Sheffield Children’s Festival has been around for over 20 years - getting children involved in some truly great art projects. But in my opinion, by far the best project has been ‘Don’t Hold Back’. It has been the ultimate Children’s Festival experience for the children involved - they’ve been on a journey that they’ll never forget and that has included writing a song, working with professional musicians, recording on a single for worldwide release and finally performing their song on the Sheffield Arena stage to an audience of 3000 people – what an achievement! And I give a mountain of credit to Kat and Nick from Badge Music for this project’s success. As the main musicians and tutors their involvement has been crucial and they have brought so much skill and professionalism to the project that has enhanced the children’s experience no end. Kat and Nick’s commitment to the project, their enthusiasm and drive to make it work has been inspirational! I’d be delighted to work with them again and I’d recommend them in an instant. Richard Johnson – Manager, Sheffield Children’s Festival (Sheffield City Council)
Hello. My name is Loki, I’m 8. I like Nick and Kat’s singing and guitar lessons because I think they teach well. I have learnt a lot since I started. They are not strict, they are nice. Loki, 8
A very successful, organised and professional applied learning event. All pupils were highly motivated and engaged in all aspects of the workshop. All students learnt a variety of new skills (Industry standard) and developed their PLT’s, especially working as part of a team and creative thinking. The G.C.S.E. students will benefit hugely from learning how to write a pop song, as this is a requirement for their AQA G.C.S.E exam. The workshop has really boosted the confidence of the BTEC students that cannot play an instrument. Overall a superb workshop and learning experience for all students involved. Thanks! Michelle Lockwood, Teacher of Year 10 Music & Music Technology at St Bernard’s Catholic High School, Rotherham.
I have been having lessons for 3 years now and in that time I have been learning guitar, music theory, songwriting and music industry. On guitar we have looked at many styles including country, blues, rock, pop and some jazz stuff. Having lessons helped a lot with my GSCE music, which I got an A in. I’m now doing a Btec Level 3 National Diploma in music and performing arts and really enjoying it. I want to earn my living out of music in the future and I think I am well on the way to learning the skills I need to do it. Tom Galton, 16
I’ve been having lessons for just over a year now. Music is more of a hobby for me, which I do in my spare time. I have quite a busy schedule, which they have kindly been able to work around. I am a secondary school teacher so I know how important it is to have people skills, and these guys certainly have them! I have learnt loads in the last year, at a pace that works for me, and I’m getting better all the time, whilst having fun doing it! James Tucker, 28
I found Badge Music Tuition through a search engine on the internet and my impression was a fun and modern company who could meet a lot of different people’s needs. I have wanted to have singing lessons for a long time now but was always worried I would feel uncomfortable singing in front of a stranger. This was totally not the case. Kat made me feel so welcome and made the effort to understand my history of singing, what I enjoyed about singing and what I wanted to achieve. At every lesson I am given lots of positive feedback and I come away feeling like I have achieved something and had lots of fun! Fran Morris, 25
My 10 year old son has been having lessons for 6 months. He has now taken a real interest in music and has learnt basic music theory as well as the basics in improvisation. The most impressive thing is how much he enjoys the lessons and how the teachers manage to keep his attention! We are very happy with the lessons he is having and will continue to have them in the hope that he takes his interest in music into his teens. Peter Croucher, father of 10 year old pupil Hugh