Clare initially trained as an oboist at the Guildhall School of Music and Drama and then at the National Centre for Orchestral studies (Goldsmiths College), before moving to Scotland in 1982, to take up a post of Assistant Principal Oboe with the RSNO. After playing an active role in the establishment of the orchestra’s education department, she left the orchestra in order to focus more on community music projects and the needs of a young family. Since that time she has developed a particular interest in working with young families and using music therapeutically with a range of groups.
“It was in 2020, just prior to the first lockdown , that I begun volunteering for the newly established Killean Dance for Parkinson’s class , directed by Julie Symmonds. The classes continued online throughout the long Covid months , and I gradually began to realise what an important part of week the classes had become for me .When an opportunity to train as a Sing to Beat practitioner occurred I took it, and since November 2023 Julie and I have been offering a combined Dance and Sing class for anyone living with Parkinson’s and other neurogical conditions.”
Recent Professional development training courses have included:
- Interactive Music Making (IMM): Working with the Under 5’s, Music as Therapy International, London (2022-2023)
- Singing for Lung Health (2023)
- Sing to Beat (Parkinson’s) (November 2023, February 2024)
Current Employment
Self-employed music facilitator for various community groups,
including:
- Antonine Court Day Centre, Antonine Court Limited using
Soundbeam technology as a musical resource and delivering
interactive music workshops - Dads do Music creating a musical space for Dads to interact
with their young children (0-5 years). - Little Amber, The Amber Trust working with young, visually
impaired, and blind children and their families. - Monday Music supporting young families, using shared musical
activities.