Music

Mark awarded LRSM – Singing Award in Prison

Reading Time: 8 minutesAfter completing his DipABRSM in 2014, Mark took some time to focus on his legal studies before returning to his music in 2023, with support from the Hardman Trust. I was really lucky to meet some amazing musicians through Vox Holloway Choir and Liberty Choir, who encouraged me to take...

Words and Music with Terry Waite

Reading Time: 10 minutesMark organised a small fundraising event for Emmaus UK some years ago, whilst in prison. Terry Waite CBE, President of the charity, invited Mark to curate an afternoon of ‘Words and Music’ with him, reflecting upon a selection of moving poems from his new book, ‘Out of the Silence‘. We’ve...

colorful flowers in vase on table

The Suppliant’s Song – a Hymn written in prison

Reading Time: < 1 minuteMark’s faith has been an important source of strength for him in prison. Many have been moved by Mark’s music in Church, where he plays the piano and violin for the weekly services. Mark wrote this special prayer for the prison choir, which speaks not only to his own personal...

Mark awarded DipABRSM – Singing Diploma in Prison

Reading Time: 4 minutesMark studied for his Diploma in Music Performance (DipABRSM, rebranded as ARSM in 2024) whilst in prison, achieving a Merit. He was the first person to have ever attempted an exam at this level in prison. On a sunny afternoon in July, two examiners from the Royal Schools of Music...

Mark achieves Grade 8 Piano in Prison

Reading Time: 2 minutesAfter a year of study, Mark sat his grade 8 piano exam in prison, passing with Merit. Two diplomas and two degrees later, Mark is still looking for ways to stretch himself, and defy the apparent limitations of his circumstances. When everything else was lost, music felt like the only...