Waterlooville rock music tutor receives his British Empire Medal for services to music

When Mark Thompson-Smith received a letter from the cabinet office informing him of his recognition in this year’s New Year's Honours he was ‘flattered’.

Mark, from Waterlooville, has been running the Ready to Rock music school for more than seven years, tutoring individuals of all ages, backgrounds, and abilities – with their eldest drummer being 71 years old.

Over the years he has supported students with special needs, using music to build their confidence and self-esteem.

He said: ‘We have had students with autism and Aspergers, some children are from divorced families and so we build a positive environment where friendships are built.

‘It helps them with maturity, broadens their horizons, and opens them up to the possibilities of what they can do.’

The school teacher and charity worker has dedicated his life to music and now trains new musicians to play instruments such as drums and guitar.

Some have then gone on to form bands and play international stages.

‘At the end of the year we build up to play charity gigs,’ Mark said.

‘Some students have gone on to play Reading and Leeds Festival as well as Victorious Festival.’

The ceremony took place in Winchester and saw Lord-Lieutenant of Hampshire, Nigel Atkinson, on behalf of Her Majesty The Queen, present an award to Mark for his services to music in Hampshire and West Sussex.

Originally the event was to take place in Winchester Town Hall but had to be relocated and postponed due to the ongoing pandemic. Guests were also limited.

Thompson-Smith said: ‘It was lovely to be able to take my wife who had been supporting me, unfortunately I wasn’t able to take my daughter who is a drum tutor.

‘They made us feel at home and I was able to talk about my Dad who was in the Royal Marines.

‘It is very nice for a rock school to be honoured. It is a reflection of all the team.

‘Once the coronavirus pandemic is over there’ll definitely be a celebration for the rock school.’

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