The National Orchestra for All (NOFA) tutor will be participating in the race this October – and we’re with him every step of the way.
We’re delighted to announce that professional musician and NOFA keyboard tutor, Matthew Poad, will be running the London Marathon 2021 to support Orchestras for All’s mission.
By participating in the world-famous event – which was founded in 1981 and takes place annually – the 28-year-old musician will be helping thousands of young people across the UK who currently face significant daily challenges to achieve their dreams.
For 98 per cent of NOFA members, cultural barriers and limited access to music-making have prevented them from doing what they love the most. Many also face health barriers, with 55 per cent previously unable to play in an orchestra due to autism, a physical disability, learning difficulty, or social, emotional or behavioural difficulties.
And despite only 1.6 per cent of Black, Asian and ethnically diverse musicians being members of British orchestras, 37 per cent of NOFA players come from underrepresented groups – with 54 per cent based in the lowest 3 IDACI multiple deprivation deciles.
We caught up with the keen pianist to find out more about his life in music and inspiring running journey so far …
NOFA keyboard tutor, Matt, runs through Roath while participating in the Cardiff Half Marathon 2019
Hi Matt! Tell us a little about what you do.
By day I teach piano, lead performance workshops and accompany ensembles in a variety of nearby secondary schools; by night I write, record and perform all sorts of different music with groups and as a soloist in venues across London.
In addition to being a life-long lover of all things music, I take a keen interest in TV and film and keep active with weekly five-a-side football and squash!
Who, or what, inspired you to pursue a career in music?
It’s impossible to pin down exactly one inspiring person or experience! I’ve always loved listening to and playing music, right back to when I would drum on the floor along to Queen’s music videos as a toddler.
I was really inspired by my piano teacher, who alongside being a skilled pianist was always friendly, patient and supportive – all elements which I now take forward as a teacher myself. My parents were amazing at tolerating my relentless practice and noisy band rehearsals at home during my teenage years.
Then, while studying at university, some friends and I managed to secure a few weekly slots playing jazz at different cocktail bars. This regular work gave me confidence that a future in music was plausible for me, and so when my studies ended I actively sought out more performing, accompanying and teaching opportunities and here I am six years later absolutely loving what I do!
Doing what he loves best: Matt sings and plays the keyboard during a recent performance
Could you tell us about the marathon you’re running?
I’ll be running the Virgin Money London Marathon on Sunday 3 October 2021. I’m really excited to run the official London route, which begins in Blackheath, ends at The Mall and takes me around famous landmarks in the city.
There will be 100,000 runners taking part on the day: 50,000 will be running the route alongside me, with the other half taking part virtually elsewhere. People say that the atmosphere on the day is incredible, so I can’t wait to experience it for myself.
What motivated you to participate in the event?
As soon as I became aware of Orchestras for All (OFA), I wanted to contribute to their amazing work. Over the past few years I volunteered as an instrumental tutor and helper at a number of their events before officially joining the team as NOFA keyboard tutor in March.
Having taken part in a number of half marathon events in recent years, I’d been looking for a new challenge to work towards – when the opportunity came up to run the London Marathon for OFA, I leapt at the chance!
Meet Orchestras for All’s young musicians >
While working with OFA, have there been any standout moments?
While volunteering at a Modulo event a few years ago, I remember young musicians from a variety of secondary schools jamming together during their lunch break. Although they didn’t know each other, they came together to share in the joy of music-making – what a wonderful example of how music can bring us together!
Now as a tutor with the NOFA team I get to work closely with a small group of keyboard players at the creative courses held regularly throughout the year. It has been wonderful to see each player develop their skills and gain confidence while getting to know each other better and better. We make a really great team and I look forward to seeing them all again at the next NOFA event in November.
Pictured: Matt (bottom right) enjoys a four-day online music festival with National Orchestra for All
Every NOFA course ends with a performance showcase where the young participants play pieces and compositions in front of each other. The performances themselves are always fantastic and full of passion and energy but it’s also wonderful to see how supportive all of the listeners are. It’s an incredible atmosphere and I can’t wait to experience what these showcases will be like when courses can return to face-to-face!
How are you preparing for the marathon?
I’ve been loosely following a training programme over the past few months, so my legs are in good shape so far. Now that the event is less than two months away, I’ll be stepping up training a lot!
Last week I ran a total of approximately 45 miles, including a half marathon at the weekend. Over the coming weeks I plan to run at least three or four times a week, increasing my distance bit by bit and hopefully getting a little quicker, too!
When you hit a challenging part of the course, how will you stay positive?
There are those rainy Sunday mornings when you’d probably rather have a lie-in and a cuppa with some biscuits rather than go for a long run… That’s not an option!
The knowledge that I am raising money for a fantastic cause has helped me a great deal in my training already – and that is absolutely what I’ll be thinking of during the toughest moments of the marathon. I’m hopeful that the cheers of the crowd will help, too!
“The knowledge that I am raising money for a fantastic cause has helped me in my training,” says Matt
Do you have a personal best that you’re hoping to beat?
Last year I ran my own marathon route around Hampstead Heath for the virtual event – far too hilly, a silly choice really! I had set a time of 3:55 hours, so that is my time to beat. I’ll be chuffed with anything quicker than that!
How can people support you on your journey?
I’m hoping to raise at least £1,500, so I’d be incredibly grateful for any contributions to help me reach that target. I’ve recently hit £700, so thank you ever so much for everyone who has supported me already.
For those who would like to support, the easiest way to donate is via my Virgin Money Giving page where you can find more information about me, my targets and the amazing work that OFA do.
From now until the race, I’ll be sharing weekly updates of my training on social media. If you’ve donated and are still looking for ways to help, then spread the word to as many people as you can. And of course, the more friendly faces lining the marathon route with a cheer and a whoop as I pass, the better!
Why should others join Orchestras for All’s movement?
Through my work and volunteering with OFA, I've seen the immensely positive effects of their work first-hand. As a musician myself, I've been lucky enough to have experienced the truly life-changing impact that these music-making activities can have on a young person – not only in terms of developing practical skill, but in building overall confidence and forging life-long friendships in the process.
This is why I passionately support Orchestras for All in their mission to provide these same opportunities to all young people regardless of their circumstances.
“I’m really excited to run the official London route”, says professional musician Matt
If you could share three top tips with aspiring young musicians, what would they be?
1. Get creative
Don’t feel limited by playing only the pieces in your grade syllabus or by sticking to sheet music – these are important but so is playing the music that you love and exploring your instrument.
Why not experiment by learning the latest pop song, that tune from the new game you like or even have a go at writing something of your own? There is a huge amount to learn about melody and chords, aural skills and ensemble-playing that don’t necessarily come from following the sheet music.
2. Keep an open mind
Don’t be too quick to judge music that challenges you. We all know of those songs that you don’t like on the first listen but then by the fifth listen, they’re your new favourite! You never know what might inspire you next if you give it the chance.
3. Give it a go!
Put yourself forward for as much as possible and say yes to everything. We all get a little nervous at trying new things but you’ll learn so much from playing different types of music with different people. Dive in – you never know where it might take you…
And finally, please complete the sentence. Orchestras for All is…
Orchestras for All is bringing young people together from across the UK through a shared love of music – it’s essential work and they deserve your support!
To support Matt on his fundraising journey and change young lives, please donate today >
