Teela Hughes-Davis

CEO

I’m the co-founder and CEO of Music24. Over the years, I’ve worked within the voluntary and community sector, initially running community music projects in day centres. This followed my graduation studying Performing Arts at college and university where I originally wanted to be an actress. I also loved to dance but wasn’t as good as the others, technically speaking, but I always had the passion!

That is where my voluntary work in the community began and as the work developed and grew, so did my knowledge of working with a range of people with various needs.

Nowadays, I drive the charity forwards strategically, leading on Policy & Governance, Bid-writing, Finance and Accounting, Partnership-building, ably supported by our small but mighty back-office team. I’m incredibly proud of the “family” we have created at Music24 and the wonderful team who help to deliver life-changing music everyday.

The future of Music24 is certainly bright and who knows what the future holds.

Graeme Davis

Lead Music Therapist

Hi, I’m Graeme, co-founder and Lead Music Therapist for Music24. I have over 25 years of clinical experience as a music therapist, having worked in hospices and for the NHS under the Arts Psychotherapies team for adults with dual-diagnosis of learning disabilities and mental health challenges.

I gained my Masters in Music Therapy after studying at the world renowned Nordoff Robbins Music Therapy Centre in London. Over the years, I’ve presented my work at various conferences both nationally and internationally.

Prior to pursuing a career in music therapy, I was a classically trained violinist at the Guildhall School of Music & Drama in London and played professionally for many years in chamber orchestras, in particular the Bournemouth Sinfonietta.

Music24 is an incredibly exciting venture for Teela and I. We’ve been working together on projects since 2010 and Music24 is by far my calling in life. It’s been wonderful developing the communities that we’ve built and I’m so proud of what we continue to achieve.

Jen Harris

Operations Manager

Hi, I’m Jen! I’ve always loved music, singing, dancing, and everything CHRISTMAS. I’m fun, creative, and enjoy baking in my spare time. I’m a proud mum of three grown-up children, and my passion for supporting others began through volunteering at their school, eventually becoming PTA Chair. I also spent two years as a Scout Beaver Leader—singing around the campfire was a highlight!

I ran my own creative business before retraining as an Early Years Educator, working my way up to Nursery Supervisor while gaining my qualifications.

My role has grown with Music24, originally starting as a volunteer and them becoming a Session Support Worker and helping out with Administrative duties of the charity 3 years ago. Now, I ensure the smooth day-to-day delivery of our ongoing music services, and manage our wonderful team of staff and volunteers.

I love connecting with people and making a difference through the power of music. I may not be a musician, but I sing my heart out and give every instrument a go.

Rebecca Willams

Music Therapist

I’m a Music (BMus-Hons) graduate and a Nordoff Robbins trained Music Therapist. I’m a flautist and often play harmonic instruments. I’ve played in different bands/ groups over the years. 

Since qualifying as a music therapist in 2020, I’ve worked for a charity care provider in various dementia, nursing and residential care homes in Oxfordshire, Bedfordshire and Buckinghamshire. I joined Music24 in 2022 and have enjoyed working with children and adults with various needs.

Hilary Wood

Neuro-specialist Wellbeing Practitioner

I’m a neuro-specialist wellbeing practitioner… I know, a bit of a mouthful! But my speciality is anything to do with changes to the brain. For example, how the brain responds to conditions such as strokes, dementia, and Parkinson’s disease.

I’m a singer too and sing in a worship band a couple of times a month. Working with Music24 brings both of these passions together and I love it.

I also work for the Stroke Association and I volunteer in a variety of Christian projects, including being a community chaplain. My heart is simply to make people feel better, and the work we do absolutely does this. It helps people improve their mental abilities and communication, and gives essential social contact which makes a huge difference to people, and of course music speaks to the soul in a way that nothing else does. It has very healing properties and I’ve experienced this first-hand. 

Phil Isley

Community Musician

I discovered a love for music about age 7 when my Mum’s best friend bought my Dad a cassette - Beatles Ballads, a collection of their softer songs. This cassette was on massive rotation on long car journeys and a love of music has been with me ever since. I heard about Music24 by chance - on a flyer in Hoddesdon library whilst doing my other job supporting a gentleman with autism. 

I’m lucky that I get to interact with music in many ways, from busking locally with other musicians, to teaching, to using music in so many aspects of my life. When my Dad (who had dementia) was in hospital in his final days I was thankful to the younger me who took up the guitar all those years ago because I was able to communicate with him in a place beyond words. 

Music24 is fabulous and I continue to grow my musical wings as a result of being part of this fantastic team.

Paula Heyes

Group Leader

I became a volunteer after leaving my desk job of 23 years in 2019. I found Music24 on Facebook in January 2020 and started volunteering in the Stevenage dementia group. Along with collecting food for a local foodbank, I was also a responder during the pandemic, delivering prescriptions and food to vulnerable people. Three years later I still love being a volunteer and now travel to lots of different groups in my role as social media lead, which is my favourite job! 

I'm not a musician, but I do try and play instruments and sing and anybody who knows me knows I love to dance and jump around like I'm a pogo! This is the ideal job for me, as it works around my family and helps me keep fit, which is my other passion along with running. I'm so lucky to have found this wonderful charity and to have met so many wonderful people who I class as my extended family.

Nathan Clegg

Community Musician

Asking an artist or musician to write about themselves. Argh! Well, I’m a lifelong lover of music - yes, that one who dances round his room as a child singing into the hairbrush. I didn’t get into actually playing music until my early 20s when a friend gave me half a set of bongos. I’ve never looked back since and one day got hold of a trumpet. I finally joined my first band when I was 30 years old. My current band, the Flamin’ Wet Gurus, has quite an eclectic mix, and I sing, play the djembe and trumpet, and even the xylophone sometimes. For those reasons, I'd say that I haven't got a main instrument although I do feel a master of my other area of work - Sound Baths. They are my favourite thing to facilitate; I get to play the Kora, an African harp, amongst Tibetan Singing Bowls and other ‘world’ instruments. I have quite a collection now!

Working with Music24 is amazing as I get to do the things I love most and make other people feel better by bringing a bit of joy and relief into what is otherwise a very tough world for a lot of those we work with. To see the difference we make to people, it's the best job in the world.

Mel Thomas

Community Musician

I have loved making music since I started piano lessons when I was 9 years old. I took up the opportunity to play the double bass in middle school and that’s when I discovered the absolute joy of making music with others!

In 1998, I graduated from the University of East Anglia with a BA (Hons) in Music. Since then, I have taught music in a variety of settings including private piano lessons, Kindermusik and other children’s music classes, and have delivered music in schools and for adults with learning disabilities. I’ve performed in groups and orchestras, ranging swing, jazz, rock and pop over the years and currently play in a rock and pop covers band.

On the non-musical side of my career, I have 25 years’ experience of working with vulnerable adults, including asylum seekers, people with physical/learning disabilities, the Deaf/Hard of Hearing community and people experiencing mental health issues, in a range of settings including social services, further education, the NHS and charitable organisations.

I love working for Music24 because it gives me the opportunity to experience the therapeutic power of music with so many amazing people!

Dawn Knight

Session Support Worker

I’ve many roles within Music24, including hands-on session support and leading on various projects such as our annual dementia-friendly carol service. Having a broad background in the care sector, both within my own personal experience with my family and as a domiciliary carer, I’m able to bring a wide range of knowledge and skills to my role. I always go the extra mile to make sure people feel cared for and supported.  

My main area of expertise lies within complementary therapies. I’ve trained to become a Reiki Master, and more recently I discovered Emotional Freedom Techniques (EFT) which has completely transformed my life. Since qualifying as an EFT Practitioner, I’ve witnessed the transformative nature of these simple-to-use techniques and don’t miss a chance to share the many ways that EFT can be employed.   

I’m extremely passionate about my work with Music24. I can’t imagine working for anywhere more in touch with what really matters in people's lives and genuinely seeks to address their real needs. I loved Music24 from the moment I joined and I’m truly proud of the vital work we’re all part of.

Millie Scott

Session Support Worker

Whilst at school I didn’t know what I wanted to do in my life but I’ve always known the kind of person I wanted to be. This was heavily influenced by the people in my life who are always willing to put others before themselves.

My love for helping people and putting in the effort to make sure individuals feel equal, heard and appreciated comes from my Nanna, who has been one of the leading sources of love and inspiration throughout my life. I watched as she loved and cared for my uncle who has Down’s Syndrome and taught us that a diagnosis or special needs doesn’t mean the individual can’t have the life they desire.

My passion to help people, led me to study Health and Social Care for three and a further two years as an Extended Diploma. My final year, still not knowing what was next for me, I was given the chance to work with Music24, and their amazing team, as a work experience placement for my course. It was like finding a light in the dark; I wasn’t just opened up to the fundamentals of care, but also to the significance and overwhelming affect music therapy can have. When I was asked to be an official member of the Music24 team at the end of my placement, I didn’t even need to think about my answer, as I felt I had found the rarest and most amazing community and family I’d know — I was also genuinely excited to get my picture on the Music24 Meet The Team page!

Jennie Qureshi

Session Support Worker

I was born in Luton where I grew up in a supportive and loving family with my wonderful parents and four siblings.  I married and had three beautiful children;  our house was always full of love and music. 

I worked with young children as a school Nursery Nurse for 22 years and then went on to become a Swim Teacher. 

Following this, I dedicated myself to caring for my father, who lived with dementia. This experience deepened my understanding of the condition and taught me valuable lessons about caregiving, communication, and empathy. Attending the Luton Dementia Group with my father introduced me to a supportive community of like-minded individuals, and I cherish the memories we shared.

As someone born and bred in Luton, I have a deep understanding of our local culture and the beautiful diversity that enriches our community. Today, as the proud leader of a Singing Cafe with Music 24, I bring people together through the universal language of music. Drawing from my diverse experiences, I'm committed to creating a welcoming space where everyone can enjoy music and connect with others. I'm grateful to work alongside a team of caring individuals who share my passion for bringing music into people's lives. Through my journey, I've learned the importance of compassion, patience, and understanding – qualities that I believe make me a valuable asset to our community.

Amanda Field

Session Support Worker

I am Amanda and I have four wonderful children and two grandchildren.

I have a background in care, which I thoroughly enjoyed and I wanted to do more by helping people access the community.
I was fortunate to be asked to take a lovely lady to Music24 and that’s where my journey with the charity began.

Even after I no longer worked with the lady I continued attending on occasions and eventually I was asked to become a Session Support Worker, which I really enjoy.

In my free time I enjoy walks with my dogs, Yogi and Cookie. I have rediscovered my love for reading.
I am starting an Access course so that I can pursue a career in Psychology and Counselling.

Just goes to show you’re never too old to learn and grow.

Amy Mason

Community Musician

I’m a singer/songwriter and guitarist from Bedford. I had a love for music from early childhood and studied music at Bedford College. I then went to the Colchester Institute where I did a Foundation Degree in Popular Music.

For many years, I’ve worked alongside Living It Up in Bedford, a charity providing social and educational opportunities for adults with learning disabilities and autism in and around Bedfordshire.

I really enjoy singing in harmony and playing the drum kit. Working for Music24 has given me the opportunity to use this love of music to offer genuine support to people who need it, and it is very fulfilling seeing people gain confidence and enjoyment from the sessions.

I’m also in a Bedford-based folk/reggae band called Flamin’ Wet Gurus.