Gareth Churcher - Head of Service - Lead Child Protection, Safeguarding & Prevent Officer

As Head of Service for CMST I take great pride in being the first person to accept this post. I have taken a fairly non-formal route into music education after first studying to be an accountant! After gaining my AAT qualification I found a real enthusiasm and passion for teaching and started to teach for Music Cornwall, the then council run music service. 

Before this I learnt to play the Trombone and Piano from the age of 5 and had great successes as principal Trombone for St Keverne Band. Whilst playing for the Youth Band I gained three National Finals first places and two BBC Youth Band of the Year titles. It was whilst playing for the band I met my wife, Claire. We have 3 children Maisy, Milly and Charlie who are already showing an interest in music at a very young age.
I have always had a great interest for composition and after completing a licentiate diploma with the Trinity College of London, I have gone on to be successful in a Masters of Fine Art with Falmouth University specialising in composition.

Sally Holden - Music Therapy Lead and Area Lead for South East Cornwall

Having been taught the guitar at primary school by a wonderful head teacher and know how important that was both at the time and still is, I’m passionate about the power of music in our lives. Since qualification as a music therapist in 2015 I’ve worked throughout Cornwall and Devon with clients of all ages including very young children, young people, adults and the elderly.

I’ve been Area Lead 6 lead now for a few years and I’m still honoured to do that job. I’ve worked out which school is where in our large and varied geographical area and the quickest way from A to B on our busy roads and narrow, sometimes mind-bending lanes! Working with our amazing team of teachers, music therapists and central office colleagues is a privilege. We’ve increased our reach in the area and work closely with school and college staff to deliver high quality music education. We’re about to start a new ensemble for music learners in the Looe and Polperro area which will be exciting and fun. Music therapists and music teachers are working ever closer within our organisation and beyond as we continue to deliver highly successful sessions which benefit individuals, families, schools and communities. I’m so lucky to be able to work within CMST in this special part of the world. 

Emily Garrod - Early Years Music Education Lead

From a very young age I had a love of singing and making music.  I started playing the clarinet aged 12 and soon after took up the saxophone. 

As music became an increasingly important part of my identity, I decided to study music as an undergraduate at Bristol University.  Here I focussed on clarinet performance and music history.  Although loving my time in Bristol, I had a real desire to explore improvisation further and after finishing my degree spent a year at post graduate level at The Royal Welsh College of Music and Drama.

The pull back to Bristol was strong and I moved back to the city to teach woodwind in several of the secondary schools.  I performed with the Malbec Clarinet Quartet and also the National Saxophone Choir, with whom I toured extensively across Britain and also Europe.  The cultural diversity within Bristol was a joyous environment in which to make music!  My work with Latin Jazz Band “Salsanova” enabled me to explore music with many different musicians including refugees, Polish musicians and work with the Jamaican community. 

It was in Bristol that I attended a course run by Early Years expert Susan Young.  This ignited my interest in working with children under the age of five.

After moving back to Cornwall, I had the opportunity to be part of the Early Years team for CMST.  I am passionate about supporting children’s innate musicality from birth and I value the importance of music to a child’s development.  After completing the CME in Early Years Music Education in 2021 I took on the role of Lead for Early Years for CMST.  I love working with our incredible Early Years Team and am happiest sitting crossed legged with a scarf on my head, singing with the under-fives.

Christine Judge - Area Lead for Penwith - 2nd Point Of Contact for Child Protection, Safeguarding & Prevent - Responsibilities for Health & Safety.

My love of music began at an early age at home in Southport with my parents who play piano, organ and violin. After gaining grade 8 violin, piano and voice and enjoying many years with Sefton Youth Orchestra I went on to do a Music degree at Manchester University studying these three disciplines as well as music history. I stayed in Manchester to complete my PGCE in music and performing arts before moving to London to teach music, performing arts and drama in secondary schools and sixth forms, latterly as Head of department.

I moved to Cornwall to join the County Music Service in 1999 becoming an Advanced Skills Teacher with the service. I enjoy playing and singing all sorts of genres from folk to classical and love the variety that being in Cornwall and working for Cornwall Music Service Trust offers. My job has enabled me to deliver training across the county and nationally as well as providing many performing and conducting opportunities.

I manage the curriculum and vocal team and teach classroom music, violin, ukelele and singing as well as delivering training alongside bespoke projects in schools and co directing the Cornwall Youth Chamber Choir. I am also currently one of the Cornwall Music Education Hub’s School Engagement Leaders.

Verena Watkiss - Area Lead for Kerrier

Cornish born and bred, I learned flute and piano from an early age. I studied music at Helston Community College and joined their jazz band after taking up the saxophone.

I went on to take a jazz and popular music degree at Middlesex university, followed by a PGCE in Music Education and became head of music for 10 years at a local secondary school.

After being a member of both the Cornwall and National Youth Jazz orchestras, I now enjoy leading a successful local big band – Cornish Roots.

As a player, I enjoy playing regularly in local bands and shows.

I am currently based in the Helston area and teach woodwind, keyboards and curriculum provision in local schools.

Ed Roberts - Area Lead for Carrick and Instrumental Lead for Brass

Matt Harrison - Area Lead for Restormel

An accomplished Trombone player and conductor, Matt helps lead the way for the Restormel area.

Kate Tidball - Area Lead for North Cornwall

North Cornwall is a large and varied area and one I am proud to work in. My background is in primary school teaching where I worked as a class teacher and music co-ordinator in Cornwall with a passion for cultivating, nurturing, and developing musical activities.

I joined The Cornwall Music Service Trust in 2020 since when I have experienced many different schools, class sizes, ages, abilities, instruments and have thoroughly enjoyed the challenges thrown my way.

As part of my role as Area Lead for North Cornwall I deliver First Access whole class instrumental tuition in ukulele, jumbie steel pans, gamelan, keyboard, violin, djembe and samba drumming as well as individual lessons for violin, piano and keyboard. I run choirs and whole school singing assemblies, and as a member of the Early Years Team I also deliver music sessions in nursery settings.

I play the piano, violin, steel pan and double bass and regularly play in a variety of bands in genres from steel band through folk to rock and roll. I also tune and repair pianos. Truth be told… there is never a dull moment!

Steve Clifford - Cross Service Lead for First Access

I studied clarinet under Colin Courtney in London and on leaving college joined the Royal Air Force as a musician. I was posted to the RAF Central Band and performed with them for 26 years. During my military career, I performed with the RAF Central Band, The RAF Squadronaires and the RAF Dance Orchestra, touring and performing throughout the world including USA, Japan, Africa and Europe. During my time in London, I taught woodwind in Buckinghamshire, Surrey and Bedfordshire schools.

On retiring to Cornwall, I joined the county's Music Service and I am the County Orchestral Co-Ordinator. I teach in schools and colleges from Truro through to Saltash and I am the Musical Director of Sax Is Our Business.

I'm also a past RAF Water Ski champion and my current hobbies include mountaineering, mountain biking and walking my German Shepherd ‘Skye’.

Amanda Rice - Cross Service Lead for Staff Welfare

Kari Prince - Cross Service Lead for Professional Development and World Music

Janet Elston - Cross Service Lead for Ensemble and Progression

I grew up in Rotherham, Yorkshire where I learned to play the clarinet and then the saxophone. I played in lots of bands and orchestras and I just loved it, so decided that a career in music was for me. I played in the National Youth Wind Orchestra for several years and this is when my love for wind orchestras was born.

I took my degree at Huddersfield and a post-grad at Bretton Hall and throughout these years I played in several ensembles and orchestras, including a professional clarinet quartet which toured the country.

I was delighted to get my first teaching post in Cornwall and I am still here, many years later. I still do a lot of playing and am now the Ensemble Manager, conductor of Triggshire Wind Orchestra and the CYWO and my teaching area is North Cornwall.

Steve Hawker - Cross Service Lead for Inclusion

Growing up in Cornwall, music and learning the piano were almost as important as going to the beach. Sadly there were no beaches near Wells Cathedral School, but my studies there in piano, harpsichord, chamber music and composition moved on apace, with plenty of performing opportunities, including getting to the BBC Young Musician semi-finals, and televised masterclass. Further studies at the Guildhall School of Music and Drama, Cambridge, and Warwick Universities moved progressively further away from the sea.

A return to Cornwall was inevitable, and happened following training and working in the Midlands as a community musician specialising in "musical inclusion" - work with young people with special needs, disabilities, or with emotional, social, behavioural, or mental health issues. Inclusion work seeks to address some of the barriers many young people face in having access to learn an instrument, make music with others, and experience the transformational effect music can have in the life of a young person.

It's an honour to have been asked to become Inclusion Manager for CMST, and to work for a music service that is fully supportive of inclusion. New areas of work are being developed, including projects in special schools, and creating inclusive ensembles where music technology allows students with disabilities to play in an orchestra. We work closely with Cornwall Music Education Hub, and other partners to raise aspirations, provide training for staff and schools, and increase equality of access to music.

Andy Bilham - Cross Service Co-lead for Jazz and Instrumental Lead for Keyboard

I started playing the piano at the age of 6, and the violin at the age of 10.  After gaining Grade VIII in both and playing violin in both the Falmouth Youth Orchestra and the Cornwall Youth Orchestra, I went over the border to study Performing Arts at Leicester Polytechnic.

After graduating I joined a travelling theatre company based in Loughborough and travelled all over mainland Britain, and an overnighter to Shetland!  I then moved to London where I joined the staff at Professional Percussion, and then subsequently Percussion Superlines, which imported the PSL drum and percussion range.

A chance meeting led to a job with the Hertfordshire Music Service based in St. Albans in 1988, and I remained there becoming Percussion Instrumental Leader until I returned with my family to Cornwall in 1998 so that my daughter could be brought up nearer to her close relatives in Redruth.

I began teaching for Cornwall Music Service the following year, and helped out with the Cornwall Youth Jazz Orchestra (CYJO) the year after that.  When Bob Peters retired I took over the running, and the Orchestra is still going strong 15 years later.  I teach piano, keyboard, drum kit and jazz piano, as well as samba, a more recent interest which gives me great satisfaction.

James Robinson AGSM.,LTCL - Cross Service Co-lead for Jazz and Instrumental Lead for Percussion

I began studying timpani and percussion in 1983 with Paul Hiley in Truro. From 1989 I studied at the Guildhall School of Music and Drama with David Corkhill, Terry Emery, David Johnson and Michael Skinner .  Since graduating in 1993, I have worked as a freelance percussionist in the UK and overseas, in genres spanning classical, pop, jazz, theatre and television.
 
I have performed with the English Chamber Orchestra, English National Ballet, London Concert Orchestra, Moscow City Ballet, the Orchestra of St. John’s Smith Square, the English Bach Festival Orchestra, London Brass Virtuosi, and Glyndebourne Touring Opera.
 
Theatre and television engagements have included backing work for Bonnie Langford, Roy Hudd, Rick Wakeman, Ruby Turner, the King’s Singers, Richard Stilgoe, Peter Skellern, John Nettles and Jenny Agutter and Holiday on Ice.

My television credits include Wycliffe for ITV, commercials for Siemens, BBC’s Choir of the Year at the Royal Albert Hall, and the film The Vacillations of Poppy Carew starring Tara Fitzgerald.
 
I played percussion, keyboards and guitar for the hit dance show Dein Perry's Tap Dogs for over 5 years beginning with the West End production at the Lyric Theatre featuring the original Australian cast to subsequent tours across the UK and Europe.
 
I am principal timpanist / percussionist with the Cornish Sinfonia, Three Spires Singers, St. Mary’s Singers and Duchy Opera in addition to performing with many local choral societies.  I also perform regularly with the Ten-Tors Orchestra, The British Philharmonic Concert Orchestra, London-based percussion ensemble 'Drumstruck' and I am a member of the recently formed contemporary music ensemble Kevos.
 
Aside from performing, I have always maintained a busy teaching schedule. Whilst living in London I taught for Berkshire Young Musicians Trust, St.Paul's Cathedral School and was visiting teacher at the Guildhall School of Music Junior Department. More recently I havegiven masterclasses for Felstead School, Essex and Latymer Upper School, Hammersmith in addition to adjudicating percussion competitions at both.
Formerly a demonstrator for Sabian Cymbals Limited, I have conceived many educational masterclasses for the company, designed to encourage children into orchestral percussion.

I am proud to be percussion team manager for CMST and currently teach at Truro College, Penryn College and Truro School.

Jacqueline Kershaw – Awards Manager

Born in Hayle and educated in Cornwall, I began playing the French Horn at the age of eleven. I continued my studies in London at both The Royal Academy of Music and The Guildhall School of Music & Drama.

Following my studies, I had the incredible opportunity to join the Jerusalem Symphony Orchestra, which serves as the broadcasting authority orchestra for Israel. I lived and worked in Jerusalem for the next three years, during which time I toured to Germany, Switzerland, France, Italy, and the Czech Republic.

Today, I serve as the Horn specialist and Awards Manager (for the Gifted & Talented Students) for the Cornwall Music Service Trust. I also have the privilege of coaching the Cornwall Youth Orchestra and Cornwall Horn Ensemble. With over 40 years of experience, I have been teaching the French Horn and other brass instruments. I have a special passion for teaching the Theory of Music, particularly to those who may feel hesitant due to Dyslexia.

I am a frequent performer with the county’s professional orchestras, including Duchy Opera, Duchy Ballet, The Cornish Sinfonia, Three Spires Orchestra, Symfoni Kernow & Truro Symphony Orchestra. In addition, I regularly participate in concerts with the Chapel Street Winds, Big Bang Brass, and other chamber ensembles, and I also enjoy performing solo recitals.

Jenny Crow - Instrumental Lead for Classroom Support

I am a trained teacher, BEd Hons, and have spent 27 years full-time teaching classes of children, aged 5—11. I have loved my role as music coordinator in schools for 24 of these years: running KS1 and KS2 choirs, recorder groups, taking weekly whole-school singing assemblies, organizing music workshops, building up schools’ musical resources, overseeing the music curriculum planning across the year groups, getting to grips with various musical schemes of work (e.g. Silver Burdett, Music Express, Charanga, Sing Up), taking staff-meeting workshops, regularly attending music CPD, collaborating with staff on Christmas concerts, musical shows, school events and productions, entering music festivals; collaborating with other schools and local community celebrations, ad infinitum!

I joined the CMST two years ago to enjoy specializing in music teaching. I am currently taking choirs, whole-school singing, delivering First Access whole-class instrumental tuition in ukulele, guitar, ocarina, recorder and pitched percussion.

I am a member of the Early Years Team, with Emily Garrod and am delighted to be embarking on Musical Projects in Nursery and Childminder Group settings to extend my classroom practice, provide CPD for Early Years’ practitioners and research the innate musicality of children.

I am available to offer help with joined school singing projects, after-school clubs, classroom music, both instrumental and curriculum: planning, ideas for projects, composing, musical notation, performing so that music is inclusive, suggesting resources for activities, games and listening so that children are inspired with a broad and balanced curriculum that impacts on their learning in a cross-curricular way, their well-being and their creativity. I am now getting to grips with new schemes of work – using the New Model Music Curriculum, Inside Music (Voices Foundation) and First! We Sing – Susan Brumfield.

I run the Pupil of the Month Award scheme – POTMA – which culminates in an end-of-year concert in one of the six areas of Cornwall.

I plan and deliver music workshops for SCITT (School-Centered Initial Teacher Training) students and the Annual Primary Music Conference for Music Coordinators and classroom teachers.

Rebecca Bingham - Instrumental Lead for Woodwind

I grew up in Hampshire and learned flute and piano from an early age. After gaining my BA music degree from the University Of York, I went over to The Netherlands to study Classical Flute at The Royal Conservatory in The Hague. The Hague has a vibrant jazz scene and it was there I took an interest also in jazz music. I joined the Netherlands Flute Orchestra for their tour around Holland with the history of the tango. Upon returning to the UK, I studied for a PGCE in Primary Music at Exeter University and spent three years teaching for Hampshire Music Service. I have been working for the music service in Cornwall since September 2007. I am currently based in the Truro area and teach woodwind in primary and secondary schools and sixth forms. I coach the flute section of the Cornwall Youth Wind Orchestra and work with Sax Is Our Business. I enjoy playing in a variety of settings – orchestral concerts, theatrical shows, reggae band gigs, big band functions and with the worship band at my church.

Cheryl Brendish - Instrumental Lead for Voice

Originally from Nottinghamshire, Cheryl Brendish pursued her passion for singing from an early age, choosing vocal training over other childhood dreams. She studied under the late Pamela Cook MBE, joining the acclaimed Cantamus choir, with which she traveled globally for competitions and concerts. Cheryl continued her musical education at Trinity College of Music, London, before moving to Australia to perform with the Victoria State Opera, including in the "World Tour of Carmen" in 1990.

Currently based in Cornwall, Cheryl combines her performance career with a deep commitment to music education. She leads the Cornwall Music Service Trust's (CMST) Vocal Team, where she inspires the next generation of singers through workshops, lessons, and performances across the region. Within CMST, she teaches ukulele, piano, keyboard, recorder, and ocarina both individually, in small groups, and through the First Access scheme, which introduces children to music for the first time in an engaging and accessible way.

As Head of Music at Polwhele House, Cheryl develops and delivers a comprehensive music curriculum, ensuring students have a strong foundation in both theory and practice. She also teaches voice and ukulele privately, helping students of all ages "Find Their Voice." Through her businesses, Intimate Opera Cornwall and Find Your Voice, she provides unique opportunities for singers to explore their talents in a supportive environment.

Cheryl's dual dedication to performing and teaching underscores her passion for music, making her a pivotal figure in both the artistic and educational communities of the South West.

Jon Field - Instrumental Lead for Guitar

My passion for music began at Mawgan-in-Pydar Primary School, where I was fortunate enough to be taught by our very own David Stephens.

I grew up in an environment surrounded by influential musicians, most notably my Grandpa and Dad, who were both church organists and pianists. I broke the mold by deciding to play guitar but followed in their previous footsteps by playing, performing, and developing my musical abilities within the local church. I have performed at some of the biggest Christian music festivals and events around England. When I'm not performing on the Christian circuit, I enjoy performing in more contemporary bands and groups around Cornwall.

I gained a BA (Hons) in Music and then moved on to train as a secondary school music teacher here in Cornwall, qualifying with a grade of outstanding. I attained teaching positions in a number of secondary schools as both Teacher of Music and Head of Music. I have also taught in Special Educational Needs schools, alternative education centers, and Little Harbour Children’s Hospice before joining the Cornwall Music Service Trust (CMST) in 2017. Through my role at the CMST, I have strived to utilize my teaching skills and passion for the subject to develop pupils into well-rounded musicians. Currently, I teach in secondary schools including Newquay Tretherras and Treviglas Academy, as well as primary schools such as The Bishops C of E Learning Academy, Nansledan School, St.Columb Major Academy, St. Newlyn East Primary School, and Goonhavern Primary School.

Besides playing and teaching, I enjoy kayaking around the local coastline and rivers, renovating my house, and playing football.

Barbara Degener - Acting Instrumental Lead for Strings

With two music teachers as parents, my musical education started in Germany, probably before I was even born; for some reason I can’t quite remember.

A few years later, it was first the recorder, then the piano, and at the age of ten a bass instrument was needed in the family, and I started playing the cello.

I was very lucky that I learned so much about music by osmosis. Playing with my toys while my dad rehearsed a difficult chorus from Bach’s St. John Passion or sitting under the grand piano and bathing in the resonance while watching the stern face of the cellist who was playing challenging chamber music with my parents; there was no escape. Practising didn’t always happen, but after a detour of trying pottery, I went to study cello in Aachen, Germany. A decision I have never regretted in my life. On my journey I met so many amazing musicians, too many to list here.

Before I finished my degree I went to Cornwall on holidays where I met my now husband. Well, a few years later I moved to Cornwall and here I am, playing the cello with all different orchestras and groups in the Southwest of the UK, teaching all bowed string instruments for CMST and enjoying the beautiful seaside.

Music is my medium for bringing people together, whatever level, whatever background.

I am part of Cornwall Cello Community with an ever-growing huge family of lovely adult amateur cellists.

It is  a pleasure to run two string orchestras in Camelford. Triggshire Strings are for juniors and Atlantic Strings for any age between 16 and currently well over 80. Our motto is: every player is doing the best they can and playing all the right notes is over-rated.

The musical journey never ends. I am looking forward to deepening the existing skills, experiencing new adventures, and meeting new people of any age and background. Give it a go and join the club!

Ross Hamilton BMUS PGCE - Communications Manager

I began my musical journey learning piano from the age of 5. On joining Mullion School I was fortunate to have the opportunity to take percussion lessons with Paul Hiley. Soon after, I became a member of the Cornwall Youth Orchestra and the Cornwall Youth Percussion Ensemble. During my A-Level courses at Helston School I was a member of the Helston School Jazz Orchestra under the direction of John Austin. Concert tours with these groups included performances at the Edinburgh Festival and Montreux Jazz Festival.

Further studies took place at Cardiff University where I gained a Bachelor of Music (Honours) degree. During my final year I successfully auditioned to perform Rosauro’s Concerto for Marimba and String Orchestra in City Hall, Cardiff.

On returning to Cornwall I began to pick up some instrumental teaching work, initially on a supply basis, before taking up a teaching post with the then council-run music service in 2002. Having gained a few years peripatetic teaching experience I embarked upon a part-time Post-Graduate Certificate of Education specialising in Secondary Music with Christ Church Canterbury University and qualified in 2009.

I am proud to be a member of Cornwall Music Service Trust, maintaining a busy teaching schedule and coaching the percussion section of the Cornwall Youth Orchestra. I have recently been appointed as Communications Manager keeping the CMST website and social media output up-to-date.

As a performer, I play drums and percussion for local shows including, most recently, Priscilla – Queen of the Desert, Rent, Grease, Legally Blonde and Sister Act. I was a member of the 9-piece funk band 4 Tons of Funk and more recently The Futons.

I also perform with local orchestras and choral societies including Three Spires Singers, Truro Choral Society and Penzance Orchestral Society.

Gary Flower - Marketing Officer - Cross Service Lead for Rock and Pop

I started learning how to play bass guitar at college when I suddenly decided I needed to be a musician. Over the course of the 2 years at college I went from an absolute beginner to grade 8 on bass guitar.

From there I moved on to study at the Brighton Institute for Modern Music and Bath Spa University with a focus on Professional Musicianship before training as a secondary school music teacher. I have worked as a professional musician in bands and doing session work for 14 years and teaching for 10 of those. Since starting on bass guitar I have also picked up; Classical Guitar, Acoustic Guitar, Electric Guitar and Ukulele!

During this period I have toured England and Europe with original Rock and Pop bands. More recently over the past 7 years I have had a focus on function work for corporate events and weddings performing in 3-12 piece bands over a wide range of genres from film score to jazz to rock to pop. This experience has allowed me to appreciate how rock and pop music is perceived within society and strengthened my passion for spreading music to all!

Alongside this work I have been working as the Marketing Officer for CMST using skills which I have honed over my years of managing function bands.