Leeds Beckett lecturer Tenley Martin joins King Charles at Windsor Castle reception

Dr Tenley Martin, Senior Lecturer in Music at Leeds Beckett University, was recently invited to Windsor Castle to join community music luminaries from across the country at a celebration of the role music plays in strengthening communities. The event was hosted by King Charles III along with the Duke and Duchess of Gloucester.

The reception saw performances from the Songs for Ukraine Chorus, London Gay Men's Chorus, the Sing for Freedom Choir and even the London Vegetable Orchestra, prompting the King to join in, playing a carrot recorder.

The invitation to Tenley was extended in recognition of her innovative and important work that includes her impact case study Cohesive Harmonies, a study of how participation in music activities can impact and improve social cohesion, wellbeing, confidence, and other non-musical competencies, in collaboration with various public and third sector partners.

Her research has also seen her explore musical initiatives as diverse as flamenco, cross-cultural dhol drum workshops, and teaching music techniques to support staff in Dorset. Tenley is also a trustee for Sound Sense, a national community music charity, which hosted its 2025 biennial at the Leeds School of Arts at Leeds Beckett University.

Tenley attended the concert and reception, and got to speak to the King, telling him about her music outreach projects and work at Leeds Beckett University. Reflecting on the day, Tenley said: "It was an incredible experience attending the event at Windsor Castle, alongside other truly inspirational community music practitioners, as well as speaking with King Charles about some of the marvellous people I work with. It fills me with hope that, in the wake of persistent devaluation of the arts in the national narrative, King Charles hosted this event celebrating those that work tirelessly to provide musical opportunities in their community."