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Children across the UK become rock stars for the day
Children with special educational needs or life limiting conditions have had the chance to be rock stars for the day, thanks to an innovative music project.
A total of 17 events took place across the country on Thursday Feb 7, held by Rocksteady Music School, Europe’s largest rock school. Rocksteady teaches rock band lessons to thousands of children each week across the UK and are experts in turning any child into an instant rock star, even if they have never touched an instrument before.
Children in children’s cancer wards, schools for children with special education needs, and hospices for children with life limiting conditions were able to try out instruments including guitars, keyboards, drums and vocals, and learnt to play together as a band as part of the day.
Elaine Tolliday, Clinical Director at Keech Hospice Care, a hospice for children with life-limiting conditions in Luton said: “We see the difference we make every day to the children we care for across Bedfordshire, Hertfordshire and Milton Keynes who have terminal or life-limiting illnesses. With the amazing support of organisations like Rocksteady, we can continue to make the difference when it matters the most.”
Michelle Baker, teacher at Lonsdale School for children with special educational needs in Stevenage said: “The pupils really had an amazing time when the Rocksteady team came to help them learn to playing instruments or vocal as part of a band. The team were very patient and helped every individual to learn the chords or words as well as getting them to play as a band in a short space of time.”
Rachel Hawker, Head of Academy at Rocksteady, who runs the foundation days said: ‘It’s wonderful to be able to give these deserving children a chance to rock out and try something different.
‘Thanks to the foundation we’re able to give free rock band lessons to children who wouldn’t traditionally get the chance. We passionately believe that all children benefit from music experiences like these, so it’s important to us to reach as many children as possible and teach them all the life skills that come with playing in a band, including confidence, team work and wellbeing.’
The company is going to hold another foundation day on May 30. If you work for a charity, hospital, school or other organisation with children that would benefit from a free rock band experience please get in touch with foundation@rocksteadymusicschool.com