that changes more times than AI, You want to be heard, have guidance, develop future ideas, & celebrate your impact. That’s where I can help.
With a vast & diverse skill set, over 20 years, I’ve supported thousands of young people, their teachers & Senior Leaders smash their goals. As an award winning music specialist, Senior Leader & mentor. I’ve developed a strong record of school & staff improvement across a range of settings-various roles both in the UK & Internationally, all Key Stages. This includes outstanding music provision in three Ofsted inspections. I’m proud to be a member of the Octagon Music Hub Strategic Board, and a Trustee for Changing Key Dorset.
Areas of Expertise
Developing positive relationships and partnerships | Curriculum innovation & development | Improving communication and influence | Vision and creative perspective | Impact and advocacy
Jeremy Sleith - Head of St Helens Music Service
How can I help you?
Having initially trained at Dartington College of Arts, Jeremy Has over 30 years of experience working in and being a leader of three music services. He formed and currently leads both the St Helens Council Music Service and the Local Cultural Education Partnership. He was awarded a PhD in 2010 for his research into the creation and delivery of Whole Class Instrumental programmes. He continues to perform as a percussionist and is an active composer and arranger, utilising these later skills in the creation of the large-scale performances undertaken by the St Helens Music Education Hub.
As well as being an experienced Music Mark Mentor Jeremy completed the Clore Leadership intensive course in 2019. The methods and approaches this provided he finds invaluable in his work as a service leader and more widely supporting colleagues across the country.
Jeremy is also a Local Authority Appointed School Governor and is currently the Chair of the Sing Up Foundation.
Areas of Expertise
Curriculum innovation | Developing positive relationships and partnerships | Developing staff and teams | Governance and organisational structures | Visioning and strategic development
Sue Beckett - CEO at Portsmouth Music Hub
I have worked in Music Education for over 30 years as a Music Adviser/Inspector, OfSTED Inspector, Head of Service, & Music Hub CEO. I enjoy challenging colleagues to attain their best in their personal/professional goals and to create the means of finding innovative and creative solutions.
Areas of Expertise
Change management | Events management | Out of the box thinking | Career development | Communication skills
Helen Mason - Freelance Consultant
How can I help you?
I have been CEO of Newham Music Trust, Head of Redbridge Music Service and interim Head of North East Lincolnshire Hub. My consultancy work has included fundraising for and leading on the early stages of Music8, a consortium of 8 London hubs and working alongside Hub leads to develop their organisation.
I have experience of the development of music education gained through being on several boards including the Federation of Music Services, the Music Education Council, and am currently Chair of Thurrock Music Hub. I am valued for my knowledge of the sector and empathy with leaders facing a wide range of challenges.
I am proud to have been at the forefront of inclusion in the early days of Newham Music Trust and am keen to support Music Hubs to challenge and remove barriers to participation. Over the last three years I have balanced my work in music education with owning Corsewall Lighthouse Hotel in Southwest Scotland.
Areas of Expertise
Governance and leadership | Partnership and collaboration | Staffing structures and team development | Leadership of Multi-service Music Hubs
Amy Doyley - Freelance Community Musician, Mentor, Teacher
How can I help you?
A vocalist, musician, writer, and producer, I began my formal musical training at the BRIT School for Performing Arts & Technology in London. Following this, I studied Commercial Music (BA Hons) at the University Of Westminster; this degree was the first in the UK to offer the opportunity to learn, practice, and experiment with the artistic and business strategies in today’s music industry. I now work within various settings, offering educational, creative, confidence-building workshops plus support for projects with live elements.
Previous positions include programme manager/director within music charities such as School Ground Sounds, Girls Rock London and running workshops/sessions with organisations such as Song Academy, Fairbeats, Keychange, and Spitalfields Music, supporting young people and adults in musical development across the UK.
I regularly take part in the University of Westminster alumni mentoring scheme, where I have been able to support an array of students, through insight and guidance where needed.
Areas of Expertise
Diversity and inclusion | Vocational practice | Practical goal setting/feedback sessions
Sarah Atter - Freelance Creative Education Consultant, Animateur, Project Manager/Producer, Flautist
How can I help you?
I am an award-winning Manchester-based musician with extensive experience of devising and delivering education and community projects, alongside student and teacher training, large-scale residencies and consultancy work. I work across a variety of fields including music in healthcare, music in the community, music in education, music in criminal justice and collaborative cross-art form projects.
I work both as an independent practitioner and in partnership with organisations including Manchester International Festival, Manchester Camerata, Streetwise Opera, the Royal Liverpool Philharmonic and Music in Prisons. I have also lectured at The University of Manchester, the RNCM, and design and deliver artist development training for CAN, TiPP and Chetham’s School of Music.
As a flautist, I work across the country in orchestras and chamber ensembles. I also inspire the next generation by teaching flute players of all ages across Greater Manchester.
Areas of Expertise
Outreach and community work | Employability | Exploring current work situations and mapping possible next steps | Freelancing and self-employment | Problem solving
Anita Holford - Freelance Communications Practitioner, Consultant, Fundraiser
How can I help you?
I’m a freelancer, helping music and arts organisations with an educational, wellbeing or social purpose to communicate their value and impact, explain their work, and sell their services. I work with leaders and teams to support, advise on and/or deliver communications and fundraising work.
I also provide a service through the Arts Councils and other funders, to support neurodivergent individuals to apply for funding. I’m particularly interested in equitable access to the arts for those who face barriers.
I’ve been informally mentoring artists, musicians and other creatives and project/admin staff in organisations for years. More recently, I achieved a mentoring and coaching qualification with The Professional Development Centre and The Institute of Leadership and Management via the National Union of Journalists, and undertook Music Mark’s mentoring CPD.
I write an ‘advice and resources’ blog, host the Music for Education & Wellbeing podcast, and run the Music Education Works website.
Areas of Expertise
Communications & marketing | Impact & advocacy | Copywriting & editing | Fundraising and decision science | Evaluation
