Newham Academy Of Music: An Overview

Newham Academy of Music was based at a Victorian building in Wakefield Street, East Ham from 1965 to 2012.

Memories of the building

Jenny Tyler-Maher attended the Academy from 1979 to 1987 where she learned Cello and Piano. Having returned to the Academy as a volunteer teacher while at university, she went on to become Director of Education for 10 South London schools, overseeing the development of a performing arts auditorium. The council named it the ‘Jenni Tyler-Maher Auditorium’. Jenni is now Principal of LMA Creative & Performing Arts University in Stratford, East London.

She remembers the impact of the building on her as a child, but also the people who taught her:

The Academy was an old Victorian building – enormous and imposing. But once inside, my life changed. The love you got from everyone was unbelievable. My path has been in education but I’ve still been able to bring that love and passion along the way. I look to the people who ran it: Michael Toll and William Roskelly. I remember thinking, “Wow, they’re the heads and they’re here teaching us.” As a Head and now as a Principal of the University I have always, always taught. Even that one small example shaped who I am. I do it because that’s what they did.

Like Michele, the Academy had a profound impact on many of its students.

Paul Kusel-Baum who attended from 1974 to 1983 went on to have a successful international career as an opera singer before founding the renowned F.A.M.E (Fun and Musical Expression) theatre school. Reflecting on his Academy days he said:

My parents would never have been able to afford to give me the opportunity that Newham Academy of Music did. Being part of a community of like-minded students who just wanted to live and breathe music was incredible. The Academy made school bearable — there, you were accepted for who you were, no questions asked. We were just East End kids given a huge, free opportunity.

F.A.M.E gave all students access to the performing arts regardless of ability or background and it’s this ‘paying forward’ approach that is characterised by so many of the Academy alumni.

Karen Tweddle (nee Terry) attended the Academy from 1971 to 1982. Having worked as a professional violinist for several years, she is now Principal of Havering Music School.

I’m lucky to be doing the job I’m doing, and I’m lucky to have had the life I’ve had. And I wouldn’t have had either if it hadn’t been for music. It gave me a goal and an ambition to put back something for others that I was given and I’m absolutely passionate about it and always will be. I’ve been lucky enough to have been given something so why wouldn’t you put it back? It’s really fundamental to me.

The Academy tells a story not just about music, but about the power of opportunity and the strength of a community that believed in its young people.