MEET THE NEW SCHOOL MANAGER - OLLIE MCCULLOUGH

I am delighted to take on the role of School Manager at Forte School of Music, Cardiff. I have been here for 4 years this September and learnt a lot from my predecessor Suzanne Silezin who recently took early retirement after doing amazing things at the school for 20 years. No pressure then! :)

I really value the Forte method of teaching music and am privileged to get to witness the benefits and student’s achievements each week. Forte truly caters for students of all ages and abilities and recognises the importance of music as a means of expression, confidence building and sociability in addition to education. I am so proud of how our teachers, students and parents have adapted, and supported us, over the last 18 months and am optimistic about the future of Forte.

Tell us a bit about yourself….
I love to play guitar and have enjoyed writing, recording and performing both solo and with local bands over the past 15 years. I gained my grade 8 certificate in classical guitar through Trinity College London in 2018 and completed a BA (Honours) in Humanities (Music & History) through the Open University this July.

Who’s your favourite composer?
My musical hero is an American singer-songwriter/composer called Elliott Smith. His music is heartbreakingly beautiful and guitar work so intricate and unique. Every time I re-listen to one of his songs I hear something new.

What’s your favourite piece of music?
Currently anything that my 18-month-old boy plays on ukulele, harp and guitar (he seems to like strings!), because he is so enthusiastic and proud - he claps after playing.

What style of music do you relax to?
Generally something instrumental and ambient, sometimes jazz and Motown. I find myself particularly enjoying solo piano in recent years, perhaps a consequence of working at Forte and hearing some brilliant pieces performed by our very talented teachers and students :)

Who’s your favourite performer?
Louis Prima, AKA ‘King of the swingers’, was second to none in my opinion. His performances with Keely Smith (vocals) and Sam Butera (saxophone) are simply brilliant; their combination of excellent musicianship and humour is a joy to listen to. They really knew how to put on a show.