| Steve King MBE: Composer and musician |
 Steve King was awarded an MBE in 2005 for his services to music. His compositions (both mainstream and light) have been played to audiences across the county and on radio and television, and he plays the viola professionally with The Scottish Chamber Orchestra and with his own string quartet, Quartz. As Musician in Residence at Heriot-Watt University in Edinburgh, he thinks deeply about the role of music in a more complex and interconnected world: “In the beginning silence was broken by an order of sound. Composers, through their experience of people, events, chance happenings, politics, war, and the cross-currents of thought and art, turn their insights into crafted music. And as the palette of sound available to us expands, and as the possibilities of diverse and even virtual performances increase, contemporary music becomes more than just an expression of our culture. It becomes a social force, which stimulates our thoughts as much as our senses.” But Steve has a life off-campus as well. As a facilitator and an educator, working in corporate settings, he uses music to help people in organisations to learn to work together more effectively. At The Chaos Game, we have been pleased to be able to draw on his extensive experience to support our leadership development work in organisations. “Many people in the business world have never experimented with music,” says Steve. “But, although it may seem daunting, it is not. To begin with, I usually bring participants together with exercises that acquaint them with rhythm and sound. Then I introduce them to my instruments – non-traditional instruments made from recycled materials. They will be invited to play big plastic barrels, gas pipes, metal objects suspended from a rail, water dispensers and so on. People don’t feel threatened by these objects. They may be reluctant to run a bow over the strings of a violin but they are always enthusiastic to play loud, heavy rhythms on a plastic barrel!” So, how do these activities help people in organisations to work together more effectively? Steve explains: “Music is a powerful tool for developing social cohesion because it cuts through language, gender and age differences: everyone participates in these sessions with equal potential, and everyone’s contribution has an equal value. Music fosters spontaneity, creativity and flexibility: we all have an innate sense of musicality. It encourages respectful listening and responsiveness to others. It unites people towards a common goal – to make music together. It provides an opportunity for leadership – for individuals to take turns leading the newly-formed ‘orchestra’. Above all, it offers a safe framework for people to explore and change the way they interact with each other. And all this whilst they are having fun!” And when he is not working? Steve is married to Anne and, when their schedules allow, they drive to the West Coast of Scotland where they launch their boat and motor to a small island where they have a ‘butt ‘n ben’ [small cottage]. Here is the place to chill and catch up on life – it’s also a wonderful place to create and write! Back to news |