Music Industry & Education Network

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Comment by Don Pinchbeck on March 16, 2012 at 16:54

Well, in joining such elite musicians, I'm not really in the correct league - perhaps more Conference than Premier, but I played up to 6 times per week for evangelical churches for about 20 years, and played frequently in less salubrious establishments. I still have piano (Yamaha CVP 400 series), and a Wyvern 282B full pedalboard organ in the house with traditional, continental, theatre and piano/harpsichord facilities. The piano accordion isn't much played these days. I'll leave it to Clive Harries to add more info, but he, Chair of RSA Yorks, (and a REAL professional musician) has a burning desire to set up a mentoring project for young musicians, especially those who are prevented from pursuing their passion for financial reasons. We already held the first meeting in York, which was attended by the great and the good from the world of music, and Clive realised what a world of support there would be for his mentoring project. One young musician all but reduced the audience to tears with the power of his vioing playing - the youngest musian ever to make the Young Musician's Orchestra. JAS is more than interested - in my view, this will be a massive, almost certainly international project, or nothing, and both Clive and I will not allow it to be the latter. There are issues. Already it is clear that many professional musicians see mentoring as just advanced training, whereas in practice, it is about whole life guidance through to high level success. It is a long term commitment. And even includes counselling the young musician out of pursuing a high level career in music if their talent falls short - yes, it can even be tough love. The RSA has perhaps been a little short in fulfilling its "encouragement of Arts ... " in recent times, and here will be a first class opportunity to redress the balance. As a Board trustee, I really want to see Clive's initiative succeed. I think this meets at least the last two bullet points of Francis's starter for ten. Does this ring bells with you and will you be able to lend your support?