Molly Darley, class of 2016, is working in the Marketing Department at the Royal Northern College of Music

How do you feel SGS helped to shape the person you are today? 

Wow, where to begin. SGS was a bit different for me with my dad being Headteacher at the time and my mum being the LAMDA teacher, but I always felt valued as an individual. SGS allowed me to work myself out in a way, find out what I wanted to do and not rush me into making any decisions. I started saxophone lessons in the Prep. and it is such a huge part of my life. I can’t imagine if I had not had the opportunity, what I would have done. SGS also taught me not to settle for just ‘good enough’ but to always strive for better and to put your absolute all into everything you do. This is definitely something really starts to show a little later, especially when doing job applications!

What was your experience at SGS like? 

Absolutely brilliant. From the day I stepped foot into the Prep. school to take some promotional photos with my hard hat on (as it was still under construction) to playing on the football pitch in my old Prep. blazer on the last day of Sixth Form, I couldn’t have asked for a better 9 years. I learnt so much, and not just academically. I learnt where my skills were and I learnt who I am as a person. The extracurricular opportunities were so varied, I definitely made the most of them – from playing in Concert Band and performing across Europe to performing 17 shows at Edinburgh Fringe with the Blue Suit Theatre Company. I definitely had so many experiences which I will cherish for life. 

Were there any teachers who inspired you or made a particular impression on you?

So many, but a standout has to be Mr Green. I didn’t quite get the grades I was hoping for at AS but I was still really keen to continue studying. Every Monday I would appear at his office door with an AS past paper I had completed over the weekend and however much else he had to do, he would always mark it and make sure I knew where I went wrong and encourage me to do more. This was always done with a smile on his face, never once did I feel like a burden (although I’m sure I was at times!). Without Mr Green my A-level grades would have been very different.

“I couldn’t have asked for a better 9 years. I learnt so much, and not just academically. I learnt where my skills were and I learnt who I am as a person.”

What did you do after SGS? 

I moved to Leeds and studied for three years at Leeds College of Music (recently renamed to become Leeds Conservatoire). Here I performed with saxophonists from around the world, played in a backing band for a BBC Music event with Marc Almond from Soft Cell and volunteered on the Students’ Union both as Societies’ Officer and Vice President. After graduating, I worked at Leeds Conservatoire on a 10 month maternity cover in their Short Courses department. Alongside this, I also worked at Leeds City College as an ESOL Student Liaison Officer. I now work at the Royal Northern College of Music within the Marketing Department as the Student Recruitment Marketing Assistant.

What has been the highlight of your career so far?

Gaining my job at the RNCM is definitely a major highlight. While studying in Leeds, I became really interested in the recruitment of students to UK Conservatoires and knew I would like it to be part of my career in some way. When I saw the job advertised I thought there was no way I had a chance but it seemed so up my street I had to try! As part of my role, I co-manage a team of 125 Student Ambassadors and when I looked down the list and saw that 2 were ex-SGS students I was delighted, it was definitely a highlight being able to work with them again.

A professional highlight also has to be organising and co-ordinating the first Online Open Day at the RNCM having never actually met my colleagues due to coronavirus and having nearly 500 people sign up.

I would definitely say leading the saxophone section playing Gershwin’s ‘American in Paris’ at Leeds Town Hall with Airedale Symphony Orchestra was a major performance highlight for me.

What advice would you give to anyone wanting to follow a similar path to you?

Be proactive and resourceful. Don’t wait for opportunities to come your way, seek advice and guidance from others who have been where you are. Musicians are a tight-nit community and are always happy to help each other out, providing a useful insight into the industry. Don’t be afraid to put yourself out there!

What are your ambitions for the future?

Ultimately, I would like to work within an executive role at a Conservatoire, working alongside colleagues to provide the best experience for the next generation of musicians. 

What do you enjoy doing in your spare time?

When I’m not working, I enjoy playing and performing with small and large ensembles, going on walks (as long as its not up a hill) and generally catching up with family and friends. I absolutely love my job and would spend every hour of every day doing it