Dave Marshall: Why I support Music for All

Written by former Chair and long-term volunteer Dave.

Music means so much to me. Not just the joy of listening to recorded music or going to gigs. These are great in their own right, and more than enough for many people to enjoy the multitude of benefits that music provides. But I’ve also been given the opportunity to make music as well, and that is a gift that has delivered for me on so many levels.

From the early days of piano, and later cello lessons, performing music has given me so many great memories and opportunities. Playing great music in locations from school halls to the Royal Albert Hall, going on to study music and technology at City University, London, and carving out a successful career in the distribution of electronic musical instruments with Roland UK and SoundTechnology, the ability to play a musical instrument has shaped my whole life in a positive manner.  Without music, I would not have met my wife (we studied together at university), and together we have passed on this love of making music to our daughters.

But making music is not an easy option and certainly not a cheap one. It requires dedication from its participants and funding from individuals or groups to make it happen. Instruments need to be purchased, and better ones as progress is made.  Some musicians are self-taught, but for most lessons are required to improve technique and help express the many emotions that can be transmitted through this universal language.  Not only does a musician need financial support to progress but geographical circumstances can affect that journey too.

But making music is not an easy option and certainly not a cheap one. It requires dedication from its participants and funding from individuals or groups to make it happen.

I was lucky.  My parents were able to support my brother and me by financing music lessons and instruments, although they had to sacrifice nicer holidays and better cars for that. I also grew up in an area rich in music-making, with a professional orchestra to listen to and pick teachers from (the wonderful Bournemouth Symphony Orchestra), great local youth orchestras and state schools that were proud of their music activities and could afford to support them.  Not everyone is so lucky, and this is of course where a charity like Music For All comes in.

By supporting individual musicians, community groups and schools in the provision of instruments and tuition, the charity is performing a vital service that is close to my heart.  Its Learn to Play initiative brings the joy of music-making to thousands of new people every year. In addition, their advocacy of the benefits of music-making and their highlighting of the disparity in music-making opportunities across different geographic or social groups makes them an important mouthpiece in an era where all arts, including music, are under threat.

By supporting individual musicians, community groups and schools in the provision of instruments and tuition, the charity is performing a vital service that is close to my heart.

I have supported Music For All since its inception in the mid 90’s and find it difficult to believe it’s 30 years old. I am honoured to have served as a Trustee and Chair of Trustees from 2011-20.  I now continue to support by helping where I can, most recently stocktaking the growing collection of instruments the charity has ready to award to new and existing musicians up and down the country.

I am proud to support Music For All. Congratulations on the first thirty years and here’s to many more!