Simon May, one of the most successful and celebrated composers for television the UK has ever produced, will be giving a talk on Monday, 27th February from 10:30am – 12:30pm in the Clock Tower Lecture Theatre at the Historic Dockyard Chatham, together with music lecturer Richard Lightman, the School of Music & Fine Art’s Director of Employability Placement Coordinator and Admissions Officer.
Best known for writing the EastEnders theme, Simon’s long and impressive list of TV themes includes the 1980s smash-hit drama series Howards’ Way, as well as such perennial favourites as Holiday and Animal Park. In his book, Doof Doof: My Life in Music, Simon describes the creation of these works, and the success they brought, with self-deprecating humour and the sharp eye of the true professional.
Simon was a Choral Scholar at Corpus Christi College, Cambridge, where he gained an MA (Hons) in French & German. He taught modern languages at Kingston Grammar School before signing to ATV Music as a professional songwriter. He is currently visiting Professor at the Faculty of Media, Arts and Society, Southampton Solent University who in 2015 conferred on him the degree of Honorary Doctor of Music. He is also Patron of the Devizes Junior Eisteddfod, Vice President of the British Federation of Festivals and Patron of the Swindon 105.5 Community Radio Station. He currently teaches music therapy part time at his local school for Asperger students, Unsted Park near Godalming, Surrey.
Simon has received numerous awards and nominations for his music, including winning an Ivor Novello for Every Loser Wins and three TRIC Awards for Best TV Theme for EastEnders, Howard’s Way and Trainer.
More info: http://www.simonmay.co.uk/
Please book for the talk via SMFA Reception – 01634 888980.