Mike and Tina enjoy a wide range of musical genres, and have a passion for live music. Tina’s musical journey began as a child. Although her relatives didn’t play, there was always a radio playing in the household. She learnt guitar and piano, and played guitar and percussion in the school orchestra, but gave up music lessons in secondary school, when lessons weren’t as readily accessible. Mike waited until his own children came along and were learning keyboard, guitar, drums and saxophone before, rather than be left out, he took up the bass guitar. After a short time of self-teaching he joined Rock Project Encore to accelerate his understanding. Tina joined him at Encore playing keyboards when she was able.

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Since becoming parents Tina and Mike have been heavily involved in promoting children in the performing arts. They first became involved in the local pantomime, initially Mike running the sound desk, and Tina costumes, but later took on directing and producing the child-centric performances. They have also been involved in volunteering at dance festivals, both at the local level and All England Dance. Tina has since joined the Management Committee for the Royal Berkshire Festival of Dance. Although their children are now adults they remain passionate about giving children the opportunity to learn how to play a musical instrument, the ability to play with others and understand the contribution of each instrument, and the confidence to play to an audience.