Thanks so much to Our Lady’s Bishop Eton School and music teacher Leighton Jones for inviting me into school this Summer! I loved meeting everyone and hearing the children sing at their special assembly with the whole school and staff in June 2018. It was fantastic to hear all about the music they are making together, the music activities happening during school-time and in after-school groups and trips to see performances. I was so inspired and encouraged to speak to so many of the pupils who were really enthusiastic in sharing with me that they are learning instruments and enjoying making their music making – With so much credit going to to the teachers and parents that help, support and encourage the children in doing this!
I love visiting schools and especially making music and speaking with the children; Pop, Opera and Disney songs – anything and everything – music is music and it all brings so much joy. It is amazing to know it can take just a moment to connect with the music, the words, the sound, the performance, the person, the heart and soul of it all – and that moment can open up a whole world of music that literally changes lives.
I remember finding loads of subjects and exams a big struggle at school – it wasn’t until I found music that I really felt like there was a subject I could enjoy and throw my heart and soul into. Performing helped me to build my confidence and eventually being guided through a structure of how to practise music taught me so much about the joy of learning and the reward of overcoming obstacles. Music and the people who supported me in pursuing this gave me the boost I needed to make more progress in my other lessons and activities at school. Looking back on it now – I was lost without music and I know there will be other children out there feeling the same. Sharing the importance of valuing music and participating in creative subjects at any age – but especially during crucial stages of childrens’ development means so much to me.
It is so rewarding to be able to provide support wherever I can to help people and organisations in making music an essential part of a curriculum and recognising its benefits as a core part of society.
There is everything to be gained from giving children the opportunity to discover, make and explore music more often together.
It’s awesome when you see the difference a dedication to sharing music together can make over years or just in one moment. I met a pupil from a Reception class who the teachers explained to me was really shy and didn’t usually speak at all or participate in anything – After hearing me singing with my ‘big voice’ and talking about being in operas – the pupil came over to me to sing to me some of their very own ‘opera notes!’ 🙂 …Watch this space!
Thanks to them all – days like these and meeting incredible staff and students are so rewarding and keep teaching me so much more about music and the positive impact it have in our life than I could have ever imagined.
Thank you @kathrynrudge for a truly wonderful afternoon. The children have been talking about what an amazing afternoon they have had. We are all looking forward to you coming again to @bishopeton https://t.co/1DDX5XFmMe
— BEMusic (@OLBEMusicroom) June 26, 2018