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It’s the best step I ever took to further my music

Christopher
Tuba, Junior Guildhall

Christopher
It hugely inspires my playing...I come away enlightened each Saturday

Didier
Violin, Junior Guildhall

Didier
It's changed our lives by enabling us to learn from great tutors and giving us the opportunity to play with outstanding musicians

Richard, Rebekah & Peter
Percussion, Junior Guildhall

Richard, Rebekah & Peter
Home > Youth & Adult Learning > Music Education Islington > About > The Team

The Team

Dr Mirjam James
Manager
Mirjam overseas all planning and delivery of the main activities of Music Education Islington. She has run various music educational projects and activities such as her charity 'Music for Open Ears' and is an author and editor of various music educational periodicals and songbooks. 

Fiona McArdle 
Administrator
Fiona works closely with Mirjam to coordinate all Music Education Islington activities, as well as overseeing day-to-day administration. Before joining, Fiona completed a Master of Music at the New England Conservatory in Boston, studying with Wagnerian Soprano Jane Eaglen, and still performs where she can.

Spencer Down
Creative Director, MEI Guildhall Young Artists
Spencer has taught at Junior Guildhall since 1999, where he is brass co-ordinator, conductor of the brass band, associate conductor of the symphony orchestra and professor of euphonium. Spencer is also Musical Director of Docklands Sinfonia.

Beth Thomas
Programme Manager, MEI Guildhall Young Artists
Responsible for planning and organising the running of the MEI Guildhall Young Artist centres, Beth is the main point of contact for parents, schools and teachers. She has spent most of her career at the BBC, working on shows such as; Blue Peter, Top of the Pops, Children In Need and The Royal Variety Performance.

Sarah Hoyle
Administrator, MEI Guildhall Young Artists
Sarah works closely with Spencer and Beth on the MEI Guildhall Young Artists team providing administrative assistance. Outside of the centre Sarah is a bassoonist currently in Southbank Sinfonia 2020.