Meet Asta
Thanks for coming to play! During the 20 years over which my career spans, I have been lucky enough to pursue my passions and hone areas of personal interest in British and international locations, and with the most eclectic groups of colleagues and learners.
Creativity is at the forefront of everything I do. Using the holistic Dalcroze method as the foundation of my pedagogical principles, my approach to problem solving and learning has always been rooted in experience and exploration. Being around children has reiterated the vital role that play has to "play" in learning, and overcoming challenging situations and scenarios. Whilst studying for my MA in Music Psychology, I was able to delve more deeply into the positive effects of listening to and playing music, on wellbeing and behaviour. As well as drawing on my personal musical experiences, I have blended these practices to develop impactful lessons and training for children and adults.
ASTA#PLAYS MISSION STATEMENTS
- Education - to empower those delivering music education so they may do so with confidence, creativity, and nuance, regardless of their own perception of their musical ability, or background. To deliver engaging, enriching, and enjoyable musical education to children and adults within a relevant and suitable context.
- Community - to cultivate musical cultures within communities and sub-communities, ensuring meaningful, enjoyable, and healing opportunities are accessible for numerous cross-sections of society.
- Business - to lead businesses in musical ventures so that investment in human resources fosters a healthy working environment, enhanced productivity, and strong staff cohesion.
Core Values
With play underpinning everything that Asta#Plays offers, creativity and development implicitly follow. Using the freedom and exploration that playful approaches afford, these underlying core values are central to the ethos of each strand of services provided by Asta#Plays.
Process over product
There are points in time when the product matters - nobody wants to pay for your below par stock, or tickets to a concert which is under-rehearsed. However, in play, it is the process itself which leads to growth - whether that relates to knowledge and skills, sense of community or self, or elevated mindsets, the journey is integral.
Impact over outcome
Through playing together, singing, learning an instrument, or writing a song, the lasting impact should be substantial. Transferable skills and enjoyment which stems from the experience itself should be something to be returned to, and utilised time and time again.
Identity over conformity
Music plays a vital part in identity of the self, communities, and cultures. There is no one music, although everyone has their music. If you or your company haven't yet found that, that's fine - we play and discover together. With secure identity, a path can be carved for future development built on stable foundations.
Value over visibility
"Our staff had a training day". "My son plays violin". "I joined a choir". So what? The "why" is more important than the "what". Bespoke services and careful consultation ensure that all aims are understood by each shareholder in Asta#Plays ventures. Together, we shape the experience to be truly valuable - not a box-ticking exercise.
"Asta has a wide range of experience teaching younger children and her workshop sessions are always great fun to be part of!"
Head of Primary Music, Co-director of Musical Futures International
"Asta guided me through an incredibly formative period of my professional development, offering unwavering support, expert guidance, and deeply thoughtful feedback that shaped the music educator I am today."
PGCE student (now Head of Primary Music in a prestigious international school)
"Asta's positive impact will be felt at our organisation for years to come...She is a sought after speaker and is able to develop those in her team and colleagues across the music community."
School Principal
Qualifications
& Training
