Response to the Music Teachers Association Podcast

February 12th, 2021 | 1 min read

One thing that lockdown 3.0 is giving me is the chance to start engaging with content that I've been aware of but never previously put the time aside to properly absorb.

One of the delights I've found recently are the MTA's podcasts, presented by Patrick Johns.

I found the recent segment by Simon Toyne particularly good, especially in a "you're not on your own, keep to the path"! way. Simon was so succinct and speaks with a crystal clarity that is informed by a fantastic combination of deep knowledge and vast experience.

MTA Podcast Ep. 29

Also to hear rock legend (yes really, not an exaggeration!) Steve Hackett talk about exploring tonality and sonorities in such a matter-of-fact and down-to-earth way, with practical advice for guitarists, was a joy!

Click on the image above to go to the MTA's podcast page...well worth a listen but I warn you it may distract you from your work (in a good way!).

Chris Fower

As an undergraduate Chris studied Jazz at Leeds College of Music and then became a member of the Advanced Studies, post-graduate performers course at the Royal Academy of Music and Principal Bass Trombone with the European Community Youth Orchestra under Claudio Abbado. He then spent 25 years as a busy freelance performer based in both London and the North of England working with a wide variety of ensembles and artists, including being a member of Grimethorpe Colliery Band, The British Philharmonic Orchestra, Dame Shirley Bassey’s Orchestra and the Creative Jazz Orchestra.

Alongside this Chris has worked extensively in all areas of music education, latterly as a leading deliverer and trainer in informal, large group practice. This included roles as Leader in Wider Opportunities at Hertfordshire Music Service, Leader of Instrumental Development for Derbyshire City and County Music Partnership and as a face to face trainer on the Trinity Guildhall/Open University “Whole Class Instrumental Learning” national training program.

He became a key member of the team that created pBone, the plastic trombone in 2011/12 and has been involved with pBone Music in various roles since then. Chris is currently the Director of Creativity and Innovation for the company, a role that includes overseeing product development and improvement, quality and education.

Topics:

music education

Response to the Music Teachers Association Podcast

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