FOR THE JOY OF PLAYING AND THE LOVE OF LEARNING
carry out their duties completely voluntarily.
OUR BOARD OF TRUSTEES
OUR PATRONS
OUR BOARD OF TRUSTEES
Our Trustees bring a wealth of experience from the private, commercial and public sectors. Their business knowledge and hands on experience is invaluable. We are very grateful for their dedication, advice, support and steer.
STAFF
SHEILA RANI SISPAL
Marketing & Comms
MEET SHEILA
I’ve worked in marketing and communications for over 20 years across private, public and charity sectors.
I joined Music House in August 2020 as the first Marketing and Communications Officer. I oversee all of Music House’s customer facing marketing, communications and PR.
I’m our organisation’s brand guardian and I manage our external creative agencies.
When I’m not working I enjoy going on long walks, socialising with friends, reading and my passion – teaching yoga (I’m a fully qualified Ashtanga Yoga Teacher) .
DAGMAR FITZPATRICK
Administrator
MEET DAGMAR
I oversee all the admin duties including financial information, enquires, student lesson bookings, policies and procedures etc. I’m the link between students and their teachers which involves a level of pastoral care and our students’ wellbeing.
When I’m not working I enjoy gardening, reading, walking and various craft.
NEKELA ALLEYNE
Projects
MEET NEKELA
Prior to Music House, I worked for Marks & Spencer for 12 years in various roles including: sales advisor, team coordinator (trainee manager), A&A and First Aid.
I’m also a freelance hairstylist and I’ve had the pleasure of leading an amazing team of hair stylists for a variety of events, including the 5th Monte Carlo Planetary Health Gala for Foundation Prince Albert II de Monaco, UAE Dubai Expo 2020 Women’s Pavilion (hosted by Cartier) and Skoda Uk “#Gottabeme” Car Ad.
Some of my interests includes cooking, DIY and Dance and long walks.
CHRISTELLA LITRAS
Creative Director
MEET CHRISTELLA
Christella is Music House’s creative director. With her immense musical contacts and creative ideas, her role is vital to our organisation.
Christella is a musical director, composer, lyricist, vocalist, musician and mentor with a 20-year track record.
She has worked across popular musical genres nationally and internationally and we are delighted to have her on our team.
OUR PATRONS
OUR PATRONS
Music House is grateful for the support of our Patrons.
DAVID LASCELLES
David Lascelles is the 8th Earl of Harewood and first cousin once removed of the Queen.
David is a BAFTA award winning producer with a long established career in film and television producing many films, documentaries and tv series’ including: The Return of the Inca;The Wisdom of Crocodiles; Inspector Morse and Second Sight.
SHARON WATSON MBE DL
Sharon Watson is the fourth Principal of the Northern School of Contemporary Dance.
Prior to which she was the longest-standing Artistic Director of Phoenix Dance Theatre.
Her journey with the company began when she was one of the first female Principal Dancers invited to join the all-male award-winning company and she retuned in 2009 as the new Artistic Director.
In January 2022, Sharon was award an MBE for her services to dance.
OUR BOARD OF TRUSTEES
MEET DAVID
MEET NICK
MEET LEE
MEET SHEILA
DAVID HUGHES – CHAIRMAN
David is a very hands on Trustee, overseeing all of Music House’s financial matters.
David’s working life has involved international sales and marketing, including owning a light engineering company for 17 years operating in global markets.
For 12 years, he was head of the International Trade Advisory Service in West Yorkshire for UK Trade and Investment.
Before retiring to pursue other interests, David was self-employed for 3 years as a project manager/business adviser.
A very keen sportsman, playing golf as much as possible and taking on the role of a director on the Board of Scarcroft Golf Club.
NICK WAYNE
Nick is a seasoned marketing, advertising and design specialist with over 35 years experience of owning and running marketing agencies; Nick put into motion his ‘exit strategy’ in December 2017 and has been even busier with the Realistic Business Consortium and other business interests ever since.
With a passion for helping Third Sector organisations, not only is he is a Trustee of the Yorkshire College of Music & Drama, but also, Patron of Leeds Children’s Hospital Appeal, an Ambassador for Leeds Trinity University, on the Executive Committee of Leeds Legacy Awards, on the Advisory Board of the Yorkshire Asian Business Association amongst a number of other activities.
LEE WALLACE
Lee has been a Trustee since 2011. He enjoys the energy and enthusiasm of the team and the creative process involved in delivering the charitable aims of Music House. By day, Lee is a Psychotherapist and Clinical Supervisor, based at a Practice in Headingley.
When not working, he has multiple connections to the world of music in West Yorkshire – singing with Leeds-based Heritage Masterworks Chorale and Leeds Male Voice Choir, musical theatre and pantomime performances with Whitkirk Arts Guild and Roundhay’s Amateur Dramatic Society.
With such a busy and varied life, he still finds times for other hobbies including drawing and painting, reading, and setting up a home-studio to explore voice-overs and voice-acting work.
SHEILA HOWARTH
Sheila is a teacher, community ambassador and costume maker for Leeds West Indian Carnival. She was named ‘Leeds Most Inspiring Teacher’ two years running (2015, 2016) for her ability to be a role model and reach out to young people. She has sat as a member on the board of Leeds West Indian Carnival.
Sheila is also a front of house duty manager at Leeds Playhouse – a role she’s had for over 25 years. Sheila believes in enabling theatre access to all ages and ethnic groups.