24th July 2008

...is our sixth birthday!

Here's a brief summary of our main activities over the past 6 years:

The Notivate Singer/Songwriter Programme

Around 1000 young people have taken part in this programme, writing and recording their own compositions. This would not have been possible without the support of youth organisations, especially The Stables, Northamptonshire Association of Youth Clubs, Transitions (Daventry), Youth Music, Northamptonshire County Council, Mark One Digital, The Oakleaf Trust, The SuperTonic Trust and - of course - staff and young people in over 50 schools and youth clubs (click here for more details).

Culture minister, Mr David Lammy MP, visited this programme in 2005, meeting with our project leader and several young participants. In a radio interview he declared it to be "fantastic" and a "centre of excellence" that should be "replicated across the country". Subsequently we were invited to various events run by the Department of Culture Media and Sport, to contribute to their research into community music projects and hopefully playing a small part in the development of national policy.

Waves & Raves

This short training course, providing an introduction to music technology, began life as a project for secondary schools, but soon became an established and popular part of The Stables' education programme. Running 6 times a year at The Stables, as well as in schools and other studios, we have had the pleasure of working with around 200 participants since 2002 (click here for more details).

The Studio @ The Stables

Several albums and various EPs and demos were recorded at The Stables over the past 6 years, including several "live" performances on the main stage. In 2006/7 we had the tremendous honour of helping to lead the Leverhulme Artist Development Programme, during which we have worked alongside five emerging singer/song writers in various development workshops, recording sessions and live performances over 12 months.

The Barford Suite

At our smaller, "cosier" studio in Northampton, we have worked with many individual singer / song writers on more creative projects - helping them to arrange and record their demos. We have also produced commercial music for TV and Radio and over 100 backing tracks for original songs.

Tuition

Having provided around 1500 hours of music tuition since 2002, in classroom, small group and individual lessons, we have focused on teaching piano and developed our reputation as specialists in Jazz Improvisation.

Performance

Over the past 6 years we have contributed to over 150 performances at venues across the region - including The Wavenden Jazz Festival and The Stables. In conjunction with our recording studios, we have provided musicians for both live and recording sessions.

A big "Thank You" to all of you who have supported us over the past 6 years. Keep in touch!

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