Zoe Powell BEd(Mus) Franchisee for Cheltenham and Evesham

From my Dad singing "Sing a Rainbow" , one of my favourite childhood songs, to singing songs by Abba, Wings and The Beatles in the car and playing recorder and being a member of the school choir, I have always loved music. I followed my Auntie Lorna's footsteps playing tenor recorder and played by ear only learning to read music at twelve when I began learning the oboe, (the only instrument left in the music cupboard at school). Then one day, my Dad brought home a clarinet. I was a bit upset because I was learning the oboe and he had brought me the wrong instrument! However, I soon learned to play the clarinet greatly encouraged by my Dad who wanted me to become the next Acker Bilk!

This was the beginning of my lifelong musical journey! I began to play piano and passed my first grade with distinction, despite not having a piano at home. At university I combined my love of music with my desire to work with small children and qualified as an infant teacher with a BEd Honours in Music in 1995, always wanting to specialise in music teaching.

Having read an article by Jacqui Phillips about early years music classes and franchisees, I gave her a ring and have now had my own Jacappella franchise for six years. I have two small children who have joined me and grown with me on my Jacappella journey and who are very musical.

Running a franchise has enabled me to spend more time with my children whilst they are at a crucial stage in their learning. I hope to expand my business as my children get older.

My personal musical journey continues with my local choir, Cleeve Chorale, performing two concerts each year. In researching my family tree, I 've discovered that I have a very musical family background. My great grandmother played the piano, my great aunts sang, and in 1901 my great great Uncle Willoughby was a clarinettist in London.

I feel very strongly about the importance of helping children to experience music in as many different ways as possible and have first hand experience in how our music classes can help with early speech development, special needs , fine and gross coordination skills, and English as a second language. I believe that above all, music should be fun, enjoyable and a gift to share.

Monday 10.30am
Bishop's Cleeve Community Centre
Ages 0-4 years

Tuesday 3.15pm
Bishop's Cleeve Primary School
Years 1 and 2

Wednesday 10.00am Busy Bees, Evesham

Fridays
9.30am Little Smarties, Cheltenham

10.30am Jabberwocky, Bishop's Cleeve