Warwickshire News Mine

Music for life is the motto of the county council’s music service, demonstrated through a wide range of music making opportunities on offer for people of all ages and abilities including tuition, group participation, youth sessions and music therapy.

Felicity Warren, who starts as a newly qualified teacher (NQT) at Alcester Grammar School this month, has been part of the Warwickshire CMS since starting to learn the violin with the service aged five.

Lessons opened the door to participation in events like chamber music festivals, concerts, assemblies and folk music performances – all while still at primary school.

Later with eight violin grades under her belt and whilst studying for GCSE Music, Felicity joined the Warwickshire County Youth Orchestra (WCYO) - an experience which has afforded her a number of opportunities to travel and experience playing in different countries and socialising with other musicians.

Felicity remained in the orchestra and in touch with the CMS after leaving school and during both her degree in Music Performance and Professional Practice and her MA in Performance and Media Arts. Following her MA, she went on to do a PGCE and worked part-time for the music service.

Felicity credits the CMS for nurturing her talent and love of music, she said: “Through my years with the music service and studying I have gained so much more than just a musical ability. I have developed a life skill and a confidence which I now try to impart in my own teaching.

“I feel that I have always belonged with CMS and there has always been support there for me, both as a teacher and pupil. The enthusiasm and advice I received from my teachers inspired me and I feel that this is one of the main reasons for me wanting to become a teacher.

“It is a privilege to be able to pass on my own experiences and knowledge to others. My first year of teaching has been really positive and I’m very fortunate to have gone straight into such an enjoyable and rewarding job so soon after coming out of my own education.”

Felicity joins the music service’s Music Education Team this month as a full time member of staff working with schools in south Warwickshire. She also starts her year as an NQT at Alcester Grammar School, teaching pupils at the school for one day a week. She is looking forward to these further opportunities to expand her teaching skills.

Andrew Atkins, County Music Service Director said: "The CMS is delighted to welcome Felicity onto our qualified teaching staff, it is always a pleasure to see a young musician go through the system and then return to offer the same experience to a new generation of musicians."

For information about music tuition and the Youth Orchestra or to find out more about the County Music Service visit http://www.warwickshire.gov.uk/musicforlife or call 01926 742630.

Link to WCC