Did you know that our Pre-Prep Music Teacher, Mrs Townsend, was put forward for a Music Teacher award with Classic FM. Find out more about Mrs Townswend here.
What and who do you teach at MHS?
I teach violin, viola, piano, recorder, Pre Prep Music and Early Years Music.
What inspired you to be a teacher?
My love of music
Tell us about your path into teaching
After my post graduate year with the National Centre for Orchestral Studies in London I worked as a freelance viola player in and around London and also worked as a Bookkeeper for Lloyds in London and for Ray Hall Architects Practice. I began my teaching career teaching violin and viola at Chistlehurst and Sidcup Grammar School in 1986.
What do you love most about teaching?
Seeing the children make progress and develop as musicians
What were you like at school?
I was very quiet and conscientious.
When you were younger, what did you want to be when you grew up?
I was fascinated by the undersea world and inspired by Jacques Cousteau’s television programmes, I would have loved to have been a deep sea diver.
What’s the funniest moment you’ve had in a classroom?
At Kings Pre-Prep when I clapped a rhythm for the children to individually clap back and the first child just came over and gave me a high five. Also at MHS when I sang ‘Hello everyone’ and in the same tone the children replied “Mrs Townsend we love you” (more adorable than funny!).
What’s the most important lesson you can teach?
That the joy of communicating music and bringing joy to others with music does require the tool of regular practise.
What has been the proudest moment of your career so far?
I’m proud of the children I’ve taught who have won music scholarships to Tonbridge or Cranbrook or Kings, and for those who successfully auditioned for the National Childrens Orchestra of Great Britain and Choirs of Great Britain and choristers for St Pauls and Kings School.
What are you most excited about at Marlborough House this year?
I’m looking forward to accompanying two of our string players for the Hastings Festival next week and for the MHS 150th anniversary celebrations.
What makes Marlborough House such a special place to be?
The staff and the children!
Quick-fire questions
School House: Awdry
Years at MHS: 6 years
Clubs: String Group, Pre Prep Singing Club and Pre Prep Recorder Club
Unusual fact: Apart from training to be a Music Examiner for LCME (London University) I am a Licensed Reader in the Church of England and a songwriter, published with Ears and Eyes Music and for CMJ.
Highlight of my day: Walking to my next lesson and hearing ‘Hello Mrs Townsend!’ from the children.
The book I am reading: L J Ross, DCI Ryan Mystery 16th book in the series “The Shrine”. I love novels that are set in places I have lived or visited, L J Ross bases her books in the North East of England.
Most memorable moment at MHS: Most memorable, humbling and encouraging was when the children in Year 2 last year put me forward for a Music Teacher award with Classic FM
