Five things about mus i c at work

An unusual way for stressed-out workers to unwind? Making music at the office (no, not that kind). They can even show off their newfound individual skills in public concerts, while a choir competition involves groups from 20 firms.

1 TUNED IN

An initiative called Music in Offices (musicinoffices.com) founded in London 12 years ago by musician Tessa Marchington now involves all levels of workers in law, finance, banking and media. “We have delivered 12,000 choir rehearsals and more than 60,000 music lessons to over 70 businesses,”

she says.

2 SHARING THE JOY

She hit upon the idea after graduating in music. “I had been in such an inspiring environment.

I thought: why can’t other people have this? My brother, who used to play the guitar, felt under pressure and too work-focused (as a finance lawyer), and we thought it would be great if he could make music just once a week.” His employer became the first firm to sign up.

3 BETTER THAN COFFEE

The firm’s CEO says there’s been a significant positive impact on productivity, working relationships and staff morale. An employment lawyer has lessons twice a week. It “gives me a great sense of joy, a release, and a means

of escape.”

4 JUST WALK AWAY

Lessons happen during working hours. “People are surprised to hear we allow this, in the working day,” says entertainment lawyer and global CEO Simon Levine, who has just started piano lessons. “But I want people to take time out, even 20 minutes, to play and ‘reset’ themselves. It’s

real escapism.”

5 WILL IT BE CHOPSTICKS?

As for the spring concert, says fledgling pianist Levine, “I hope at some stage to take part in one of these concerts. I’ve been in big cases in court, addressed audiences of hundreds, given lectures; but I think I shall be as nervous as I have ever been in my life.”