Michael Spence graduated with a joint degree

in English Literature and Music from Brunel

University in 2014, where he discovered his

love of conducting and music education, and

specialised academically in Musical Theatre.

 

After studying at The Institute of Education & University College London to earn his Music PGCE in 2015, Michael worked as Assistant Head of Music and Assistant Director of Music at secondary schools in London.

 

Michael studied the Kodály Approach with the British Kodály Academy in 2017, eventually taking up a position at Guildhall School of Music and Drama in the Junior Department as a Kodály specialist in 2020. He then returned to IOE/UCL in 2020-2021 to complete a Masters of Teaching (MTeach) with specialisms in Kodály at Secondary, and Gender/Sexuality/Identity in Music Education. Michael was then promoted to Classes Co-Ordinator in 2022 where he leads a team of Kodály and Dalcroze teachers delivering musicianship as a core part of the Kindergarten, and String/Brass Training Programmes.

​

Michael has worked  with several musical organisations such as The Phoenix Collective as a guest speaker, and the British Kodály Academy as a choir conductor, guest speaker, and musicianship tutor. Michael also works at The Royal Opera House as a musicianship tutor for students on their Youth Opera training programme specifically building skills in music literacy and sight-singing.

 

Michael has worked closely with several mixed choirs over the last decade and directed his own choir, Carpe Harmonia, for seven years, which he founded in 2015. He incorporates the Kodály Approach into much of his teaching, regardless of the specific discipline, and thoroughly enjoys teaching students of all ages from kindergarteners and teenagers, to adults and fellow musicians.

 

Michael now works freelance as a music educator, singer, vocal coach, and choir conductor, forming Kaleidoscope Music Education as a vehicle to house his various musical endeavours and music education pursuits.