Barbara Eifler to step down as CEO of Making Music

Barbara Eifler said: 

'It has been a pleasure and privilege to be heading this long-standing membership association and to be championing and highlighting its members, the music groups and volunteer promoters that year in year out bring joy and connection to their participants, their audiences and their communities in every corner of the UK. I’m immensely proud of the team at Making Music who work so hard on behalf of members – every single one of them believing in the value and impact that members have, and toiling away to make it easier for groups to run themselves and make even more of a difference in their localities.'

During Eifler’s tenure, membership has grown by 50% and Making Music has increasingly engaged in effective advocacy – on music libraries, on PRS tariffs, on Martyn’s Law, amongst other things; and during Covid. Overall, under her leadership Making Music has raised the profile of leisure-time music groups and she leaves the association a well-respected partner in the sector and on a good footing for future initiatives. 

Margaret Harrison, Chair of the Board of Trustees, said: 

'Barbara has been a pleasure to work with from a Board’s perspective, but what really stands out is her absolute commitment to and belief in members and the importance and value of music groups. I am myself Chair of a choir and we have never had to doubt that Barbara and her team have our best interests at heart and are always in listening mode. We are sorry to see her go and wish her all the best for her future work.' 

Ben Saffell, Interim CEO, has been with Making Music for 11 years, starting as Membership & Services Manager and most recently as Deputy CEO Membership & Business Development, and thus with a wealth of experience on Making Music members and the organisation. He said: 

'I'm honoured to be taking on the role of Interim CEO. Barbara has been the heartbeat of Making Music for 14 years, leading us through some extraordinary times and building a successful, innovative and caring organisation. I'm excited to work with our incredible team to build on that success in 2026, supporting the brilliant and vital work our members do.'