NEWS | Music House

Emma and Dawn Collaborations

Oct 18, 2023

Emma and Dawn Collaboration wass set up by Dawn Fuller and Emma Tregidden earlier this year to offer creative, compassionate collaborative working with arts organisations across the region. Emma and Dawn were previously founders and co-leaders of Space2 for 20 years. Space2 is an award-winning arts and social change organisation, with a pioneering, distinctive participatory practice, based in inner East Leeds.

Emma and Dawn Collaborations are currently working with us (Music House), Space2, Balbir Singh Dance Company, Gary Clarke Company, Heritage Corner, Allerton Primary School and Peter Spafford Projects. Their work focuses on creative health, participatory practice and unheard stories. They work extensively with Universities and were recently appointed to the Advisory Board of University of Leeds’ INCLUDE+ Network; work with University of Durham and Leeds Beckett University through Balbir’ Singh’s Unmasking Pain project and LBU’s Design School. Emma and Dawn were recently awarded Honorary Professorships of Practice at University of Cumbria.

Follow them on insta (@dawnemmacollabs) or get in touch via email: dawn@emmadawncollabs.co.uk or emma@emmadawncollabs.co.uk.

Help Us Unlock the Sound … and build dreams in the basement

Oct 16, 2023

We’re beyond excited to share with you a remarkable initiative that embodies the power of unity and music: our crowdfunding campaign to establish an inclusive music hub where every person, regardless of their circumstances, can experience the transformative magic of music.

Our vision is to create a fully equipped recording studio, mixing room, rehearsal space, and podcast facility at Music House. This hub will not only foster creativity and artistry but will also serve as a sanctuary for healing, empowerment and joy.

We believe that music has the extraordinary ability to bridge gaps and connect hearts. With your support, we can transform this belief into a reality that touches lives and leaves a lasting impact on our community.

Watch our short video to find out more.

To donate and find out Click here to go to our crowdfunding page

OR BETTER STILL, scan the QR code:

Every pledge will be appreciated so much and we’ll be extremely grateful.

Stay tuned for more updates on our inspiring journey!

Reggae Roots perform at prestigious Gala Dinner

Oct 11, 2023

On the eve of Friday 29 September, Music House was honoured to attend The Hibiscus Rising Gala Dinner/ fundraiser in memory of David Oluwale. This black tie event, attended by over 200 people was hosted by Cllrs Abigail Marshall Katung and Jonathan Pryor.

The night was a colourful, exhilarating and moving event full of education, special talks and performances including our very own Reggae Roots.

Word is getting out about our Choir – even more so since Reggae Roots were invited to sing for our King at his Coronation in May.

This short video clip includes a a snippet of our Chair, David Hughes, discussing the importance of music, what it means to our communities and how Music House is helping make music accessible. There’s also a sample of the mesmerising performance Reggae Roots gave.

David Oluwale’s story is absolutely shocking and tragic beyond belief! He was systemically assaulted by two policemen who caused his death on 18 April 1969. To find out more about David and The David Oluwale Memorial Association (DOMA) please click here

Supporting Fredlin’s first steps

Oct 9, 2023

We met Fredlin Morency about a year ago through Christella Litras who has been working with this up-and-coming singer/songwriter as his creative mentor and singing teacher.

If you know Fredlin, you will know he’s got an amazing voice and he’s heading for stardom in the future. If you haven’t heard of him… you definitely will. At just 18 years old, he’s a singer, musician, composer musical director and choir leader … he’s creating hype.

On 15 September 2023, Fredlin took a leap of faith with his very first concert ‘Fredlin’s First Steps’ at Leeds Playhouse. Packing out the Quarry Theatre, Fredlin creatively told his story with the help of a few friends including Graft, Caution Collective, Crib Ent ltd. band and some fantastic dancers.

In the weeks up to his concert, juggling study with rehearsals and having very little disposable income… Music House came to the rescue!

We opened our doors to Fredlin – giving him much needed FREE rehearsal space for him/his supporting musicians. Our PA system was at his disposal, we helped with his promotional flyers and saved his printing costs. By taking the stress out of the things he would otherwise have had to sort out, we helped Fredlin to focus on what he does best.

Fredlin Morency is the name. You will remember it.

Gospel / Gospel Choir Masterclasses

Jul 19, 2023

Music House is very excited to present a series of Gospel Masterclasses and a special finale not-to-be missed Gospel Choir Masterclass in August over four day: Tuesday 8 August through to Friday 11 August 2023.

Gospel Masterclasses: 8, 9, 10 August
Lead by revered musical artiste: Leroy Johnson – get ready to immerse yourself in a learning, sharing, practical experience that will enrich your knowledge and appreciation.

Gospel Choir Masterclass: 11 August
We are delighted to announce, by special request, singing sensation Onita Boone is flying to the UK to deliver a Gospel Choir Masterclass. Not-to-be missed!

Find out more about the history of Gospel music and its origins which have evolved from generations of African music with Christianity at its heart. Gospel has influenced social, cultural and economic factors across the globe – today it is phenomenal. Songs or hymns are often spiritual and repeated in a ‘call and response’ technique.

You’ll be able to take away the valuable nuggets and continue your journey of understanding and exploration.

Tickets will sell out quickly! To avoid disappointment, secure your space.

A little bit about our hosts…

Leroy Johnson
Leeds base musician Leroy Johnson has over 30 years experience in the music industry. He has worked with some a artists including Gloria Gaynor, All Saints, Five and many more. He is a winner of the much acclaimed Legacy Awards: Arts and Culture 2022.

Leroy is the Founder and Director at IAM Music Academy

Onita Boone
Renowned signer/songwriter Onita Boone has featured in a number of Broadway productions including Arms too Short to Box With God and The Rapture.

She has shared the limelight with world-famous artists including Patti LaBelle, Whitney Houston, Mariah Carey, George Michael, Jennifer Holliday, Stephanie Mills, Teddy Pendergrass, The Clark Sisters,Take Six, BeBe and CeCe Winans … the list goes on.

During her very successful career, she has also written for the likes of Newburgh Free Academy Gospel recording alumni choir, Dennis Brown (the late Jamaican star), Gregory Isaccs, Brownstone, Mary J. Blige, En Vogue and a host of others.

Gospel Masterclasses / Gospel Choir Masterclass: : 8, 9,10, 11 August
Timetable and details

Dates	Times	Details	Host	Price
Tuesday 8 Aug Wednesday 9 Aug Thursday 10 Aug	10am – 1pm	Gospel Masterclasses These sessions are for young people (12- 19 year old)	Leroy Johnson	£15
Tuesday 8 Aug Wednesday 9 Aug Thursday 10 Aug	6pm – 9pm	Gospel Masterclasses These sessions are for adults (20+)	Leroy Johnson	£25
Friday 11 Aug	6pm – 9pm	Gospel Choire Masterclass This session is for young people and adults	Onita Boone	£30
BOOKING DETAILS All the above detailed masterclasses can be booked via Eventbrite on the following link: Gospel Masterclasses link You can book one, two, three or four masterclasses – simply pick your selection! If you would like more information, please do not hesitate to contact us on 0113 243 1605 Monday to Friday 09.30am to 7pm. We can’t wait to see you and welcome you to these very exciting masterclasses that kick off our masterclasses season

Music House News

Jul 17, 2023

Read the latest edition of our newsletter which is full of bitesize information about some of the recent, current and future things that are happening at Music House.

We value your feedback and love to read your comments and suggestions, so please email sheilasispal.ycmd@gmail.com if you have anything that you’d like to say.

Music House News July 2023

UK’s first youth reggae choir to perform at King’s Coronation Concert

May 3, 2023

Leeds youth choir, Reggae Roots, has been selected to perform for King Charles as part of the Coronation Choir. The 300-strong Coronation Choir will be a key part in the Coronation Concert, taking place on the second day of coronation celebrations on Sunday 7th May. The concert will be staged on the East Lawn of Windsor Castle and is set to feature the Coronation Choir and stars including Take That, Katy Perry and Lionel Richie.

The Coronation Choir is bringing together singers from across the UK, including refugee choirs, NHS choirs, LGBTQ+ singing groups and deaf signing choirs. Reggae Roots will feature in the BBC’s documentary Sing For The King: The Search for the Coronation Choir – telling the story of how the choir was assembled.

Reggae Roots provides young people with space outside of school to be creative, perform and improve their mental health and wellbeing through music. The Reggae Roots Choir recently performed live at the closing event of The World Reimagined at The Tetley. Reggae Roots is supported by two local Leeds charities, the Geraldine Connor Foundation and Music House.

Nick Wayne, Trustee of Music House, added:

“Working with the young people in Reggae Roots over the past months has been a joy and a privilege. Their commitment and enthusiasm ties in beautifully with the ethos and charitable aims of Music House, and for them to be selected to sing for the King at the Coronation Concert is a testament to each and every one of them and the teams at the Geraldine Connor Foundation and Music House.

“Music House aims to provide music and singing lessons as well as the participation in, and appreciation of music and singing, to everyone, irrespective of their ability to pay or their physical or mental capabilities.

“The Reggae Roots project is a perfect manifestation of what Music House is all about and we are proud to be a part of their success.”

Selina McGonagle, Director of the Geraldine Connor Foundation, commented:

“This is a once in a lifetime opportunity for are young people. To be given this chance to perform to a live audience of thousands, set to be seen by a UK and global audience of millions, will be life changing.

“Taking part in this momentous celebration, will give the young members of the choir a real-world experience of large-scale performance events. Many members of Reggae Roots will hope to one day have a career in the performing arts, and this experience will be a great catalyst.

“When the Geraldine Connor Foundation team submitted Reggae Roots for consideration in the Coronation Choir this January, we didn’t expect just a few short months later we’d be getting bags packed for Windsor! They will do Leeds proud.”

Photo of Reggae Roots [Credit: Sophie Okonkwo]

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

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!

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.

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