Former Elbow drummer leading free music taster sessions for Stockport students of all ages

As the borough continues to celebrate being Greater Manchester Town of Culture, the cofounder and co-songwriter of one of the North West’s most successful bands will be leading the free session on drums, percussion and rhythm at South City Studios on 11 March.

To sign up for the event visit the South City Studios website or email bookings@southcitystudios.co.uk.

There are also a host of other free workshops, supported using public funding by Arts Council England, for all ages and abilities in Stockport who are interested in trying something completely new and potentially developing a life-long love of music and associated skills.

On 15 and 20 February from 11am to 1pm or 1.30-3.30pm, Henry & Team from Noise Academy on will be teaching participants how to DJ and beatbox, a form of vocal percussion primarily involving the art of mimicking drum machines using the mouth, lips, tongue, and voice. The workshops will include the chance to try beatboxing, learning with loop stations, mixing different genres with DJ mixing desks, creating tracks with different kinds of technology, meeting professionals, all to help unlock participants’ musical talents. Noise Academy is an organisation dedicated to providing opportunities to hard-to-reach and disengaged youngsters and adults.

Established 10 years ago, Noise Academy already partners with a number of organisations throughout the UK, such as Elysium Care, MAC community Care and Barnardos, to provide uniquely tailored DJ and music production courses to engage, motivate and support mental well-being for those suffering from a variety of mental health challenges. During the last 12 months alone, more than 30,000 students, many suffering from low self-esteem and lack of confidence, have been able to enjoy new experiences and develop new skills that have had a positive impact on their health & wellbeing.

Henry Walker-Brown, Provision Manager at Noise Academy said: “Our aim is to provide guidance to help individuals unlock their musical potential as well as support them with their personal development.”

To sign up for the DJ and beatboxing workshops, visit the Noise Academy website.

Next up, on 27 and 28 February, drummer Aaron Haigh will be at South City Studios for a workshop on live production and recording.

Lastly, on 22 March, experienced Stockport session musician and engineer Jamie Lee will be giving live performance and instrumental demonstrations.

To sign up for both these events visit the South City Studios website or email bookings@southcitystudios.co.uk.

Councillor Frankie Singleton, Cabinet Member for Cabinet Member for Communities, Culture & Sport, said: “Stockport has such a rich musical history and it’s fantastic that as part of the Town of Culture Stockport Sounds strand we are introducing and encouraging people to get involved with all different genres of music, including DJing, beatboxing and percussion.”

Lots of musical events will also be happening in different spaces around Stockport in the next couple of months and further details can be found on the Town Of Culture website.