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A Dynamic Contrast

HIGHFIELDS BOXING CLUB : A busy day of delivery yesterday, building numbers in the group at Highfields with some new additions. Everything we do is focused on using music as a tool for development with communication and discipline at the core. Thanks to everyone who shared on social media and the parents for travelling from outlying villages.

ME PROJECT : We began our long anticipated work with ME PROJECT last night. Our usual all action hands on session was sprinkled with open group conversation as we explored how music can be used as a tool to reduce anxiety and cope with the increasing pressures of adolescence. Big thanks to all who attended and the staff for joining in and supporting. The due diligence and meeting of professional guidelines for developing this kind of workshop is massive. Utmost respect to Kath and Paige for getting to where they are.

ATLAS PRIMARY : We were back in the centre of Town for this one. Bringing together young people from different cultures and backgrounds. The starting point for this one was chaotic and challenging for every one of us. Our training in recognising SLD’s was helpful as we steered the group into respect, communication and genuine dynamism. We do this work because we know it can be challenging, but we also trust in our understanding and experience to bring out the best in everyone and the young people grew into it with gusto and enthusiasm. Thanks again to the staff for their support.

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A Touch of Class

It was a great experience to work with the pupils of Windhill Mexborough just before Christmas. Fantastic engagement and a warm welcome from the staff made it a rewarding day for all.

We were blessed to be joined by professional photographer Gavin Joynt. In recent sessions I have asked parents to help me out with taking some pictures and to be fair they haven’t done a bad job, but in my experience getting a professional in can really make a difference. Rather than go on about how much of a nice bloke he was and how he anticipated the shots without getting in the way, I’ll just show a few of his pics to give you an idea.

You can find out more about Gavin and his great work at: http://www.gavinjoynt.co.uk/

Credit to Lindsy at Active Fusion who hired Gavin who was friendly, professional and kept up the positive energy in the room which is vital for us.

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Eve Merton Dreams Trust

We were kindly asked to support Eve’s Trust by Clynton Johnson, who told us about their incredible outreach support work for those enduring the effects of Cancer.

Our family have been personally affected and we were more than happy to join them in Bentley.

I worked with a very focused and creative group of young people who added value due to their mutual respect for each other.

After the adults had finished with the serious business of running the charity, we asked them to get hands on with the group and they didn’t let us down.

You can support Eve’s Trust through https://evestrust.co.uk and don’t forget the DRFC Legends game on 7th May 2022

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An Invitation from the Children’s University

We are always looking for organisations and affiliations to further promote positive outcomes for young people. We met Heather Coulthard through an EXPECT Youth members meeting and she kindly asked us to support.

The CU work with partner organisations to collate different activities that young people take part in outside of school time. They receive a stamp from us on their passport and when they reach a certain number of hours, their experience is celebrated with others who have achieved the same. This gives an opportunity for young people to share their experiences and build confidence through a variety of different activities.

We are proud to add to our list of affiliated organisations such as Higher Rhythm Recording Studios, who offer opportunities for progression, EXPECT Youth and UK Youth who supported us in achieving our quality mark.

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Tribal Band: Our Indigenous connection to Music.

How did music come into your life ? Something you heard on the radio, songs you sang in school, maybe even small black discs that you had to get on a bus to get hold of?

From the womb onward, you are affected by music in the world around you.

In 90 Minute Music we highlight the two symbiotic elements that set us apart from millions of other species.

Music and the Development of Technology.

In 90 Minute Music we carefully employ elements of technology to give a shortcut to the reward circuits of the brain and use these to promote positive development.

Humans have evolved by developing traits and functions to promote survival. Music and the development of technology have been constant throughout our evolution.

What tribal or indigenous elements are relevant today ?

  • Education (Aboriginal people around the world use music to support the telling of stories linked to survival, these stories are passed on through generations.) Nursery rhymes are a modern take on this.
  • Communication (songs are used to learn the rhythms of language) Babies mimic the rhythmical language of their parents native tongue.
  • Work music (From sea shanties to field music, music helps support resilience)

What can music do for me now?

  • Group music making can be a real confidence booster, which can support a strong and positive identity. (We remove the barriers of hierarchy and musical knowledge to promote a hub of creativity and expression)
  • Forming relationships around music can give people lifelong support networks which offer resilience and can support positive mental health.
  • Music can be used to manage mood and is used to reduce pain and anxiety in medical settings. (Many of us experience pain and anxiety…….recent research has shown significant reductions in pain perception with hospitalised patients listening to familiar music.)

Why is technology important?

  • Technology can offer accessibility to those with Specific Learning difficulties or have additional needs and gives an opportunity for people of various levels of experience to instantly share music creation.

90 Minute Music offer a unique experience using state of the art music technology equipment to remind us of the often overlooked elements of music while mirroring Ofsted best practice for music education which is based around practical collaboration. Find out more: https://90minutemusic.co.uk

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Is Music a Natural Antidote?

Identity, Expression, Confidence, Self-Esteem, Conveying Emotions, Motivation, Empathy, Sociability, Release.

Which of these words is Music to you?

The natural life gift of mothers milk stimulates Oxytocin in the brain. Listening to and participating in music gives a similar pleasure response.

The potential in Music can often be overlooked, or ignored, even by professionals I have spoken to that work with music every day. It is through our research into the neural networks in the brain and findings on the benefits of breastfeeding that show us that both can provide a feel good response which aids development.

At 90 Minute Music we don’t give you something you don’t already have, we just remind you where it is.

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An Affiliation with Higher Rhythm Recording Studios

We recently spoke with Paul Littlewood, studio manager at Higher Rhythm. I met Paul originally to find out about the outreach work that he oversees in Schools around Doncaster. I became interested after hearing about the record label he set up with the help of pupils at Coppice School, who were one of the Schools we worked with a few years ago while developing 90 Minute Music.

A Visit to Higher Rhythm Studios becomes part of the 90 Minute Music experience

Paul has supported us with advice on working in the third sector and as well as being a great person to chat with, he shares our passion for improving outcomes for young people.

We have currently been developing a 12 week fully funded programme to support disadvantaged YP in the Doncaster Area. I asked Paul if he would like to get involved in supporting our sessions with a Studio visit and he was happy to oblige. We had already secured a local artist to make a guest appearance on one of the sessions and I felt that a visit to a professional environment would be beneficial from a point of showing possible career pathways, or progression through further training.

Along with providing HE courses in Music Technology, Higher Rhythm encompass Professional recording studios, A record Label, An FM Radio station; SINE FM, and offer support to artists through a network of industry contacts. We hope to collaborate on many projects in the future further adding value of expertise to the work we do.

Check the website:     https://www.higherrhythm.co.uk/