As I look back on 2024, it’s clear this has been an immensely positive and fulfilling year for me as a creative practitioner.
2024 has been a year of milestones, new beginnings, and meaningful connections through music and education. Here’s a look back at some of the highlights.
January: Fresh Starts
Like most of us, January was all about planning and embracing the newfound energy that a new year brings. The groundwork was laid for many of the projects that would come to fruition later in the year.
February: Community Impact
The Music Learning Collective (MLC) began delivering its Short Breaks programme, providing valuable opportunities for young people. You can read about its impact here. I also had the privilege of travelling to Italy with colleagues to visit our sister school. The trip was both inspiring and informative, setting the tone for future collaborations.
March: Creative Endeavours
March brought a whirlwind trip to Belgium, where I assessed music students over three days. I also ramped up efforts on my album project, Anthology Volume I, and conducted research at the V&A in London for a project set to launch in 2025.
April & May: Artistic Inspirations
April flew by, with highlights including a trip to Manchester to see The World of Hans Zimmer. In May, the Short Breaks programme concluded, and production on my album continued in earnest.
June: Giving Back
A standout moment in June was MLC’s donation of a drum set to A Coy Corps of Drums (Nottinghamshire Army Cadet Force). This gift will benefit young musicians for years to come.
July: Celebrations and Achievements
July was marked by a visit from Italian students, who performed at MLC’s summer concert. MLC also awarded 30 young creatives the Discovery Arts Award, recognising their hard work and creativity. The book, The Creative Practitioner was also released with a podcast of the same name launching in the autumn.
August: A Milestone Birthday
Turning 50 was a personal highlight of the year. I was truly spoilt by friends and family, creating memories I’ll treasure forever. I was also honoured to receive the Cadet Forces Adult Volunteer Boots & Berets Award, sponsored by Amazon, for my work as an adult volunteer in the Army Cadet Force.
September: New Heights
September saw MLC achieve Licensed Organisation (LO) status to deliver the Duke of Edinburgh’s Award, a significant step forward for our team. Read more about it here.
November: International Collaboration
A second trip to Italy with colleagues in November reinforced the incredible connections we’ve fostered with our sister school. Facilitating such opportunities for the MLC team is something I’m incredibly proud of.
December: Culmination of Creativity
December was a fitting end to an incredible year. My Offbeat Podcast launched, Anthology Volume I was released, and we announced an exciting partnership between MLC and the University of Derby. Learn more here.
Looking Ahead
Writing this review has made the year seem fluid and effortless, but those in my field know that many of these achievements are years in the making. The journey is what makes being a creative practitioner so rewarding.
In 2025, I look forward to building on this year’s successes. Work is already underway on Anthology Volume II, and Felipe Drago and I have committed to producing a new drumset method book. I also plan to spend more time reconnecting with the drums—the instrument that has defined so much of my life.
Thank you for reading and for your continued support. Wishing you all a prosperous and creative 2025!
Warm regards,
Paul