Remembering Gill
In July 2022, our dear friend and teacher at the charity Music Masters, Gillian Mott, was diagnosed with an aggressive form of cancer. Tragically, Gill lost her life in August before treatment could begin.
In her last hours, Gill spoke of her love for her students, a testament to her endlessly positive and selfless spirit. She felt her duty of care and encouragement with her students as if they were her own children. She was kind, understanding, passionate and creative, and she touched the lives of so many families.
“The joy that Gill brought to our daughter, her class and her family was immense. In her lessons and in her videos, Gill always showed her love of music and really did inspire a new generation of musicians. What an example of dedication, commitment and devotion to teaching. Gill’s memory will live on with the hundreds of children lucky enough to learn with and from her.”
Remembering Gill
In July 2022, our dear friend and teacher at the charity Music Masters, Gillian Mott, was diagnosed with an aggressive form of cancer. Tragically, Gill lost her life in August before treatment could begin.
In her last hours, Gill spoke of her love for her students, a testament to her endlessly positive and selfless spirit. She felt her duty of care and encouragement with her students as if they were her own children. She was kind, understanding, passionate and creative, and she touched the lives of so many families.
“The joy that Gill brought to our daughter, her class and her family was immense. In her lessons and in her videos, Gill always showed her love of music and really did inspire a new generation of musicians. What an example of dedication, commitment and devotion to teaching. Gill’s memory will live on with the hundreds of children lucky enough to learn with and from her.”
Joining Music Masters in 2018, Gill never stopped innovating. She developed a young composers wall in school, tirelessly celebrating and encouraging the creative talents of our children. She was the first to put herself forward for lead projects, all the while developing her ability to curate musical experiences in the classroom. She delivered multiple sessions of Friday Live! – a series of creative livestreams for our children stuck at home in the original lockdown of 2020. She brought music to the home through her vibrant and ever-growing YouTube channel. She taught on our Pathways programme, designed for children who face significant barriers to music making, or to those from underrepresented backgrounds in the industry.
“Gill was a hugely talented music teacher sharing her love of music with other musicians and with the next generation. Gill brought fun, laughter and energy to concerts and especially kept our daughter’s ambitions alive throughout the lockdowns.”
Her life beyond Music Masters was no different. As a foster carer she supported young adults transitioning out of the care system. As a performer, she innovated within organisations such as Street Orchestra Live, National Youth Orchestra and Pro Corda. Even in her death, she saved three lives through organ donation.
“Our child loved being taught by Gill. She was very proud last term when he put into practice her teachings and wrote out some music at home and brought it to school to show her – this really encouraged him and shows how she has touched his life, as well as so many others at school. “
In 2022, Gill was shortlisted for the Francesca Hanley Inspiration Award at the Music and Drama Education Awards, which honours inspirational teachers.Â
Gill was a light in so many people’s lives. That light will continue to burn brightly in our memories and in the legacy she leaves at Music Masters, where we will never forget her.
“Gill you have always been a star, so keep on shining!”
Quotes given by Music Masters students at Ashmole Primary School taken from Gill’s memory book.
Joining Music Masters in 2018, Gill never stopped innovating. She developed a young composers wall in school, tirelessly celebrating and encouraging the creative talents of our children. She was the first to put herself forward for lead projects, all the while developing her ability to curate musical experiences in the classroom. She delivered multiple sessions of Friday Live! – a series of creative livestreams for our children stuck at home in the original lockdown of 2020. She brought music to the home through her vibrant and ever-growing YouTube channel. She taught on our Pathways programme, designed for children who face significant barriers to music making, or to those from underrepresented backgrounds in the industry.
“Gill was a hugely talented music teacher sharing her love of music with other musicians and with the next generation. Gill brought fun, laughter and energy to concerts and especially kept our daughter’s ambitions alive throughout the lockdowns.”
Her life beyond Music Masters was no different. As a foster carer she supported young adults transitioning out of the care system. As a performer, she innovated within organisations such as Street Orchestra Live, National Youth Orchestra and Pro Corda. Even in her death, she saved three lives through organ donation.
“Our child loved being taught by Gill. She was very proud last term when he put into practice her teachings and wrote out some music at home and brought it to school to show her – this really encouraged him and shows how she has touched his life, as well as so many others at school. “
 In 2022, Gill was shortlisted for the Francesca Hanley Inspiration Award at the Music and Drama Education Awards, which honours inspirational teachers.Â
Gill was a light in so many people’s lives. That light will continue to burn brightly in our memories and in the legacy she leaves at Music Masters, where we will never forget her.
“Gill you have always been a star, so keep on shining!”
Quotes given by Music Masters students at Ashmole Primary School taken from Gill’s memory book.