Kate Hogg https://www.katehoggmusic.co.uk is a recent Grad of the MLP (Leadership) program and is based in the UK.
“A random google search brought Music for People to me. I was clearly looking for something at the time in lockdown and there you guys were! Openhearted and loving making and sharing music.”
Kate was part of the initial MLP Hybrid training program. She received an Arts Council UK grant to bring Mary Knysh overseas for several in-person workshops, post lockdown. The in-person experience with Mary was significant.
“I would say that people can be visibly moved by the experience of finding their own voice and being heard in a non- judgemental space where there are good biscuits and tea breaks too. Mary is warm-hearted, knowledgeable and generous in the workshop setting.”
We had a chat with her during her time in the MLP. Now that she’s officially graduated and had some time to reflect, we asked her about her MfP experience.
What has the MLP program meant for you?
Music for People has reminded me that music can be taught with love and connection helping to build a strong sense of community when delivered in groups.
How has it influenced, permeated, colored your practice and your playing? How have you changed through this?
In my individual teaching it has given me ideas and the courage to encourage creativity alongside more traditional teaching methods. It has been brilliant to be part of the MfP community online and I was fortunate to be supported by the Arts Council UK to meet the amazing Mary Knysh in person and get to experience the magical approach that she shares. In the UK adult musicians who came along to music improvisation workshops with Mary were visibly moved as they felt accepted in these new groups. There was real emotional connection and participants were given the space to explore and have fun with others whilst creating musically which was a joy to experience.
What drew you to Southern India to study Karnatic flute? How did you come to this style as ‘your’ way to live musically?
My interest in musical improvisation started by listening to the radio and copying tunes that I liked by ear and playing them on my flute. I played in bands growing up and improvised on stage by “giving it a go.” It was later that I formally studied jazz and North Indian classical music – playing the “correct” sounds over different chords and sticking to the “correct” pitches over a drone. These were the styles that I felt drawn to musically and I love their depth, complexity and emotional connection.
How are you currently using what you’ve learned and who you’ve become through this experience?
As an ever evolving musician I was seeking musical growth and greater freedom within the music that I create and MfP helped me feel lighter, happier and more connected within my own improvisations with a reminder to return to child at every given opportunity! Thank you!
I was searching for a long time to find creative musicians who shared similar beliefs and values about the way music can be taught and experienced in a positive, heart-felt, inclusive, feel-good way. I am so happy to be part of this international family and look forward to continuing to grow and share with them over the coming years. Within my teaching, MfP has given me permission to relax, take time to play, listen and enjoy music together as children are allowed to have fun !
Improvisation is…
…the ability to create stories and take people on emotional journeys that can enable you to feel freedom and connection.
Music for People…
…is an active family of creative music lovers, who share ideas and try things out and is growing !