A composer and award-winning songwriter and music educator

Catherine Burgis

A composer and award-winning songwriter and music educator

Available to hire

A composer and award-winning songwriter and music educator

Language

English
Fluent

Work Experience

Executive Assistant to Deputy Director at Borders Agency (Civil Service)
May 1, 2006 - September 15, 2025
Provided high-level administrative support to the Deputy Director at the UK Borders Agency, Civil Service, coordinating schedules and communications.
Head of Music at Sydenham School
May 1, 2010 - September 15, 2025
Led the music department; curriculum development, staff management, and delivery of the music program.
Supply Teaching and Peripatetic Piano Teaching at Various
July 1, 2015 - September 15, 2025
Provided supply teaching and peripatetic piano instruction across multiple schools.
Learning Manager at BBC Proms and Symphony Orchestra
August 1, 2011 - September 15, 2025
Managed learning initiatives for BBC Proms and Symphony Orchestra; led education programmes and supported teacher training.
World Voice Senior Programme Manager at British Council
February 1, 2020 - September 15, 2025
Led a worldwide programme training teachers to use singing as a learning tool; consulted with Ministries of Education to design country-wide music programmes.
Founder/CEO at Nimble Arts Ltd
July 1, 2025 - September 15, 2025
Founded and led Nimble Arts Ltd, a creative holiday and after-school club business for 4–11-year-olds with SEND provision across multiple sites; grew to 70 staff and secured partnerships and funding before closing to pursue freelance work.
Freelance Songwriter, Composer, Producer and Recording Artist at Test Card Girl
October 1, 2025 - Present
Full-time freelance songwriter, producer and composer in all styles under the recording artist name of 'Test Card Girl' - critically acclaimed (BBC 6Music, Radio X, Absolute Radio)

Education

MA (Hons) Music 2.1 at The University of Oxford
January 1, 2002 - January 1, 2005
Qualified to Teach Status (Music Specialist) at The Open University
January 1, 2008 - September 15, 2025
Specialist Music and PPA Cover Teacher at Canterbury Christ Church University
September 1, 2011 - July 1, 2014
PG Cert Development Management (Distinction) at The Open University
January 1, 2008 - September 15, 2025

Qualifications

Qualified to Teach Status (Music Specialist)
January 1, 2008 - September 15, 2025
MA (Hons) Music
January 1, 2002 - January 1, 2005
PG Cert Development Management (Distinction)
January 1, 2008 - September 15, 2025
Qualified to Teach Status (Music Specialist)
January 1, 2008 - September 15, 2025

Industry Experience

Education, Media & Entertainment, Government, Non-Profit Organization, Professional Services, Other