The Music Man Project
2310. David Stanley BEM
David Stanley BEM, from Southend, founded ‘The Music Man Project’ in 2017, providing accessible music tuition for people with learning disabilities.
Through the charity, David aims to meet the national and international demand for accessible music, not just for the learning-disabled community, but for other vulnerable groups too. David oversees a network of regional teaching hubs across the UK and worldwide and has delivered more than 15,000 workshops in primary schools, as well as providing grants for accessible arts education, promoting equal access to performance, carrying out research and raising awareness of the achievements of disadvantaged people in the arts.
David has led his ‘Music Man Ambassadors’ to perform globally and at a range of high profile venues in the UK, including the Royal Albert Hall and the London Palladium, as well as releasing a charity single with HM Band of the Royal Marines.
David was presented with his award by Anna Firth MP during his event at the Royal Albert Hall. This award also commemorates the 10th anniversary of the first UK Point of Light award, which was given to Storm Wallace.
Congratulating David on his award, Anna Firth, David’s local MP for Southend West, said:
“I am so delighted that David Stanley has been recognised by the Prime Minister for the wonderful work he has done with the ‘Music Man Project’. For many years, David has devoted his time to helping vulnerable groups and people with learning difficulties access the joy of music, and experience the thrill of performing in front of a live audience. I’m so honoured to be a patron of ‘Music Man’ and I’ve enjoyed witnessing how David transforms people’s lives and gives so much joy through the gift of music.”
In a personal letter to David, Prime Minister Rishi Sunak said:
“I want to say a huge thank you for everything you do to showcase the talents of musicians with learning disabilities.
“From a standing ovation from His Majesty The King, to the London Palladium – and tonight again, the Royal Albert Hall – The Music Man Project is showing the world what people with learning disabilities can do.”
Find out more about ‘The Music Man Project’