benita johnson
About
Who am I?
I'm a singer and prolific songwriter who has been working and performing in the south-west for about 16 years, performing at venues including Bristol's Arnolfini, The Fleece and Fiddlers as well as stages at Larmer Tree and Glastonbury Festivals, to name but a few. I've been based in Bristol for most of that time, with forays into South Gloucestershire. I now live in Gloucestershire but maintain strong links with my old stomping grounds.
I've played in bands (The Funkinsteins, Benita Johnson & Company) and also solo.
I learned to play guitar classically from the age of 8, reaching diploma standard in my late teens. Then I digressed ... I also learned to play the tuba, though I haven't tried to for many years! In my teens this ability gave me a ticket to tour with youth bands and orchestras across Europe and the USA.
Like many musicians, I have lived a double-stranded life. In my other life I have worked as a support worker and probation service officer. I studied with the Open College Network to complete ASSIST training enabling me to work as a drugs / alcohol practitioner. I have a lot of experience of working with vulnerable groups (mental health, learning difficulties, addictions, homeless) and disenfranchised young people and gained various in-house training certificates along the way.
Why am I here?
Though I intend still to perform, record and generally be out there as a gigging musician - I am very interested in blending the skills I've attained from each strand of my double-life in delivering education opportunities to others.
For this reason I've signed up to Music Leader SW and Bristol Music Educators Partnership, in order to get a sense of how to do this and what's out there for me. I am committed to continuous professional development.
What do I have to offer?
I have Public Liability Insurance, provided by the Musicians Union. I possess a full Enhanced CRB check. I am signed up to the Music Leader Music Education Code of Practice and have completed the NSPCC programme in Child Protection Awareness.
I have a passion for singing and song-writing and music in general, and I know how lucky I am to have stumbled across this thing that is not only enjoyable but also a source of catharsis and a useful tool for untying emotional and psychological knots. Part of my mission will be to reach out with music to vulnerable groups and those who wouldn't otherwise have much opportunity to explore and engage with music in a meaningful or sustainable way due to a variety of factors.
I'd be very happy to join in on projects run by other organisations, in a volunteer capacity. Get in touch if you think I could be useful to you!
I can see the potential for music in the educational setting, not just as a diverse and exciting subject to be taught - but also as a vehicle for teaching just about anything else under the sun.
I want to get involved in this on 3 levels.
1 COACHING Open to any would-be or existing singers, solo or in bands, singing and performing in the South-West. One to one sessions, tailored to the individual.
2 SONG-WRITING WORKSHOPS These are open to anyone with an interest in writing songs of any genre and with varying degrees of musical ability. Ideally delivered in groups (so anything could happen!) these are also available on a one-to-one basis for people who want a more individualised approach. Access to group workshops is free to anyone referred by a support worker, CPN or probation officer or who can prove receipt of benefits.
3 SCHOOL WORKSHOPS I will work with any age-group Key Stage 1 - 4 and deliver a programme of workshops in or out of school hours, using the craft of song-writing to teach any essential aspects of the National Curriculum. I am happy to talk to any interested schools about the form this might take.
I am self-employed, registered as Benita Johnson Music, and can provide a copy of my policies on request.