MMCL Stories
Intro text here about what these stories are and why they are important.
Naomi’s Story
I joined MMCL as a trustee in 2018
I had recently left my job as a violinist in the BBC National Orchestra of Wales and was looking for a new direction. I came across Making Music Changing Lives quite by chance and was encouraged to join the board of trustees. MMCL is a fantastic charity that provides a welcoming and nurturing space for children to learn a musical instrument, to play in an orchestra and to make new friends. Whilst my role is primarily as a board member I sometimes go along to the sessions to help out, either as a teacher or as an extra pair of hands during the orchestra rehearsal. I have met so many great people through the charity and it fulfils my interest in music, while being totally different to what I used to do as a performing musician. It’s lovely to see the children develop,both musically and socially They obviously get a lot out of it, as do I!
Nick’s Story
I love coming to MMCL to learn the cello.
My friends here learn the violin, cello, viola and trumpet. My teacher Mike is very kind and patient and I always look forward to Tuesdays so that I can learn more and show him what I have been doing at home. At break times we chat and have a KitKat before we play in orchestra, which I love doing as we are all together and make a big sound. I got a distinction for my Grade 2 cello recently and I’m so happy, and my mum is too.
Emily’s Story
I joined MMCL when I started Year 3.
My two older sisters had already started learning the Clarinet and flute. I decided to learn the violin as I always thought it sounded beautiful. It has been a difficult process, but it really helps having teachers that are so kind and helpful. We practise our specific instruments in small groups and then get to play together as an orchestra. This is my favourite part as it feels like you are a real musician. The best is when we play Pirates of the Caribbean. We even get to take part in concerts. There is one every year at Christmas which makes everyone feel festive. I feel very lucky to be part of the MMCL group and I wouldn’t have been able to learn the violin without it!
Domini’s Story
A marvellous charity!
I had wanted to work for MMCL for a long time but due to my work commitments with Welsh National Opera I was never free on a Tuesday. When I first walked into the hall of the Church of the Resurrection, I immediately felt at home. I was warmly welcomed by James and Jan and a violin was thrust into my hands to be tuned! I never looked back!
The first thing that struck me was that the children got on so well with each other and were so keen to make music together. Because of Jan’s and James’ efforts it has all been made fun, which is how music lessons should be. One can see progress from week to week and Jan provides an exciting mix of repertoire. I have to admit that I can’t wait for Tuesdays to come round!
We’ve done some excellent concerts and audiences have been visibly moved by the children’s endeavours. We went to Llangrannog last year and it was lovely to spend more time with the children; having our meals together and having free time to play and chat. I hope more and more children will have access to this marvellous charity
Caitlin’s Story
Second-year medical student at the University of Exeter
I started MMCL as a volunteer around four years ago. I hadn’t thought about learning an instrument other than how cool I thought it would be if I did. Deciding to take up the viola was a snap decision that sent me down a path I never thought I could travel down. I was thrown into the world of music theory and performance. Having to learn an instrument from scratch, including an all-new clef, performing in front of an audience, and sitting music exams was a challenge.
However, I’m so glad I did it because, in these challenges, I found self-confidence, determination and an ability to persevere. Supported by the encouraging staff and volunteers, I grew up learning how to play an instrument I love. It’s opened up new doors to me such as playing in my university symphony orchestra, and for that, MMCL has been an invaluable experience.
Lewis’s Story
I have made many friends through MMCL.
I was six years old when I first took part in Summer School of the new project Making Music, Changing Lives. It was a very interesting and fun week. There were many children there and we played games and tried lots of musical instruments. I was really impressed with the trombone but decided on the violin as my chosen instrument. My mum has a video of my first performance at the Summer School final concert. I was on stage with my ¼ size violin surrounded by the other little musicians playing tunes from famous kid’s films. At that time I could only play open strings but was proud of my performance.
After a few violin lessons, I joined the MMCL orchestra as the first (and at the time the only) violinist. My mother asked the conductor if I was ready to play in the orchestra, she was told that the orchestra needed a violinist. I had to be the leader of the orchestra and that motivated me to learn very fast.
I am fourteen now and still continue to be a leading violinist of the MMCL Orchestra. Thanks to our wonderful teachers, and with Jan Gould’s extra tuition I have achieved Grade 5 theory and performance – I expect to take Grade 6 performance in a couple of months time.
A lot has happened during the last 8 years. I have learned to play many beautiful and sometimes very challenging pieces of music and have participated in many different concerts at venues ranging from Christmas concerts at local pensioner homes to the Wales Millennium Centre. Some of our performances have included collaborations with well known professional musicians. We have played with the Welsh tenor Rhys Meirion (I was interviewed with him and featured on Songs of Praise) and also played with the Cambrensis Choir and City of Cardiff Symphony Orchestra and we’ve made good friendships with musicians from the BBC National Orchestra of Wales and Welsh National Opera. Thanks to MMCL I also took part in Master Class hosted by the world-famous violinist Nicola Benedetti.
I don’t know what my future will bring, but I am sure that my love of music and playing the violin will inspire me in many ways. I have made many friends through MMCL and gained lifelong skills. MMCL has made me a more confident and organized person – this project has really changed my life and lived up to its’ title.
