Who We Are
Music Making SENse is a team of musicians dedicated to providing accessible and inspiring music education programmes for children with additional learning needs. Through our programmes we enable our students to learn an instrument, compose and perform their own music, play in a band or orchestra; whatever their musical dream might be, our musicians have the expertise and experience to help realise it.
Music Making SENse comprises a team of extraordinary and committed music professionals, led by directors Kim Perkins and Kirsty Mees.
Kim Perkins
Director
“I believe that the universality of music makes musical collaboration the ultimate forum for accessibility, inclusivity, and change. As Director of Music Making SENse I aim to enable greater equity of musical experiences for all the learners I collaborate with.”
Beyond Music Making SENse, Kim is the SEN/D coordinator for Lambeth Music Service and a community musician who has led projects for London Philharmonic Orchestra, Academy of St Martin in the Fields, National Maritime Museum, Royal Academy of Music and Kingston Adult Education Services. She is Artistic Director of Lambeth Sounds’ ‘Count Me In’ accessible concert for SEN schools at the Southbank Centre, an experienced instrumental tutor, and as a music leader she has collaborated with dementia centres, early years settings and groups for women at risk. Her aim is to enable greater visibility and opportunities for disabled young people within our communities through music and to further the practice of using music to motivate speech development for young people with additional needs.
Kirsty Mees
Director
"I believe that musical experiences can support new responses and learning, and change how we process the world around us. As Director of Music Making SENse I aim to promote access to musical experiences for all in collaboration with peers and the community."
Beyond Music Making SENse Kirsty is the Director of Kidz Live, using her experience as a musician and performer to provide live musical experiences for all ages - including early years music sessions and opportunities for young people to perform in a live band.
Kirsty is also the Singing Coordinator for Lambeth Music Service which involves preparing, arranging, and conducting singing concerts with over 1800 Lambeth Primary School children at the Royal Festival Hall. Kirsty has a Masters of Music Education with a focus on the sensory and musical explorations of children with ASD. She is particularly interested in developing strategies and experiences to support individuals with ASD and extend their musical development through ensemble music-making and performance.