Meet the Sparks team

If you have any questions about RCM Sparks, the work we do or if you would like to know how we can help you, please feel free to get in touch with our team.

If you're not sure who to contact, you can email sparks@rcm.ac.uk and our friendly team will be happy to assist you.

Miranda Francis

Miranda Francis is the Head of Junior Programmes and BMus Area Leader in Aural Training at the Royal College of Music. She studied Double Bass & Organ at the Royal Academy of Music. A passionate advocate for music education, Miranda has led music departments in both state and independent schools, and was formerly Head of Academic Music at the Purcell School, where she founded the Jazz Department. She is an advisor for the London Music Fund and a Trustee of the National Children's Orchestra.

Miranda works Monday to Saturday.

Hayley Clements

Hayley Clements is the Head of Learning and Participation at the Royal College of Music. She manages the strategic vision of the RCM Sparks team and oversees the widening participation agenda for the RCM. Hayley was previously a Head of Music at a secondary school.

Hayley works Wednesday and Thursday.

Ben Storey

Ben Storey is Assistant Head of Junior Programmes at the Royal College of Music. Graduating from the RNCM, over the last 25 years he has had an active career as a professional trumpeter and also in music education. As well as helping manage the prestigious RCM Junior Department, he leads on the Sparks Schools’ programme, Hub partnerships, Sparkles and Sparks Juniors programmes. He is currently developing a Music learning strategy for children with Special Educational Needs, particularly Specific Learning Difficulties

Ben works Tuesday to Saturday.

Katy Hemingway

Katy Hemingway is the Learning and Participation Coordinator at the Royal College of Music. Katy’s passion for making music accessible began in her early career at BBC Radio 3 and the BBC Proms. Over the past ten years, she has developed Sparks public events at the Royal College of Music and a targeted community programme in the local area.

Katy works Monday, Wednesday and Thursday.

Connor Guffogg

Connor Guffogg is the Learning and Participation Administrator at the Royal College of Music and is the first point of contact for Sparks enquiries. Connor previously worked at Richmond Music Trust coordinating tuition in schools and vocal events. He is dedicated to widening participation across all arts forms and is a Young Lyric Associate at The Lyric Theatre, Hammersmith.

Connor works Monday to Friday.

Lydia Baldwin

Lydia Baldwin is the Learning and Participation Officer for the Royal College of Music Museum. She is currently in charge of delivering a number of audience development projects as part of the Museum’s Heritage Lottery Funded redevelopment, as well as shaping content and interpretation to help different audiences engage with the RCM’s heritage collections.

Lydia works Monday to Friday.