Lewisham Music have a great team of music tutors and leaders working throughout schools and communities in Lewisham, but have you ever wondered who we have working behind the scenes?
Come and meet the team below.
Charly Richardson
Chief Executive
A bit about me
I joined Lewisham Music in 2019 after 5 years leading Essex Music Education Hub. I’m a graduate of Goldsmith’s Popular Music Studies course, and have worked as a primary music and drama teacher, creative community project facilitator, CPD and training leader and project manager for organisations including Charanga, Guildhall School of Music and Drama, MakeBelieve Arts, and Hoxton Hall. As a sax player, I spent years as a touring and studio musician.
What’s currently on my playlist
‘NOT TiGHT’, the new album by DOMi & JD BECK. As someone who grew up playing jazz but is big into Neo-Soul and Hip-Hop, they really speak to me. They are impossibly cool and talented, especially considering their young age.
Favourite places in Lewisham
I live in the south of the borough, and think Beckenham Place Park is one of the best parks in London. The Fellowship Inn (downstairs!) has a lovely community feel. New Cross and Brockley will always be close to my heart as I lived there in the 2000s.
Simon Francis
Director of Business & Operations
A bit about me
I was born in Croydon and have lived in Greenwich since 2006. My family go back generations in Woolwich, New Addington and Thornton Heath so I feel very connected to the area. I’ve worked in theatres most of my life, starting out tearing tickets and after a few years I was managing a west end theatre which was a lot of fun. I then moved over to Dublin in 2001. While there I worked at the National Concert Hall of Ireland and got into some world music and a lot of astonishing Celtic music (My favourites: Calos Núnez, Liam O’Flynn, Anúna) as well as some classical. I’ve been back in London since 2006, living and working in Greenwich.
What’s currently on my playlist
Right now I’m really into Måneskin. They’re an Italian rock band who won Eurovision a few years ago. They record in both Italian and English which has meant they’ve had huge success in the UK and US. I’ve seen them live in Rome and more recently at the O2. Tons of energy and backbeat!
Favourite places in Lewisham
I love Lewisham Market. The noise, the smell of the fruit and veg, the traders calling out “Banana! Banana! Banana!” It’s all so alive and full of vibrant people and energy. It reminds me of when I was a child, going to New Addington market with my grandmother, wonderful.
Sarah Plummer
Schools Music Leader
A bit about me
I joined Lewisham Music’s core staff team in 2012 after 10 years of coordinating music in a Lambeth primary school and after 2 years as working as a Lewisham Music violin tutor. I’m a music graduate of York University and I also studied at the Royal College of Music on the Early Music diploma course and have PGCE’s in primary and group instrumental tuition from Goldsmith’s and Birmingham City University respectively. As a violinist, I spent several years working as a freelance baroque violinist touring and playing with some inspirational Early Music ensembles.
What’s currently on my playlist
It is very eclectic from Hildegard von Bingen (early female composer born around 1098), through the Baroque era where you can never get enough JS Bach, Corelli or Purcell to more chilled out Jazz from Laufey (Icelandic singer and songwriter and multi-instrumentalist).
Favourite places in Lewisham
I love all the amazing views you can get from Lewisham, whether that is from the Horniman Museum and Gardens where there is always so much happening or walking the Lewisham Three Peaks challenge and taking in the views of the borough and sampling local cafes and shops.
Clare Caddick
Vocal Leader
A bit about me
I am a Music graduate of Goldsmith’s College, a conductor, flautist, singer, and pianist who joined the Lewisham Music team in 2014. I have directed choirs of all ages, musicals and operas, and taught art, drama, and music in schools. As Director of the Emerald Music School, I have been able to take my choirs to amazing venues including the Royal Albert Hall and Royal Festival Hall. I’m a proud trustee of SongEasel, which brings amazing free concerts to Lewisham. My happy place is when I’m conducting, encouraging large groups of people to give their best performance.
What’s currently on my playlist
My playlist is varied and eclectic. In the past week I have listened to: A.A. Williams, The Sparks, Abel Selacoe, Pink Floyd, Kroke, Mahler, Moses Boyd, Nina Simone, Tenebrae, Arvo Pärt, Aziza Mustafa Zadeh, Tchaikovsky, and the National Youth Jazz Orchestra. I do listen to Radio 1 in the mornings to try and stay vaguely current, but I always prefer to experience live music and often go to concerts, operas, musicals and festivals. I love the Proms and I always opt to stand to be close to the action.
Favourite places in Lewisham
Catford Broadway Theatre jumps straight to mind. It is a very special place to perform, steeped in history and with the amazing Compton theatre organ. I can’t wait to see it reopen after its refurb. The Fellowship is also close to my heart with its vintage cinema, pub and Henry’s café which does great lunch and coffee.
Keith Sykes
Director of Community Music
A bit about me
I’ve worked for over 10 years in youth and community development. Before joining Lewisham Music he led the award-winning creative music programme ‘ArtsTrain’, as well as working with national funding organisations such as BBC Children in Need and Youth Music. Outside of my hours with Lewisham Music I continue to support musicians and grassroots music organisations with funding advice and organisational development. I’m a self-confessed evaluation geek and passionate about advocating for the impact of music to benefit young people’s mental health.
What’s currently on my playlist
Ezra Collective, LTJ Bukem and Frozen (to be fair I have kids but it is a great soundtrack 😊).
Favourite places in Lewisham
The Horniman Museum and the Fellowship Inn obviously 😊.
Abimaro Gunnell
Furthering Talent Producer
A bit about me
I’m a singer songwriter and music leader from South east London. I run the Furthering Talent Programme at Lewisham Music and love being part of such a great community of young, talented musicians! I am a wife and a mum of 2 girls, I love tall trees and good food, I’m a wannabe surfer, and I love a cheeky shake of the leg when I have a (rare) night out with friends…. Otherwise my front room and speaker will do.
What’s currently on my playlist
Cleo Sol, Fran Lobo, Eva Cassidy, always a bit of Joni Mitchell, Bill Withers, Lauryn Hill, Kirk Franklin….
Favourite places in Lewisham
Levante and Nandos has been the place for a lot of my birthdays in my late teens and early twenties…
Robbie Hurst
Marketing and Communications Manager
A bit about me
I was born in Lewisham, grew up in Catford, had a stint in Southampton at university, followed by a short stay in East London, and now I’m back in Catford. I have a BA Hons in Advertising and have worked for Lewisham Music for longer than I can remember. I’m a big fan of all things design, anything at the Young Vic, 80s films, early 2000s Indie, Charlton Athletic, Lewisham Music (!) and I’m slightly fascinated with sharks.
What’s currently on my playlist
You’ll always find the likes of The Maccabees, Bloc Party, Jamie T, The Strokes, Joy Division, Ramones, Tears for Fears, Echo and the Bunnymen on my playlist, and at the moment Her’s, Parcels, CASisDEAD, and of course Simply Red.
Favourite places in Lewisham
Mountsfield Park, particularly when People’s Day pops up, Horniman Museum, Trattoria Raffaele, Broadway Theatre, Records, Deptford Market, The Albany, The Migration Museum, The Fellowship Inn, Blythe Hill Tavern, Fox and Firkin.
Josh Oladipo
Community Programme Producer
A bit about me
I’m Josh, I am a Music Producer, DJ, Radio Host, and self-proclaimed decent human. I joined Lewisham Music in 2021 as a Music Tech Tutor and I’m now the Community Programme Producer. I love a good album cut that never came out as a single. I love collecting Vinyl and have over 60 pairs of trainers (mostly Nikes/Jordans).
What’s currently on my playlist
I have been listening to Kendrick Lamar’s latest album on rotation but now more than ever after I saw him live at the O2. Unreal scenes!
Favourite places in Lewisham
The Albany, The Horniman and a cheeky Morleys (on special occasions).
Ania Wróblewska
Community Music & Instrument Coordinator
A bit about me
I joined Lewisham Music in October 2021 after graduating from Goldsmiths’ BA (Hons) Arts Management. During my studies I explored ways of making inclusive and collaborative feminist theatre in Poland (where I’m from) and have worked as the Academy Coordinator at Theatre Peckham supporting their education programme. I play violin and I try to be a drummer and singer in a band that has no name, but still brings me joy!
What’s currently on my playlist
This really depends on what I’m feeling, but there are usually some strong female voices involved. Patti Smith is my all-time favourite. I love the energy of Amyl and the Sniffers – my perfect morning tunes.
Favourite places in Lewisham
As someone who lives in New Cross it only feels right to say Telegraph Hill for a lovely walk and Matchstick Piehouse for a night out! Their Wednesday Steam Down gigs have the best energy.
Tilda Landehag
Creative Careers Producer
A bit about me
Hey, I’m Tilda – a music producer, singer, and visual artist originally hailing from Sweden, but these days, I call Southeast London home. It’s been seven years since I snagged that bachelor’s degree in Music and Vocals, and since then, I’ve worn many hats – session singer, vocal teacher, workshop leader, creative producer, and project coordinator. Moving from Sweden to the UK to chase my musical dreams was always the plan. Back in the day, I rocked the bass in bands, and London seemed like a distant dream. I’m fascinated with water, and chances are, you’ll catch me in a video enjoying a soak in a lake or a bathtub.
What’s currently on my playlist
Hania Rani, Bjork, James Blake, Matthew Halsall, Esbjorn Svensson Trio, Mount Kimbie and always a bit of Burial. Anything melancholic that mirrors my Scandinavian soul!
Favourite places in Lewisham
Deptford Market, love the vibrant energy of the melting pot of colour and culture.
Stella Naluwooza
Finance & Operations Coordinator
A bit about me
I am responsible for our offices day to day staff administration, sales ledger, and payroll functions. I have worked and studied Finance & Accounting for many years, having worked for small and large organisations Lewisham Music is by far my most loved!
What’s currently on my playlist
I enjoy all forms of music but my favourite genres are Garage, Reggie/Socca, and Hip-Hop. At the moment my playlist is totally dominated by a DJ called Black Coffee who plays a mix of soulful house.
Favourite places in Lewisham
My favourite places in Lewisham are the beautiful Beckenham Place Park and the mighty Catford Theatre.
Paul Brown
Head of Saturday Music Centre
A bit about me
I grew up and studied in the neighbouring boroughs of Bromley and Greenwich as a passion for music took me on an amazing journey. Inspired by all the music around me I’ve since performed and recorded music in most genres and taught the subject in a broad range of settings to every age group. I currently look after the music at St Margaret’s Lee CE School, have managed Lewisham Music’s Saturday Centre since 2015, and constantly tour venues from restaurants to festivals with my live music shows.
What’s currently on my playlist
As someone who listens to Radio’s 1, 2 & 3 in equal measures each week I have an eclectic playlist. At the moment I can’t get enough of Michael Jackson, Rod Stewart, and Bach.
Favourite places in Lewisham
So many parts of the borough hold fantastic memories for me. Places I’ve played music, taught, or had great times out with friends are all special, but to choose one favourite place it’s the Broadway Theatre.
Meet our Young Producers
We have recently been working with a team of Young Producers who were employed to work with us through a Greater London Authority and The Albany commissioned project looking at the connection between music and young people’s mental health. As part of the project the Young Producers created, curated, recorded, produced and edited a five-part podcast series called ‘Front Line Young Minds’. Get to know a bit about them and their favourite part about producing the podcast by hovering and clicking any of the pictures below, and if you’d like to have a listen then scroll down and head over to the podcast page.
