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What Makes Our Workshops Work?All workshops are run by experienced musicians with real life experience We inspire young musicians to expand their musical knowledge, learn core instrument techniques and develop key performance skills Our focus is on enjoyment and self-expression We aim to make music affordable with instruments and equipment provided, giving you the opportunity to try out a range of instruments without committing to buying or renting.
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How Do Our Students Benefit?Playing music is proven to build confidence and help overcome nerves and anxiety Working together for improved social skills, leadership and collaboration With an outlet for creativity through songwriting and playing, music is all about self-expression Arts activities support better mental health and improve concentration Creative activities are proven brain boosters, supporting other areas of learning
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What Makes Room For Music Unique?Regular workshops provided in a real life working studio, an inspiring non-school environment Based around a hub for musicians of all ages and abilities, students are part of a thriving creative community Workshops focus on contemporary music choices with student input encouraged We have well established links to lots of other local music-based activities and opportunities No obligation free first session gives you the opportunity to meet tutors and students
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Our Links With The Local CommunityWe work with local schools, community groups, charities and other organisations in providing workshops to support the most vulnerable in our community Affiliated with a registered not-for-profit Community Interest Company, we are able to collaborate in joint funding bids to provide free workshops where they are most needed
Mike Heaps
Founder and Workshop Leader
A talented multi-instrumentalist and qualified Music Educator (CET/AET/DET), Mike set up Room for Music in 2011 with the goal of providing an alternative approach to music education. Bringing together a lifelong passion for music and many years experience of songwriting and performing in a variety of styles and genres, Mike oversees the RFM team and workshop delivery.
Martin Whiteman
Music Tech and Live Band Tutor
Martin is a versatile musician, producer and recording engineer with three decades of experience in the music industry both on stage and behind the scenes. As a performer Martin toured the world with a number of bands and DJs, and as an engineer has recorded for major record labels including Sony, Universal Music, Parlophone and Sub Pop, working with a huge variety of artists from Tom Jones to Xecutioners, Matt & Kim to Jamie Lidell, The Charlatans and many more besides.
Ross Clark
Live Band Tutor
An instrumentalist and vocalist, Ross has been involved in music since his first guitar lesson at age 7. With many years experience gigging across the UK, he continues to record and perform original material through a number of active projects. Ross brings a wide range of performance skills to our workshops as well as his songwriting, recording and producing abilities.
Martyn Storey
Live Band and Music Tech Tutor
Martyn brings a great mixture of expert musicianship and technical knowledge to the RFM team. As well as possessing a wide range of instrumental skills, Martyn is a qualified Audio Engineer, writes and performs his own original music as Audio Shadows and performs regularly on the local gig circuit with his band The Unruly.