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Jonathan Harris CBE FRIC S

Jonathan Harris CBE FRICS is a chartered surveyor, a past President of the Royal Institution of Chartered Surveyors and founder of the Harris Foundation for Lifelong Learning. He has extensive experience in the field of further education, which led to him being awarded an OBE in 1993. In his current role as chairman of the Harris Foundation for Lifelong Learning, he is passionate about supporting organisations that help young people to learn and hone valuable life skills through the arts. This includes organisations such as Artis, a creative learning charity that works with schoolchildren across the country and the Foundation’s partnership with Shakespeare’s Globe, which supports disadvantaged school children through the world of Shakespeare. He has also supported the London Philharmonic Orchestra for many years – as a Trustee, Director and Chair of its Audit committee – and is now a member of its Advisory Council.

Jonathan says ‘Making music is worthwhile on so many levels. As a skill, it improves cognitive function, enhances memory and language ability, and promotes discipline and creativity. On a social and emotional front, it builds confidence, enables self-expression, and fosters communication and connection. As a universal language it can even transcend physical and cultural boundaries – compelling reasons to have music-making in our lives and why I am such a strong supporter of Music for All’s valuable work.’