Teacher Resources

Improvisation ideas and alternative notation for pupils who do not read and more. Read about the benefits experienced by learning disabled people when they have been given the opportunity to play a musical instrument. See what has been done by others.

Forum

Join in discussions and share ideas about teaching and learning musical instruments for and by the learning disabled. Encourage others with your success stories.

Our Patron Toyah Willcox

We are delighted that Toyah has agreed to be Melody's patron, as she is so well-known as an actress, singer and presenter, and appeals to all age groups.

In her reply to Rosie Cross's request, Toyah wrote: "I support your idea and wish it great success."

Most people know that Toyah comes from Birmingham. Rosie first met her as a pupil at Edgbaston Church of England College for Girls, now St Georges, Edgbaston, where, as Rosie Nelson, she taught Toyah music.

In an interview in the Times Educational Supplement magazine, Toyah said that O level music was the only exam she passed, out of the nine that she took. Music and art were the only lessons she enjoyed, but eventually she was banned from art as a punishment for not working well in other subjects. Toyah was dyslexic and physically disabled - she lost a year of school through having some bones straightened, and ended up with one leg shorter than the other.

Remembering Rosie, then Miss Nelson, Toyah said that she gave her pupils 'an incredible love of classical music'.

With her unhappy schooldays behind her, Toyah has worked hard to build a hugely successful international career as a singer and actor on stage, in film and on television. She is extremely busy with work and has just celebrated 25 years in show business. For more information about her career, visit Toyah's own website at www.toyahwillcox.com.