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New Generation : Jam Around the Table and Caution Collective Band

New Generation : Jam Around the Table and Caution Collective Band

Apr 5, 2023

New Generation brings together Jam Around The Table and the Caution Collective Band for two evenings of inspiring local talent this month.

The Caution Collective Band delivers acoustic soul, R&B and pure roof-raising energy. With sold out shows and standing ovations wherever they play, their performances are not to be missed.

Support the next generation of young musicians with performances from Jam Around The Table, a youth-led performing arts programme helping talented local young people to find their voice and flourish into tomorrow’s stars.

Dates: Friday 21 April and Saturday 22 April 2023
Time:   7.30pm
Venue: Seven Arts 
Ticket prices: £10 / £7 concession
Click this link to book tickets ... but please hurry they’re selling fast.

All proceeds from the event will be split 50:50 between Geraldine Connor Foundation and Music House.

Music House is working in partnership with Geraldine Connor Foundation on a number of initiatives. Partnership working is fundamental to our charitable aims. We are proud to be building on this vital relationship which focuses on given young, diverse talent a voice and platform to grow and develop their creativeness and confidence.

Supporting young talent

Supporting young talent

Mar 23, 2023

Supporting young people to achieve their aspirations is at the very heart of all that we do at Music House. Recently, our fellow ambassador Christella Litras presented young adult, Temi with his very own Yamaha electric keyboard. 

When Music House learned Temi – who absolutely loves to play keyboard and sing – didn’t have his own instrument, we knew we simply could not stand back and do nothing. We surprised him and he was a tad speechless to say the least.  

We were delighted to be able to do this for him – no young person or adult should be left behind or made to feel they dont have the same changes as others.

Temi is self-taught and he is amazing. Having his own keyboard not only means he can play to his hearts content, writing music, composing and hanging out with fellow friends ‘SIx Strings’, it means he can look after his mental health & wellbeing while doing what he’s passionate about.

Temi and ‘Six Strings’ often hang out at Music House – playing, rehearsing and doing what makes them happy. Music House is their hub to enjoy and this is exactly why we do what we do. 

This is just one little story of how Music House is helping to make a difference to young people

Making a difference is central to our charitable aims which are built around our impact strategy.

See the full video here https://youtu.be/SC5OIILL2L0 

Crash! Bang! Twang!

Crash! Bang! Twang!

Oct 20, 2022

Families of children and young people who have, or may have, a dual diagnosis of Down syndrome and Autistic Spectrum Condition (ASC) are invited to a fun, musical exploration session on Monday 24 October from 10am – 2pm at Music House.

Having previously collaborated with Sunshine and Smiles Leeds Down Syndrome Network, we are delighted to be working with  Ailith Harley-Roberts, Service Manager, from the Network to see how, as a music charity focused on working with disability organisations, we can assist the Network’s beneficiaries to access music and singing.

A dual diagnosis can be daunting and isolation for families!
At a meeting in spring, Ailith told us the need to offer support, help and signposting was evidenced as outcomes of some wide ranging consultation work that was undertaken last year. She said:

“We know we need to offer more opportunities and support for families who have a child or young person with Down syndrome and Autism or those who are wondering whether this may be the case.” 

We felt this was an area that we could join forces and help with! And we are doing just that!

Monday’s drop-in will welcome all families and their children who have a dual diagnosis, who are in the assessment process or are just wondering if their child or young person may also have ASC.

A variety of spaces will be facilitated by musicians so that attendees can have a go, explore or simply observe a range of instruments including percussion, piano, guitar and, for the singers…call and response.

Rooms will include:

  • Singing Room – Teacher: Leroy Johnson
  • Piano Room – Teacher: Sean Smith 
  • Percussion Room – Facilitator: Dagmar FitzPatrick 
  • Guitar Room – Teacher: Huw Edwards

Award winning Made with Music, who regularly work with Sunshine & Smiles will also be getting involved on the day.

There will all be a Quiet space where families can chat with the Sunshine & Smiles team will help identify the areas of ongoing support that are needed!

Funding is making it all possible
Thanks to the generosity of both Leeds Community Foundation and The Ann Maguire Arts Education Fund who have provided grant funding, the musical exploration session can be offered free of charge to families. This preliminary exploration will help inform ongoing support and activities that families would value!

Crash! Bang! Twang! is specifically for children and young people with Down syndrome and Autism. Families should book via this link https://bookwhen.com/sunshineevents where more information can also be found.

Music House and Sunshine & Smiles can then begin to develop a project around music to stimulate and build confidence.

We can’t wait to see how working together organically grows. We will keep you posted on the project as it develops.

If you have any questions, please don’t hesitate to get in touch.

Young people getting to the Roots of Reggae 

Young people getting to the Roots of Reggae 

Sep 8, 2022

Two Leeds based charities are joining forces to facilitate creation of ‘Reggae Roots’ the first Youth Reggae Choir… not only of Leeds … but the UK!

Music House and Geraldine Connor Foundation are working together to bring to life a decade-long dream of young people advocate Sheila Howarth. Teacher, singer and community ambassador who has dedicated her career to young people, helping them shine by developing confidence and championing their voices to express their creative ideas.

Sheila is joined in Reggae Roots by tour de force singer songwriter Annette Judah Morris whose reggae music career spans over 40 years as part of the duet, Royal Blood. Annette also brings her extensive experience in activism, mental health and social care to empower the young choir members of Reggae Roots.

The dream team is completed with talented singers and musicians Christella Litras, alongside Paulette Morris, Leroy Johnson, Cleve Freckleton who will support the rehearsal and creative song writing process at Music House.

Sheila Howarth said: 

“Reggae brings people together through rhythm, like a heartbeat that never stops.”

8-19 years olds who enjoy singing and performing are already signing up! They’ll be

encouraged to bring ideas which will be adapted to celebrate the lineage of reggae music and its impact on Western society whilst teaching communities the significance of this hugely expressive genre.

Reggae Roots has received £3,000 from The World Reimagined, a ground-breaking, national art education project which aims to transform how we understand the Transatlantic Slave Trade and its impact.  This grant will help to fund the choir rehearsals during September in preparation for several performances in connection to the Leeds Globe Trail this October.

Reggae Roots will bring together young people from diverse backgrounds, providing a musical outlet to express identity and equality. Taking inspiration from the famous words of iconic reggae artist Bob Marley “In this great future, you can’t forget your past’. This is the start of something wonderful that will evolve and grow and in time, will form a legacy of its very own.

-Ends-

Notes to Editors

  1. In my absence (annual leave). For media enquiries including a photocall / exclusive interview with Sheila Howarth at Music House, please telephone 0113 243 1166 to speak with Selina McGonagle, Director, Geraldine Connor Foundation or Hannah Finnimore, Communications Officer. Alternatively email selina@gcfoundation.co.uk or hannah@gcfoundation.co.uk
  2. Reggae Roots is delivered in partnership with Geraldine Connor Foundation and The World Reimagined.
  3. Reggae Roots will be artistically directed by visionary Sheila Howarth. Annette Judah Morris will lead music supervision as well as taking up the role of Choir Master alongside Christella Litras, Paulette Morris, Leroy Johnson, Cleve Freckleton.
  4. Reggae Roots is free to attend. More information and details of how young people can sign up can be found on the Geraldine Connor Foundation website page
  5. Rehearsals will take place 10am – 12pm at Music House every Saturday from 10 September to 15 October.
  6. Reggae Roots will be inspired by the 9 themes of the Journey of Discovery with The World Reimagined and will perform at multiple public venues in Leeds City Centre on Saturday 22nd October.
If you dream it, you can believe it 

If you dream it, you can believe it 

Sep 7, 2022

Owen has just embarked on the next chapter of his musical journey after securing a place at the prestigious Royal Academy of Music…It’s a dream come true.

Sending off his application for a composition undergraduate degree was a long-shot in his opinion. 

“I felt it was worth a try and I had nothing to lose. When I was invited for an interview I thought about it more seriously and realised I would really like to get in as the opportunities at the Academy are so diverse. I was very happy and surprised when I got the place.”

Owen’s first introduction to the fiddle was at a local Morris dance festival when he wast four. It left an impression on him. So much so that his parents bought him a fiddle for Christmas. 

Now the proud owner of a fiddle, Owen started taking violin lessons with Rod Taylor at the Yorkshire College of Music and Drama (now Music House). Owen recalls the long, dark corridor to Rod’s teaching room and how it felt like a different world, separate from the rest of his life. Owen really enjoyed playing, while his inspirational mentor accompanied him on the piano. A relaxed learning experience where lessons were a combination of hard work to focus on technique, classical music and progression but with a lot of laughter combined.

Aged nine, Owen joined Leeds Folk Fiddle Group (which still meets weekly at Music House and welcomes newcomers). In Owen’s own worlds, “It was an eye opening experience as I’d never played fiddle music in a group before. That night I said to my dad that playing folk music in a group like that was what I enjoyed more than anything.”

In his teens Owen stated taking music theory and composition lessons with Tim Knight. Reluctant at first, he soon realised the importance and the valuable foundations these lessons would provide.

“Tim introduced me to loads of great music and made me really think about writing music for the first time in my life. I still regularly remember a lot of advice he gave me in our composition lessons.”

Owen followed the ABRSM route with guidance and support from Rod which he believes was a great way to structure the learning and try out different styles. Exams were a bit daunting but were met with a small reward.

“I was always very nervous. It wasn’t all bad though; my dad would take me for a nice lunch afterwards.”

Many musicians have inspired Owen including folklorist and composer Derek Piotr from Connecticut who combines field recordings with his own compositions in a really exciting way.

“Piotr has done lots of work recording folk singers from Yorkshire,” which adds even more admiration for this young man who is already an inspiration himself.

In  2018 Owen was lucky enough to perform for Her Majesty the Queen at Buckingham Palace as part of the Commonwealth Heads of Government Meeting –  a taste of playing to a live audience.

Today, Owen mainly plays traditional music from England and Ireland and he’s recently recorded an album of folk inspired compositions with guitarist Louis Campbell. It will be released later this year. What an achievement!

Rod, Tim and trustees of Music House wish Owen the very best with his Bachelor’’s degree. Four years of higher education at the Royal Academy of Music is now a reality.

A final few words from Owen… “Thanks so much to everyone at Music House and for the support they’ve given me over the past 15 years.

The saying, ‘If you dream it, you can believe it,’ springs to mind.

Bringing young people together through Reggae 

Bringing young people together through Reggae 

Aug 10, 2022

Music House is pleased to be working with Geraldine Connor Foundation (GCF) and The World Reimagined  to create ‘Reggae Roots’ the first Youth Reggae Choir of Leeds.

If you’re aged 8-19 and enjoy singing and performing with friends then please get involved in this choir, a UK first!

Led by GCF Creative Associate Sheila Howarth, young people will be encouraged to bring their own song ideas and requests. Original music will be composed by Annette Morris with support from Music House Trustee, Christella Litras. 

Reggae brings people together through rhythm, like a heartbeat that never stops
– Sheila Howarth

Reggae Roots is free to attend. Rehearsals will take place 10am – 2pm at Music House every Saturday from 10 September to 15 October. This will culminate in multiple public performances in Leeds City Centre on Saturday 22nd October.

Reggae Roots will be artistically led by Sheila and inspired by the 9 themes of the Journey of Discovery with The World Reimagined.

Find out more AND sign up today 

Original concept and artistically led by Sheila Howarth
Music Supervision – Christella Litras and Annette Morris
Choir Masters – Christella Litras and Annette Morris, with support from Paulette Morris, Leroy Johnson, Cleve Freckleton
Delivered in partnership with Geraldine Connor Foundation and The World Reimagined

Councillor visit, cake, chat and singing 

Councillor visit, cake, chat and singing 

Jun 1, 2022

On Friday 27 May, we welcomed Councillor Abigail Marshall-Katung to Music House. A long awaited opportunity for staff and trustees to show appreciation for grant funding we received when Covid-19 sent the UK into lockdown. 

The visit was a chance for us to share the exciting projects which are in progress (we will tell you about these as they develop) as well as communicating our vision for the future: 

To transform Music House into a musical hub for everyone in our communities – especially underprivileged young people, seniors and people with learning or physical disability. We strongly believe music needs to be inclusive and equal. To fulfil this, working in synergy with organisations that share our ambitions is key. 

The afternoon was a great success! Councillor Marshall-Katung saw first hand the direction Music House is travelling in. Because opportunities like these are rare, we wanted to maximise the visit. 

We invited a couple of VIP’s we are working closely with…

Sheila Howarth is Head of Pastoral Care at Leeds City Academy and Front of House at Leeds Playhouse. Sheila has dedicated her working life to making sure young people fulfil their aspirations. Her drive and passion coupled with a bit of tough love has transformed hundreds of lives. 

Sharon Watson MBE is the principal of Northern School of Contemporary Dance, prior to this as artist director of Phoenix Dance, she choreographed numerous works including the celebrated Windrush: Movement of the People and Black Waters. We are delighted to share the news that Sharon has agreed to be an ambassador for Music House.

After a tour of our wonderful facilities and having talked at length about the partnerships and work underway, it was time to let our hair down!  

Entertainment was provided by ’Six Strings’ six black teens who were destined to meet. Music House is proud to provide them with a free space to rehearse. Carmen is ten and was literally born singing – she’s amazing! 

We’ve put together a four minute video which summarises the visit. I urge you to watch this to get a sense of the wonderful afternoon. Click here

Councillor Marshall-Katung summarised the visit perfectly: 

“To see what you are doing (Music House) with these young ones, we are grateful. Looking after these young ones and seeing they are supported and looked after, thank you. Amazing young ones, amazing teens, they’ve made my weekend. As a council we are grateful, we love to see things like this, we are a city of compassion, a city of sanctuary. Thank you.”

Keep an eye out on our social media channels including FaceBook, Twitter and Instagram where will be posting lots more content, photos and teaser video clips.

Please get in touch if you have any feedback, comments or wish to discuss opportunities, we look forward to hearing from you. 

Music House scoops an Earl

Music House scoops an Earl

Sep 23, 2021

Following the successful unveiling of Music House in April, good things are already starting to happen. We are thrilled to welcome our very first ever Patron, David Lascelles, Earl of Harewood.

After attending our name changing event  as VIP, and officially cutting a ribbon to welcome Music House, VIP David Lascelles took a tour of the facilities and was impressed with what he saw. Too good an opportunity to miss, Nick Wayne – Trustee, who has a good relationship with the David, asked if he would consider being involved with Music House?

David said: 

”I’m delighted to become a Patron of Music House and The Yorkshire College of Music and Drama. I think what they are doing is very important and I fully support this. I look forward to coming to events and seeing Music House grow and go from strength to strength.”

Staff and trustees agree this marks a new beginning for Music House, which, in recent years has had a bit of a confused identity – this is one of the reasons the rebranding exercise was carried out.

Tim Knight, Principal said: 

“The future remit is very clear! Affordable lessons, group learning, taster courses and maximising corporate opportunities to help sustain our future. 

“Having David on-board is a significant step in the right direction, the association and potential ways we can work together for the good of Music House is an exciting prospect for everyone.”

Rebranding has included a website refresh, new digital channels, signage and investment in staff expertise. Our next phase of plans and initiatives, aimed at B2B and B2C, are underway!

Having the support of an influential patron is a positive step and a first for Music House! It paves the way for new opportunities, including links to some of the good causes David represents and people who will benefit from musical learnings at our vital community hub. 

Say HELLO to Music House

Say HELLO to Music House

Apr 8, 2021

The secret’s out! We (Yorkshire College of Music and Drama) have changed our name to ‘Music House’. 

At a special unveiling on Thursday 15 April 2021,  Music House was officially introduced to the general public in a lowkey ‘Covid friendly’ celebration.  The new brand identify with its appealing look and feel and updated values, is firmly rooted to meet the existing needs of local communities

In homage to ‘Christo the Wrapper’, St Mark’s House was draped in white sheeting to keep the new name and branding hidden. Students from Leeds Arts University and other local arts projects were invited to add creative graffiti and artwork to the building’s temporary covers.

In the lead up our rebrand a social media campaign ‘Keeping it under wraps’ drip fed a series of cryptic clues and hints about the name change. 

Tim Knight, Principal – Music House said: 

“Music House has been a dream of mine which has been fully supported by our Trustees. Today, we are embracing change and taking steps to secure future sustainability.

“Our vision for Music House is a unique space where everyone has equal opportunity and access to music and singing, where people can come together to enjoy shared interests and have the confidence to change their future.

“The Music House brand will help us to reach out to BAME, disadvantaged and disability groups by offering a subsidised pricing structure for individual lessons and competitive hire rates, thus breaking down barriers to music tuition and learning.”

Based at St Mark’s House – a beautiful Victorian building, Music House is a creative space for music and non-related music events. For corporate organisations looking for a unique venue to hold meetings, small conferences or team building days to disadvantaged, minority and disability groups searching for a day trip or summer school venue. 

Why we changed our name

The previous name: Yorkshire College of Music and Drama; caused confusion among people who mistook it for other music establishments in the area with similar names. 

Our Principal and Trustees were of joint opinion that the College was not Yorkshire centric in that students seeking music and signing lessons were predominantly from Leeds and surrounding areas. 

Drama lessons have not been on the curriculum for a number of years. That said, St Mark’s House is an ideal venue for drama rehearsal groups.

Potential revenue streams will mean every person in the region, who might not have the means to access singing and music for whatever reason, whether financial, social or cultural, will benefit.  

Music House is for everyone 

Music House is focused on building brand awareness for the future to support the varying needs of students and corporate clients.

It is hoped Music House will have mass appeal. The name instantly evokes feelings of an inclusive place where magic happens and where friends become family. 

A venue with a big heart, we want it to be filled with all people from our region and further afield who have things in common but at the same time have their own personal journey to fulfil. 

A new look and feel 

All external signage has been replaced with Music House branding, social media channels have been created and the building’s reception area has had a bit of a makeover.

The existing website has been replaced with a new website which reflects the transition but The Yorkshire College f Music and Drama charitable trust status and references are maintained throughout.

Music House is focused on building brand awareness for the future to support the varying needs of students and corporate clients. 

Supporting information 

  1. Music House is a sub-brand of Yorkshire College of Music and Drama which is a non-profit making charitable trust, registered with the Charity Commission no. 0529220 and is run by a Board of Trustees on a voluntary basis.
  2. Launched on 15 April 2021, the brand proposition of Music House is to be accessible to everyone, to eliminate confusion with other establishments and to widen the offer to the general public and corporate organisations. 
  3. Music House’s mission and values will remain true to Yorkshire College of Music and Drama which was established in 1894 to introduce music, singing and drama to the those who live in our region.
  4. For media enquiries please get in touch with Sheila Sispal, Marketing and PR coordinator M: 07519 136956 E: sheilasispal@music-house.org.uk
  5. Music House is based at St Marks House, 1 St Mark’s Avenue,  Leeds, LS2 9BN. 
  6. Website: www.music-house.org.uk
  7. Social media
    • Twitter @MusicHouseLeeds         Facebook @musichouseleeds 
    • Instagram @musichouseleeds     YouTube MusicHouseLeeds 
Online music and singing lessons with Yorkshire’s finest

Online music and singing lessons with Yorkshire’s finest

Jan 14, 2021

Learn to play an instrument or sing with our region’s most experienced tutors. No hidden costs, just unbelievably affordable prices.

At Yorkshire College of Music and Drama our strategy is simply to make music and singing lessons accessible to every single person. We are a registered Charitable Trust and offering affordable music lessons is just one of our charitable goals. 

We don’t believe in compromise. This is why virtual learning with us is guaranteed to be of the same high calibre as that of our face-to-face lessons. Although we are based in the heart of Yorkshire, England – online, we are based in Yorkshire, The World. We’re all connected at the push of a button and this is huge because geography isn’t a barrier, it’s the complete opposite.

Online learning for all ages and abilities
Our prices are straightforward and our teaching is of the highest standard.

 1:1 Lessons in:    Duration and £:   Details:
 Singing
 Piano
 Saxophone
Clarinet
Flute and Fyfe
Violin
Guitar
Bass Guitar
Double Bass
Recorder
Ukulele
Composition
Theory 		 30 minutes £17.45
45 minutes £26.18
60 minutes £34.90 		 An initial consultation lesson with the preferred teacher is charged at the normal rate indicated.

If a minimum of 3 more lessons are booked, the cost of the consultation lesson is waived and an extra lesson is added to your term. 

 

  Weekly Music Theory Group
 Via Facebook Private Group Tim’s Theory Group
 Date and Time: Wednesday evening 6pm — 7pm GMT
 Cost: £5.75 per session.  
 Note: Join at any time. Prices are charged per term and depending on when you join, only pay for the remainder of that term.This  weekly lesson will deep dive into the theory of music. Expect to analyse, learn, debate, grow your learning and understanding.

Taught by internationally respected Yorkshire Composer, Conductor, Author and Music Publisher, Tim Knight our Music Theory Group is an invaluable opportunity to learn from a leading educator.

10 reasons to learn with us

  1. Competitive online prices. Transparent, no hidden extras or unexpected charges.
  2. We have 15 of the regions finest, diverse teachers. With decades of knowledge and a phenomenal success rate.
  3. Our singing and music lessons are for all ages and abilities. So complete beginners or those wanting to learn at a higher level.
  4. You get to choose your preferred teacher. We strongly believe the fit has to be right.
  5. Your consultation lesson is FREE if you book a minimum of three more online lessons. 
  6. Online lessons are tailored to your specific needs. This holistic approach aims to guarantee the best learning experience for you. 
  7. Flexible hours to work around you, Monday to Friday. 
  8. Learn from the comfort of your home via Zoom or FaceTime. No travel time or disruption from other students having music lesson / singing lessons. 
  9. Our heritage spans over 125 years. Yorkshire College of Music and Drama was established in 1894 and former students include Dame Julie Andrews who had signing lessons at the College when she was 16.
  10. College Principal, Tim Knight is internationally respected in his field of composing, conducting and writing award winning music.

Get in touch to start your online learning today
Learning to play and sing or increasing your music theory is a journey that is full of fun, self realisation and achievement. Together we can get your there — you’re in the safest hands and we are driven by a shared passion to help you achieve your aspirations.

Take the first step, call or send an email and we will be able to answer all your questions about lessons and accessing Tim Knight’s music theory group. 

We can’t wait to hear from you.