Dave Harris is the founding Director of Music at Shireland CBSO Academy. Before coming to Shireland, he has worked as a Head of Music in multiple Academy trusts across Birmingham; and before that, he gained his PGCE in South London.

Dave greatly benefitted from youth music programmes as a child, and this early musical investment instilled in him a love of music and musicianship – a firm belief that playing music with others is one of the most joy-bringing and life-enriching things a person can do. He is committed to building a music department that is accessible for all. Every student should have the opportunity to experience the delight of playing music with others – the incredible opportunity to learn an instrument and enter into the vibrant and exciting world of music-making is a very, very special one. He hopes that in learning instruments and music together, all his students will learn to love playing, but also learn to love listening to, many kinds of music; and that sharing their love of music will become one of the greatest sources of enjoyment for them.