Sophie Griffiths reflection on her experience at the Positive Labels Birmingham

Positive Labels Birmingham has been working with various emerging music leaders and it is always interesting to find out what made them interested in community music projects in the first place, how they are progressing and how they see community music sector. Here is an interview with Sophie Griffiths who has been working as an emerging music leader on Positive Labels Birmingham project for the last few months.

Why did you want to work in community music field?

Originally I didn’t know much about community music I was looking into teaching music or going into music therapy. Little did I know community music combines many of the same aspects so when I learn more about a music leaders role it sounded perfect for what I wanted to be doing. It was combining my musical skills with a leadership role and helping people at the same time which was exactly what I was looking for.

What have you learnt so far?

So far I have learned that working in community music is an extremely rewarding job. To see young people develop their musical skills as well as see incredible personal development in each individual. It makes me feel like I have a lot of purpose and I’m helping make to world a better place in my own small way. I love how different it is from traditional curriculum teaching in school. It’s more catered towards the individual person or group so it’s much more beneficial and you can also focus on making the sessions educational but also fun instead of worrying about exams at the end of the year.

What are your further goals?

My goals for the next year are to continue developing my skills as a music leader, learning more about different instruments, reach out to other organisations to gain more work experience with different projects. I will also be doing a CME course (certified musical educator).

In your opinion why community music works and why is it important?

Music is so powerful and I feel it’s so important to educate more people on the benefits it can have on you both mentally and physically. Community music helps people do that. We work on developing musical skills, personal skills and social skills and by doing this you see a big positive change in an individual.