City Music Services was started by Mark Luther and Howard Charles, two British opera singers, who realised some six years ago, that the therapeutically relaxing and rejuvenating possibilities that music offers could be put to positive use in the driven environment of the city business world. Their first music programme started at Allen and Overy, initially with singing lessons. As interest within the company grew, CMS widened its programme to include piano, guitar, flute, strings, percussion, Speech & Presentation lessons, and most recently individual and group dance lessons.

Don McGown is the partner currently sponsoring the music programme at Allen and Overy LLP, "The contribution made by City Music Services in providing an excellent atmosphere for music-making at Allen and Overy LLP has been significant and I highly recommend it"

If you're not the 'gym bunny' type but are looking for an alternative physical and creative activity to counteract the pressures of your working day, these extracurricular services may well be the answer you've been looking for.

The company currently offers its clients a combination of six products to choose from: Firstly, there are 'IN HOUSE MUSIC & DANCE TUITION / LESSONS PROGRAMMES', which are tailor made to suit each individual company. Lessons are normally 45 minutes in length and can be taken individually or in groups. "CMS is proving to be an extremely successful addition to the varied services now being offered by large city based companies, to address the much talked about work/life balance issue" says Luther."Our music programme gives employees the opportunity to revisit or indeed develop from scratch an extremely useful and creative interest that has proven positive effects for both individual and company"

Secondly, there are a series of 'IN-HOUSE' SEMINARS AND WORKSHOPS?, using the most effective, up to date and communicable aspects of the performing arts. ?This unique and original approach to personal development equips its participants with extremely powerful and long lasting business practical applications? says Luther.

Thirdly, CMS offers ?SPEECH AND PRESENTATION?, either on an individual or group basis. ?The ability for every company?s employees to communicate efficiently and effectively, gaining a competitive edge over their rivals, is vital for any lasting success in today?s business environment? says Charles

Their next offering is an opportunity for ?COMPANY CHOIR AND ENSEMBLE GROUPS?. Says Luther, ?This is a fantastic group/employee bonding exercise. By its very nature, music making can help break down many of the barriers that we encounter in the work environment and will give employees the opportunity to create better working relationships within and across the varying departments of their company?

?CELEBRITY MASTER CLASSES?, says Charles ?will give your employees an opportunity to witness what it is that creates an outstanding individual in their chosen field. These evenings are a wonderful opportunity for employees to learn from the best musicians the business has to offer, and begin putting their newly acquired skills into practice, by participating in a truly inspirational and entertaining evening. CMS will arrange for the finest musicians, singers and theatre stage actors to share an evening with your company.?

Their final offering is a full and comprehensive ENTERTAINMENT SOLUTIONS package. ?An association with high quality classical music entertainment? says Luther ?will bring great kudos to your company and can only be beneficial to the way your clients and employees view your company?s image? Their more popular ?in between courses? programmes include, a ? La Scala opera ?pops? evening?, and a ?West End gems from the musical evening?. ?We can provide all forms of entertainment? says Charles ?from a simple string quartet for background music, right up to a full scale show complete with orchestra?.

OASIS CULTURE

CMS is proud to announce the opening of their own premises ?OASIS CULTURE?, a brand new and innovative music service based in Billingsgate Market. The centre has been created to give Canary Wharf business people the opportunity to learn to sing or play an instrument, whether an absolute beginner, or seasoned performer, in a unique cultural setting and all within a 1 minute walk from Canada Square!

Later this year the centre will be also offering a comprehensive dance programme.