The buzz…
Meeting the Head Office Team - Maddy Kelly
Maddy Kelly is Mini Maestros’ Head of Teaching.
Maddy was born into a family of musicians and music teachers alike, with both her parents being successful singer/songwriters and performers. She grew up singing and performing with her family and soon began teaching herself a range of instruments. Maddy has toured through Europe, Australia and New Zealand as a backing singer for blues artist CW Stone King, and as a singer and keyboard player for Dan Kelly, Chris Watts, and Saatsuma.
Maddy holds a Bachelor in Primary Education. She is a passionate learner and loves passing on knowledge to others. Her open nature, positive attitude and adaptability make her a great asset to the Head Office team and leader and mentor for our entire teaching team.
We interviewed Maddy about super powers, life advice and deserted islands. Here is what she had to say…
Question 1: Assuming you already have food and water, what 3 things would you take to a deserted island?
1. My entire record collection and record player. This counts as one right? It would be cruel to split it up. Most importantly, Otis Redding’s Dock of the Bay record, and Mighty Lovers Ain’t gonna run no more. I feel like they would be the songs for some deep thinking, and solitary happy vibes on a deserted island.
2. A pen and notebook, to write down all my inner thoughts and document my crazy adventures. Who knows, I might even come up with some lyrics for a hit song.
3. A set of Shakespeare’s finest works. I have always wanted to make more time to dive into the world of Shakespeare, and it’s safe to say I would have plenty of it while stuck on an island. By the time I’m rescued, I may have even memorised it!
Question 2: Who is your favourite band/musician at the moment?
It always has and always will be Vika and Linda Bull. They are two strong beautiful women from Tonga and are my absolute idols. I grew up listening to their records and watching them perform, and they have inspired me a lot in my own career. They have a connection that creates a magnificent blend when they sing, and their confidence on stage in the way they work together and support each other is something I have always found truly inspiring. Other favourites are First Aid Kit, another sister duo who do folk music with incredible harmonies, and Lianne La Havas, a British born singer/songwriter whose tone of voice gives me goose bumps!
Question 3: What superpower would you like to have and why?
I would love to be able to teleport. I do so much travelling and driving around in all areas of my work, imagine how much extra time, energy and money I could save if I could just jump from one place to another!
Question 4: What are 3 pieces of advice you would give to a child as they embark on their life’s journey?
1. Be supportive of those around you – We need to have each other’s backs if we really hope to make a difference in this life. Having friends that you can rely upon and who can rely on you is so important. Build confidence in each other’s creative expression and do what you can to lend a helping hand.
2. Be kind to yourself. It’s so easy to compare ourselves to others, create unrealistic expectations and feel like we aren’t worthy. But just know that you are extraordinary and you are worthy of happiness! Cut yourself some slack and just enjoy the crazy journey that is growing up.
3. Let others get off the tram before you step on! – Seriously. It’s not that hard.
Question 5: What’s the best thing about working for Mini Maestros and being part of the Head Office team?
The undeniable sense of family. Since joining the head office team, I have felt so lucky to be surrounded by such a fantastic and supportive group of people. Everyone genuinely cares for each other and brings their own spark of individuality to the fold.
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