About The Speaker...
Maggie Cotton was the first female to play as a percussionist in a UK professional Orchestra. She studied for one year at the Royal Academy of Music in London, not receiving a grant from her local authority as she was told that she was the wrong sex playing the wrong instruments: all those ‘boys toys’ at the back of an orchestra. Her interest in music began with piano at the age of 6yrs, but eventually orchestral music became an all-consuming passion.
She has travelled world-wide as a member of the City of Birmingham Symphony Orchestra – (18 years with Simon Rattle). Now retired from playing but reviewing concerts for the Birmingham Post after a substantial spell teaching youngsters, writing articles and three books. A quirky sense of humour reaches out to non musicians with instrumental illustrations giving much food for thought in her talks.
Mum to two, granny to two . . . so pretty ‘normal’ in spite of an unusual career choice!
Maggie was awarded the ARAM (Associate of the Royal Acadamy of Music) in May 2018 – the first female percussionist in be awarded this recognition.
About her Talks...
I’m a ‘stand alone’ speaker, so I require only a table and a glass of water, please.
Fee:
£65 Plus travel expenses where applicable.
Anywhere further than 50 miles is negotiable.