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 manages the strategic vision of the RCM Sparks team. A passionate advocate for inclusion, Hayley oversees the widening access agenda for the RCM and the departmental role within the RCM curriculum. Hayley was previously a Head of Music in a state secondary school and also has experience in both primary and early years settings. 

Hayley works part-time (Monday, Wednesday and Thursday). 

Jamie Baird

Jamie looks after the RCM Sparks Schools programme and Pipeline projects - working with schools and Heads of Faculty to develop a rich pipeline of young musicians coming through the RCM. He studied violin performance at the Royal Welsh College of Music and Drama, before working as the Inclusion Manager and Upper Strings Tutor at the Berkshire Music trust.  Jamie sits on the Board of Trustees at Soundabout, a national charity ensuring disabled children and adults have a voice through experiencing and creating music. Jamie is an advocate for inclusive music-making and continues to teach violin.

Katy Hemingway

Katy Hemingway leads the community programme for RCM Sparks. Katy's passion for inclusive music education began during the foundations of her career at the BBC.  Since then, Katy has enjoyed 15 years of coordinating innovative projects for the Royal College of Music, welcoming local families who may be facing barriers to participating in the arts. Katy is also an instrumental teacher and has experience in whole-class early years and primary school settings. 

Katy works part-time (Monday, Wednesday and Thursday).

Alice Manning

Alice is the Learning & Participation Administrator at the Royal College of Music and is the first point of contact for Sparks enquiries. Alice previously worked for the London Symphony Orchestra’s music education and community outreach programme, LSO Discovery. As a neurodivergent musician she is passionate about widening access to music to people from all ages and backgrounds.