Lisa Quinlan-Rahman – Chief Executive Officer
Lisa leads Hertfordshire Music Service, overseeing the strategic direction and vision of the service while championing accessible, high-quality music education for children and young people across Hertfordshire.
What Lisa says about Hertfordshire Music Service
“Hertfordshire Music Service is a force for good in our communities and is also nationally significant – influencing the evolution of music education through partnership and policy work. We improve lives and life chances using the power of music and help young people develop their potential – whatever that looks like of them. Musical learning helps develop a range of transferable skills and cultural capital that gives our students a head start. I’m incredibly proud of the inclusive and accessible work we do and grateful to our brilliant team for their passion and expertise”
Outside of work you might find me; at a football stadium, in a theatre or concert venue or behind the wheel of my car getting my children to their various pursuits!
The last book I read / I am currently reading; ‘Kids Wait til you hear this!’ the autobiography of Liza Minnelli. I was a musical theatre kid growing up and this book is dripping with start dust, backstage gossip and name dropping. A great read!
Something you probably didn’t know about me is; I used to host Karaoke sessions for a living!
A song / piece of music you’ll find on my playlist right now is; I Just Might by Bruno Mars – perfect for a drive in the sunshine.
Ben Stevens – Music Director
Ben oversees the musical direction and quality of music education experiences across Hertfordshire, facilitating teachers, schools, and leaders in HMS to deliver engaging and inclusive musical experiences that improve lives.
What Ben says about Hertfordshire Music Service
“Making music, teaching, and performing music always has been – and always will be – my happy place. I believe that shared cultural experiences through music creates stronger human connections and improves lives. Hertfordshire Music Service is an organisation full of passionate musicians and educators seeking to deliver this for families across the county – so it’s a joyful, sometimes challenging, but always uplifting organisation to be a part of.”
Outside of work you might find me; walking in the countryside, trying to keep up with my two teenage boys on a bike ride, following the Boston Red Sox baseball team, or at performances with my family.
The last book I read / I am currently reading; Out of Our Minds by Ken Robinson. It’s a book all about unlocking creativity and how organisations and policy can support people to realise their potential. It’s full of great quotes too – “Creativity involves putting your imagination to work. In a sense, creativity is applied imagination.” I see this linking to our own work – encouraging pupils to imagine a sound, melody or feeling and then applying technical and musical skills to bring it to life for others to hear.
Something you probably didn’t know about me is; one of my first jobs as a music student at the Royal College of Music was working at Heath Barn for the Dacorum Music School on a Saturday morning with Wallace Ruby. Although I’ve taught in lots of places and performed cello with orchestras and shows all over the world, my experience at DMS laid the foundation for my work in music education and ultimately my return ‘back home’ to Hertfordshire.
A song / piece of music you’ll find on my playlist right now is; either an epic symphony like Mahler 2, or a power ballad from someone like Whitney Houston or Celine Dion… just listen out for that power snare!
Michael Mabbitt – Head of People, Culture and Business Development
I joined Hertfordshire Music Service in 2019, and lead on people, culture, and business development. Educated in Hertfordshire from primary to post-graduate level, I am a proud Hertfordshire resident and am passionate about the opportunities education and skills can provide to our young residents, regardless of their background or circumstances.
What Michael says about Hertfordshire Music Service
Thanks to the hard work of those in the HR & Business Development team and the joint efforts of everyone at Hertfordshire Music Service, I can see that we positively are shaping our Hertfordshire Music Service culture, grounded in our values and guided by our collective purpose; improving lives by creating musical learning opportunities of all kinds, nurturing and growing happiness and confidence.
Outside of work you might find me; Spending quality time with my two children, playing football, or pool, or darts – I love most sports, out on a walk listening to a podcast, or nestled down somewhere comfy with a coffee and a good book.
The last book I read / I am currently reading; Neurotribes by Steve Silberman. A fascinating chronology of how the understanding of Autism and the attitudes towards Autistic people have developed over the past century.
Something you probably didn’t know about me is; I was a London 2012 Gamesmaker. I was a player dressing room attendant at Wembley stadium and still have a copy of the Brazilian team tactics from the gold medal match (evidently, they didn’t work though, as they lost the match 2-1 to Mexico – sorry Brazil fans!). Volunteering was an incredible experience; it gave me some great new skills and I encourage people to volunteer and support causes and events they are passionate about (big or small) in any way they can.
A song / piece of music you’ll find on my playlist right now is; Perfectly Imperfect by MOD SUN. It’s a few years old now, but the lyrics are great and the pop-punk vibe appeals to me as someone who grew up musically in c.2000.
Jeff Clarkson – Head of Operations and Finance
Jeff oversees operations and finance at Hertfordshire Music Service, ensuring the service runs effectively and sustainably while supporting schools, families, and staff across Hertfordshire.
What Jeff says about Hertfordshire Music Service
Up until now I have spent my working life working for commercial organisations whose only real motive was maximising profit for shareholders, so I have found it totally refreshing to work for an organisation where the focus is on helping young people to develop and thrive through musical experiences. I know we have gone through significant change over the past years, but it was important for us to become financially sustainable. We are now in a great position to continue to offer opportunities to young people going forward. I really enjoy being part of the Music Service and working with such a committed and talented group of people.
Outside of work you might find me; walking our two dogs, cooking (including on the BBQ), watching rugby, going to gigs, reading and listening to music.
The last book I read / I am currently reading; Is a River Alive by Robert MacFarlane. I am passionate about nature and conserving it for future generations, so this struck a chord.
Something you probably didn’t know about me is; I was nearly killed in a head-on car accident when I was 18 (I was not the driver!), so it has given me a real appreciation for making the most of life.
A song / piece of music you’ll find on my playlist right now is; this is a tough one as I am a massive music fan with a very diverse taste in music but “I Believe in You” from the Talk Talk “Spirit of Eden” album from 1988 is one of my desert island discs.