Meet the team

Sarah Hamilton

Sarah currently holds the position of Deputy Cabinet Member for Education and Skills at Kent County Council. She has maintained a keen interest in music from an early age. Her career spanned health and education, latterly Higher Education as well as private practice.

Jessica Cooling

Jessica is a freelancer working with choirs and orchestras in London and the South East, focussing in concert production and administration.

Kyle Siwek

Kyle has been involved with Kent Music for over 11 years, and is a member of the Kent Youth Choir, Kent County Youth Orchestra and Kent Youth Wind Orchestra and has 11 years of Kent Music Summer School experience. For the last year Kyle has been an elected Member of Youth Parliament.

Rebecca Evernden

Rebecca is Director of Cross Cutting Policies & Negotiations for the Civil Service

Alicia Moyles

Alicia is Head of Service, Specialist Employment at the Education People

Elizabeth Topiwala

Elizabeth is a retired primary school Head Teacher who trained as a piano teacher and has a lifelong interest in music education. She was also Head Teacher at Wrotham Primary School and Stocks Green Primary School.

Tim Leates

Tim is retired. Before retirement he was the Head of Finance and Administration at the ABRSM.

Sarah Hohler

(Appointed by Kent County Council) Sarah is a Kent County Councillor and a member of the Board of Turner Contemporary.

Robin Hammerton

Robin works as a freelancer in the music education sector. Until July 2016 he was the National Lead for Music for Ofsted.

Francesca Christmas

Francesca is a Head of Academic Governance for Music at Trinity College, London.

Geoff Miles

Chair

Geoff is a former BBC TV producer who is now Chair of Maidstone TV studios. Geoff is also the Chair of the Business Development Group of the South East Local Enterprise Partnership and Chair of the Kent Enterprise in Business Awards.

Peter Bolton

Chief Executive

I play the clarinet with various groups in an around Canterbury and the east of Kent. I have been lucky to have some wonderful musical experiences in my life. One of the highlights was to work on the 70th birthday concert for Leonard Bernstein at the Tanglewood Festival in the USA where I was working one summer. A question of right place at the right time! Amazing experience. I listen to all sorts of music. One of my desert island discs will have to be Roundabout a Midsummer’s Dream by the Italian jazz musician Gianluigi Trovesi. It relates to a very special time of my life and contains most genres! I am a keen recreational cyclist which is a good way of getting away from it all. One of my favourite places to cycle is King’s Wood above the Wye Valley, especially in the spring when the bluebells are out.

Trevor James

Senior Leader, Tuition and Ensembles

Before joining Kent Music in 2018, I was a clarinet and sax teacher, then a classroom music teacher in primary and secondary schools and in alternative provision. I currently play tenor sax in the Orbi Playa Big Band. I love listening to a very eclectic mix of music and music podcasts, and enjoy listening to old favourites as well as new music across all musical styles. My favourite place in Kent – Canterbury Cathedral. I love the different views you get of the cathedral from all around Canterbury, but also the internal architecture and history of our World Heritage site.

Liv Edwards

Senior Leader, Music Education Hub

Before working at Kent Music I was a music teacher, head of music and performing arts. I play clarinet and saxophone and most enjoy playing jazz. I listen to a vast range of music, favourites include Pink Floyd, Stevie Wonder, Blossoms, Sam Fender and 90s Brit Pop! At university I most enjoyed studying 20th century Russian composers particularly Stravinsky and Shostakovich. I love going for beach walks and feel most happy by the sea.

Ruth Roberts

Senior Leader, Operations

I started my musical journey learning piano and cello as child and enjoyed many wonderful opportunities of making music in my hometown of Belfast As an adult, I have learnt bass guitar and double bass, and currently play in a Big Band and a Latin jazz band. I love listening to a range of music; classical, funk, soul and my all-time favourite, jazz! I’m currently listening to Pat Metheny, Ahmad Jamal, McCoy Tyner, Herbie Hancock, Snarky Puppy and Weather Report. Classical favourites include piano music by Ravel and Debussy and orchestral works by Janacek and Brahms. In my free time, I love walking my black retriever, Lyra, with my husband in the forests and farmlands around our home near Tenterden.

Kate Chesterman

Administrator to the Chief Executive

Failed flautist, average pianist and ropey oboist. With the occasional side-line in teaching beginners the piano, I’ve spent most of my working life in educational administration because I’m a bit better at that! Currently listening to Bach’s Chaconne in D Minor. My favourite place to visit in Kent is Trottiscliffe Country Park

Sharron Randall

Tuition Administrator

Kirsten Ellington

Tuition Manager

I joined Kent Music in 2019 after spending 12 years as a peri singing and whole class music teacher, workshop facilitator and professional singer. As a singer I have sung as solo artist, with choirs and as a backing vocalist amazing artists in venues such as The Royal Albert Hall, the O2 Arena and the Grand Prix. I am currently listening to Emily King, Anderson. Paak and the Sunday Service Choir. My favourite place in Kent is Folkestone Harbour, a great place for a range of food, music and good vibes.

Phill Hyde

County Groups and Medway Towns Music Centre Manager

Having been a County Groups Manager with Kent Music since 1992 I am pleased to say I still love my job as much as I did when I had more hair! Studying at both The Royal Academy of Music and Trinity College of Music I was lucky enough to have enjoyed a professional trombone playing career for over 25 years working alongside my work for Kent Music. I retired from professional playing in 2018 to spend more time with my family and enable more time for my relaxing interests and hobbies including flying, sailing and clay pigeon shooting! I listen to all styles of music but Big Band Jazz is still top of the list for me with Stan Kenton and Maynard Ferguson featuring heavily.

Valerie Cordina

County Programmes Manager

I joined Kent Music in 1997 working in the County Programmes Team for the last 20 years. I used to play violin and would like to get back to that at some stage but I still play classical guitar – just for my own pleasure. I’m a lover of play-lists and have a variety to suit my mood. My favourites this week include music from The Jersey Boys, Sheku Kanneh-Mason and Gregory Porter; last week it was David Bowie, Miley Cyrus and Pentatonix and next week … who knows ? My favourite place in Kent is Leeds Castle – especially going to the open-air concerts.

Leanne Hardy

County Programmes Coordinator

Emily Bristow

County Programmes Librarian and Area Administrator for Medway Towns Music Centre

I have been part of Kent Music for nearly 20 years in some form another starting as a student, through mentoring, ensemble tutor and now a part of the website! I trained at Trinity Laban Conservatoire of Music and Dance and the Royal College of Music, London as a Trumpet player. I now teach a wide range of brass lessons across Kent as well as run the library for Kent Music. Alongside teaching I still enjoy playing and competing both nationally and internationally with a variety of different ensembles including orchestras, brass bands and solo performances. I have always had a rather eclectic music taste and will listen to almost anything. Recently I have been listening to music from Mahler symphonies, Back To The Future the musical, Spice Girls, Avicii, Frankie Valli and a more permanent favourite of ABBA. Despite living in London for 6 years and becoming a city lover nothing beats coming back to the beautiful Kent countryside and going for a Sunday afternoon stroll through the fields. I particularly enjoy walking across the top of Linton Hill past Buttercups Goat Sanctuary.

Chris Valentine

School Projects Support Manager

I've been working as a professional trombonist, educator, arranger and producer, specialising in jazz, musical theatre and commercial music for the past 13 years. I love bringing people together through music and seeing the joy and positive impact it has on everyone's lives. I am currently listening to the album Starship Syncopation by Cory Wong and the Metropole Orkest, Human Synths by Horn House and Aja by Steely Dan. I'm also a big band fanatic and regularly listen to anything from Duke Ellington, Count Basie, Stan Kenton, Nelson Riddle, and Gordon Goodwin. My absolute favourite place in Kent is Penshurst Place – the views are spectacular and it's a great place to go walking.

Jasmine Cooper

Music Hub Administrator

I have taught in primary schools for 8 years and during that time I also led music across the whole school. I love to sing and so I led the school choir as well as weekly singing assemblies. I really enjoyed coordinating school performances and encouraging my pupils to shine. In more recent years, I have decided to take up guitar lessons again. I am finding this challenging at times, but equally rewarding. I enjoy listening to a range of music, at the moment I am enjoying bands like Greenday, Coldplay and The Lathums. My favourite place in Kent would probably be Lullingstone Country Park. I love to go for walks in the woods or down by the river, followed by a nice picnic.

Zoe Marksford

School Support and Development Manager

I studied music at university and play saxophone and violin, a strange combo but very useful. I play in Eynsford concert band and have toured extensively with them, including playing on three cruises. I was a music teacher for 24 years and am now enjoying sharing my knowledge and experience supporting schools in Kent. I have no shame when it come to music and listen to all sorts. However, I can always be found singing along to ABBA! I love Country music and Little Big Town are a favourite or I can get lost in the lush harmonies of Sibelius. Aside from a brief stint in Essex and Connecticut I am a Kent girl. My go-to places are Seasalter beach for a lazy afternoon with my family or soaking up the gardens at Mount Ephraim. I can recommend a slice of lemon cake and a stroll in the rose garden for a bit of de stressing.

Lindsay Edmondson

Inclusion Development Manager

Grace Irvine

Communications Manager

I’m a fan of all performing arts, and am passionate about opportunities for creativity, access to culture and play for young people everywhere! I especially love gaming of all kinds and how it allows all of us – from the very young to the very old – to let loose and get a bit silly. I’m listening to: I have really eclectic taste – all my playlists are huge and on shuffle. Right now I’ve got ‘No Wonder I’ by LAKE on repeat for the chillout vibes though. Favourite place in Kent: You can’t beat a good walk by the sea to blow away the cobwebs. I love Reculver Towers on the north coast for the perfect mix of awe-inspiring history, breath taking nature, and an excellent local pub.

Mandy Sangiuseppe

Inclusion Development Manager

Three words about me: community, arts, beach What are you listening to? Beats and a fuelled love for reggae. My playlist varies every day and I love exploring the creativity and talent of the artists we work with, currently listening to Kotchin. Favourite place in Kent? I like to be found at the Lazy Shack after a nice paddleboard along Hythe beach. When found, return to the Folkestone harbour arm or Quarter house in Folkestone, where there’s often live music, food and workshops to enjoy.

George Axon

Music Resources Driver

Beki Redworth

Music Resources Technician

I will ‘sing’ my head off in the car and love any live music. My current playlist is varied; Chase and Status, Metallica, Faithless, and The Prodigy to name a few (although when I’m out in the van I listen to Dire Straits, Queen and Greatest Hits Radio so I don’t get a speeding ticket)! My favourite place in Kent is probably the little village of Goodnestone (near Sandwich, not Faversham). It is where I grew up and I like to go back there for walks to reconnect with my soul! It is pretty much unchanged from way back when, peaceful and unspoilt.

Lee Franklin

Music Resources Technician

I’m a guitarist, woodworking enthusiast, and lover of spicy food. I’m currently listening to Leviathan by Mastodon.

Felicity Redworth

Music Resources Manager

Kent Music has always been a huge part of my life so it feels very natural to have built a career here! I love music, art, colour, and being creative. I enjoy listening and singing along to pretty much anything (much to my husband's dismay) but variety's the spice of life and singing is so much fun! I am happiest when I'm in nature and surrounded by animals, particularly my four fur babies!

Gail Batty

Finance and Health & Safety Manager

Clare Mathews

Accountant

Ann-Louise Sirota

Finance Administrator

I am a classic saxophonist and clarinetist, but any excuse to get the Bari out, be it concert band or jazz. Aside from performing I am a keen researcher in performance science and hugely passionate about how we can use these physiological findings when teaching the next generation. Any spare time with the two dogs and two children will find me in the kitchen or the garden. There’s always music in our house, either Radio 3 or 6. I just look for a good bass – be it Queens of the Stone Age or Ein Heldenleben. I have been in Kent for 10 years now and always love the walk along the river from Sandwich to the sea. The flowing river, rolling fields, acres of beach and the seals! Something for everyone and home via the pub.

Katy Pauly

Finance & Office Administrator

Before Kent Music I taught in nurseries and primary schools, enjoying every music lesson I took part in, including the school choir and singing in assembly! I love a singsong with my daughter, so you’ll hear a little Olly Murs, Disney or good old Country (too many favourites to name). My favourite places in Kent are the Castles. I love a walk about the castle grounds, through the gardens and stopping to eat an ice cream and then of course, playing in the playpark with my daughter.

Savannah Foster

Human Resources Manager

Sarah Freedman

Human Resources Administrator

If the weather is fine, you'll often find me working in the garden – there's nearly always a job to be done and I'm happy to get out in the fresh air. I love good food and enjoy sharing a leisurely meal lunch with family and friends. Recently I've been revisiting some favourite albums; Green by REM and The Game by Queen are currently high on my play list. I like listening to desert island discs when I'm walking the dog – it's amazing how a song or piece of music can take people right back to a particular time or place! We're still exploring Kent since relocating here. I enjoy a mooch around the Creative Quarter in Folkestone followed by fish and chips by the harbour!

Malcolm Gayner

Area Manager for Dartford, Gravesham & Maidstone

I’ve always loved bringing people together to facilitate music and the arts. Before working at Kent Music I could often be found recording albums in a colourful studio in South-East London, touring around Europe or managing live events. My various musical adventures have made me an avid believer that any genre can give me chills. This week I have mostly been listening to: Lizzo, Snarky Puppy, Cinematic Orchestra, Refused, Al Green, Paul Simon and a stunning folk group called Punch Brothers. I love the village of Halling; there are so many beautiful walks, especially along the river in the evening.

Helen Vincent

Area Administrator (Dartford, Gravesham and Maidstone)

I feel truly blessed to be a professional singer, as well as using my other skills to teach and work for Kent Music as an administrator. I have worked in cathedral music for several years, notably becoming the first woman to sing at Lincoln in 2011 in what was formerly an all-male back row. I also sing with the professional vocal ensemble, Vox Urbane. I enjoy early music as well as modern choral works such as James MacMillan’s Miserere, but a bit of Aurora, Muse or Frank Sinatra is equally enjoyable depending on my mood. When I’m not singing around the house or in a cathedral, you can find me in the garden, at the local climbing gym, walking the dog, practising archery with family or doing a spot of yoga. I’m an explorer at heart – as well as finding new spots to walk, I enjoy discovering new songs through teaching and performing and I think I’m in the minority when I say that I love sight-singing. There’s something exciting about hearing a piece of music for the first time and being part of it. I’m still pretty new to Kent, having moved here in 2021, but it’s been a pleasure getting to know my area near home in Lenham throughout the seasons.

Toni Webb

Area Administrator (Dartford, Gravesham and Maidstone)

Before I joined Kent Music I had various roles within Maidstone schools. I used to sing in the school choir and still sing whenever possible much to the delight of my dog! My musical taste runs from Tom Petty to the Foofighters and many 80’s bands in between. My favourite place to visit is the North Downs.

Claire Jones

Receptionist, Maidstone Music Centre

Carol Whettan

Receptionist, Gravesham Music Centre

Sophie Hilton

Receptionist, Medway Towns Music Centre

I am a saxophonist and I started at Medway Towns Music Centre when I was 12 years old. I came through Kent Music with lessons and played for the Kent Youth Wind Orchestra and North Kent Jazz Orchestra. I am now the receptionist at MTMC on a Saturday morning. I currently play in a saxophone quartet. Growing up, my home was filled with sounds from reggae and Motown so my playlist is vast! But I was born in the 90s so I listen to a lot of classic noughties tunes. I have two young daughters so you can usually find me feeding the ducks in the park.

Mitchell Emery

Lead Area Administrator (Music Centres)

Three words about me: Music obsessed nerd. Currently listening to Father John Misty. My favourite place to visit in Kent is any of Kent's amazing record shops or grass-roots music venues

Claire Campbell

Receptionist, Thanet Music Centre

Alan Gifford

Area Manager for Canterbury, Thanet and Dover

Katie Lambert

Receptionist, Folkestone Music Centre

Kim Tuffin

Area Administrator (Ashford, Folkestone & Hythe, Swale)

Three words about me: books, cello and cake! Currently listening to Gregory Porter, Bach and Erroll Garner (Sloe Gin Fizz is my favourite). My favourite place to visit in Kent is Reculver Towers and a nice clifftop walk!

Lucy Duff

Area Manager for Ashford, Swale, Folkestone and Hythe

Hayley Barrington

Receptionist, Sevenoaks Music Centre

Gemma Baker

Area Administrator (Sevenoaks, Tonbridge & Malling, Tunbridge Wells)

I have played the trumpet for what feels like most of my life and studied music at university. I am especially passionate about inspiring young girls to play brass and love learning about women in music in general. Some of my favourite musical memories are playing for the Queen, opening a brass ensemble concert at St Giles Cathedral at Ed Fringe and getting to play alongside the LSO. As Dick Clark says, "Music is the soundtrack of our lives" therefore I listen to a lot of things depending on my mood. I LOVE Elton John and The Beatles but am also a fan of divas like Beyonce. I've not lived in Kent for long but from what I have explored I really love Folkstone – cute beach town with colourful buildings.

Helen Simmonds

Lead Area Administrator (Sevenoaks, Tonbridge & Malling, Tunbridge Wells)

I have always been interested in music since playing my own Top 10 hits like my Mum’s Beatles records and one of my first records, Culture Club’s Karma Chameleon on a small portable record player. The first thing I remember saving up for was a Guitar which I still own. I didn’t really get much chance to have lessons as a child so when I joined Kent Music in 2019 this was a perfect time to pick it up again and have some lessons. One of my children also had some Voice lessons and is now doing a BSc (Hons) in Music Technology. I have therefore experienced all aspects from being a student, to having a child learn and putting in place the Music lessons which has been very beneficial. My favourite place in Kent is Sissinghurst Castle gardens and I enjoy walks around the Kent countryside. The Band ‘Keane’ usually feature quite a lot in my playlists and I love outdoor music concerts.

Hannah Hayes

Area Manager for Sevenoaks, Tonbridge & Malling, Tunbridge Wells

My principal instrument is the clarinet, which I have played for as long as I can remember, and which started with an introduction from Kent Music! My typical playlist will usually be filled with something from Red Hot Chilli Peppers or Gaslight Anthem, with a musical theatre favourite thrown in – currently Hamilton. I feel lucky to have grown up and now work in Kent. I love to explore Kent’s beautiful history, either with a picnic at Leeds Castle, a wander around Canterbury Cathedral or a trek up to Dover Castle with my family.