There are three new faces joining the West Sussex Music team – and if you’re involved with music in West Sussex, you’ll soon be getting to know them.
As the new academic year gets underway, Claire, Lee and Matt are taking up public-facing roles across West Sussex Music, working with young musicians, families, teachers and schools through Music Centres, lessons, workshops and outreach projects.
We thought we’d let them introduce themselves…
Claire Robins – Schools Singing Lead 
Claire joins us as our Schools Singing Lead working closely with schools to promote the benefits of singing into every child’s education. Claire will will be leading West Sussex Music’s programme of Big Sings, Little Big Sings, and Sings Live! events which bring together thousands of young people annually to sing together.
“I’m looking forward to working with our incredible young singers and teachers across the county, developing opportunities to grow singing in schools with our lessons and workshops and through our Music Centres, outreach projects and alongside our partners,” Claire said.
Claire’s own musical tastes are wide-ranging. She loves listening to jazz when she wants to wind down, while her performing experience stretches from music of the 9th century right through to the present day.
She also conducts choirs, leads singing workshops and plays violin, enjoying performing in orchestras and chamber groups.
“Conducting choirs and leading singing workshops – my happy place!” she says.
And if you have a question about singing, Claire is keen to hear from you.
Lee Ashment – Area Music Centre Manager
Some of you may know Lee already, having worked as a guitar teacher for the last three and half years teaching in schools and on our Play In A Band courses. Lee is now the Music Centre Manager for Chichester and Bognor Regis, where he’ll be helping to create positive and inspiring musical experiences for children and young people in the music centres as well as continuing to embed music in local schools.
“I’m particularly looking forward to inspiring children and young people to discover and enjoy music, helping them build skills, confidence, and a lifelong appreciation for the arts,” Lee said.
He’s also excited about introducing new ideas, supporting the continued growth of the Music Centres and helping to make music accessible to more people.
And what does Lee listen to when he’s not at work? Pretty much anything.
He said, “My music taste is very diverse and often depends on the day. “I enjoy listening to lots of different styles of music and love how each genre can offer something different, whether that’s excitement, inspiration, or simply a chance to relax and enjoy the music.”
Lee also plays guitar, particularly enjoying rock and pop, and is always keen to learn new songs and develop his skills.
Matt Coulton – Area Music Centre Manager
Like Lee, Matt is a Music Centre Manager but for Worthing. As well as leading the Bohunt School-based music centre, he will teaching violin and ukulele in local schools.
Matt’s keen to get started and said, “I’m looking forward to trying to reach as many young people as possible through music, and trying to get them inspired to go on a musical journey themselves.”
It’s music at work and play, as Matt explains, “When I’m gigging, it’s nearly always classical music, but I love listening to all kinds of music so it’s hard to pick a favourite. Although, I’m still working on appreciating death metal!”
Between them, Claire, Lee and Matt will be bringing plenty of musical experience, enthusiasm and new ideas to West Sussex Music – and you’ll be seeing them in Music Centres, schools, workshops, ensembles and events across the county.
Whether you’re a parent arriving for your child’s first music lesson, a young musician joining a Music Centre, or a teacher looking to explore new musical opportunities, say hello when you see them.
Find out more about music lessons, Music Centres and opportunities for children and young people at West Sussex Music.
