Interview with Will Todd

Q. How did you first get into music?

I loved music from an early age, particularly messing about on the piano at home. I think that was the start of my composing - bashing the piano until something seemed to work! I had lots of singing at my primary school and a great church choir. I loved singing - it's how I learnt to read music.

Q. What was your first experience of ‘formal’ music education?

I had some violin lessons when I was 8 via the local authority music service in County Durham. Soon after that I joined the music service orchestras which helped me develop as a musician.

Q. What do you think you would be doing now if you didn’t have that experience?

I was lucky to have so much support in my early years with music. I took it for granted then but now realise how precious it is, particularly as I now support the Durham Music Hub as it works to continue this amazing opportunity for young musicians. Without these experiences its hard to see how I could have achieved the things I have.

Q. Why do you think music education is important?

I taught myself a lot of music. I was hungry to try and work things out and always working on ideas. But teaching helps you to understand things in a wider context and it can also make things clear to you really quickly, when working it out yourself can take a long time! It provides a framework in which to be creative and musical and gives you confidence.

Q. What can primary teachers do to inspire their pupils to develop their interest & skills in composing?

Let children write songs! Children are natural songwriters - they love playing with words and rhymes. By harnessing their love of words into a musical context it can give them confidence to explore more complex musical formats at a later point.

Q. What musical projects have you got coming up?

I just finished a piece for Opera North Youth Choir, which they are performing with an orchestra later this year. It’s based on a story set in WW1 as part of the commemoration of the 1914-18 war. I'm very excited to hear it!