Hello
What better way to build teams than using music to break down barriers, speak together in a universal language and build strong and creative bonds within a team?
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Talks in Time brings together a lifetime of experience in music , theatres, management and business.
Leading the team building workshops gives me such joy; watching non-musicians gaining confidence whilst using handheld percussion instruments and special effects to work as a group is as much fun for me as them! And the outcomes are phenomenal; laughter, discussion, problem solving, communication, creativity, even managing conflict in a positive way. We all go away happy!
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Teams tell me that they've used workshop activities in their normal everyday life and that is such a joy to hear.
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Talking in public was a natural progression for me from a career in the arts which involved speaking to audiences and, for me at least, was a wonderful way to bond with the people you're speaking too. My stories are all true - but some may sound unbelievable - and I like to throw a little light on the unseen management of the arts as audiences enjoy learning a little about how the magic is created! ​
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My Story
Music graduate, Karen Foster, enjoyed an international career touring orchestras such as the Queensland Philharmonic, the Academy of Ancient Music and the Monteverdi Choir and Orchestra. After a year leading the Performance Management Department at the Royal College of Music, she moved into venue management, taking charge of Sutton Theatres in south London which were threatened with closure. Her entrepreneurial streak led to the council-owners changing their minds and allowing the theatres to continue under new management, whilst Karen continued building up theatres such as the Salisbury Playhouse and Lichfield Garrick. However, the pandemic led her back to music and after becoming Executive Director of the Birmingham Contemporary Music Group she realised that making music was a universal joy that brings people together and she set about creating Talks in Time.
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Still a practicing musician outside of work, Karen directs her local choir, whilst attempting to play some of the right notes (but not necessarily in the right order) on the piano. She also plays saxophone and clarinet to a high standard and enjoys passing the knowledge on to adults and youngsters alike.