The 5 things I have learnt by Liam White – Youth Band Leader on The Junction Project at Base Studios

Before we started the Junction Project, we were given a few weeks of training with Jonny Amos, who is a professional music producer. Jonny has many years of experience in music teaching and facilitation and has a wealth of knowledge within many areas of the music industry.

Here are 5 things that I got out of the training that you may find useful:

1. Always have a goal! You will notice that your students will always work harder if they have something to work towards. It may be a gig or a recording or even some sort of treat. You will notice much more excitement in the group. If you notice that they are falling behind one week, remind them of that goal.

2. Use the floor-sitting trick! There’s nothing worse than trying to teach a group something but all they want to do is make a noise on their instrument. Not saying that’s a bad thing as they’re being creative but there are times that they just need to stop and listen. The floor–sitting trick is as simple as it sounds. The bands put down their instruments and sit down in a circle with their leader. This takes away all temptation of playing their instruments and allows the leader to talk to the group in a more peaceful and quiet environment.

3. Warming up: Warm up exercises are always great to do. It enables the groups to interact and helps to build confidence. One of the exercises I like to do is that you get a member of the group to pick a number between 1-10. The leader will then count between those numbers and the group have to clap on their chosen number.  The aim of the game is to get the group to memorise the rhythm. The music leader will slowly speak quieter and quieter and eventually stop counting. Hopefully the group will still have the count in their head and will be able to still clap the beat.

4. Safeguarding: Safeguarding is very important, especially when working with younger and more vulnerable people. As working as a freelancer, you are your own boss, you are responsible if anything happens while you are their music leader. If a member of the group discloses some information but say not to tell anyone, it’s still important that you do. Tell the project. Always try and work in a room with CCTV cameras/windows. People have different opinions with using social networks to communicate with the members. My view is don’t speak to individuals. If you think it’s necessary to use Facebook, make a group with a Coordinator present to monitor the chat.

5. Have Fun: The last thing the group wants when they have just finished school is to feel like they are in school. Be enthusiastic and try to make lessons as fun as possible. You will notice the students will start to respect you much more and generally enjoy the sessions if they have someone who can make them enjoyable. If someone asks me what my lessons are like, I always say, “They are productive and good fun."