We’re delighted to be able to share this success story from one of our former students, Amy Bent. Now in Year 11, Amy was previously a member of Co-op Academy Broadhurst, where she was taught by Steve Hawkins, One Education’s Instrumental Pathways Service Lead and Music Tutor.
Amy studied music through the One Education ‘We Can Play’ programme, which is a whole class ensemble package designed to provide a fun and engaging introduction to ensemble playing, whilst also developing a range of musical skills through instrumental learning.
Below, Amy tells us all about her experience of the programme, illustrating how our whole class ensemble tuition can make a lasting impact on pupils’ musical development and personal growth.
What was your background like in music?
I have always had music in my life due to growing up in a very musical family. My dad used to be a singer in a comedy duo and a guitarist, whilst my mum used to play lead violin, the saxophone, and the recorder, so naturally I have always been surrounded by instruments and I have always listened to older music due to my parents’ age. However, I didn’t really explore my own musicality until I was taught by Mr Hawkins.
What was it like being taught by Mr Hawkins?
In Year 4 or 5, I had one of my first group guitar lessons with Mr Hawkins and I realised that I loved to play. With each piece, my interest in guitar and music began to grow and from there, I even became a part of Mr Hawkins’ Continuation Group. I feel like he truly allowed me to grow as a musician. He always strived to challenge me and allowed me to play whatever songs I was interested in and made me feel appreciated as a musician. By Year 5 or 6, I was about to start my journey towards becoming a graded guitarist with Mr Hawkins’ support – but unfortunately Covid hit, and I left primary school before I could.
What were the highlights of the ‘We Can Play’ programme?
In my class, the ‘We Can Play’ programme was tailored to every student’s unique strength. Everybody had the opportunity to stand out and express themselves. We also had a full class rock band in Year 6 and everyone could choose which section they wanted to play in. It gave us all a sense of freedom and it was a really rewarding collaboration.
Another highlight was being able to perform as part of an ensemble in front of the whole school as well as parents and staff. The school concerts were always fun and a great way to see the talent from each year group. We also had soloists perform and I am very grateful for being given the opportunity to perform multiple solos during my time as a guitarist, playing songs such as Spanish classical pieces and ‘Crocodile Rock’ by Elton John.
How has the programme supported you on your musical journey?
I believe that I owe my musical career to Mr Hawkins and this programme. If I hadn’t been introduced to playing in bands and being a musician at such a young age, I don’t think that I would be where I am today.
When I went to high school, I continued to play guitar but unfortunately the experience wasn’t the same. I didn’t have as much freedom as I had with Mr Hawkins and so I didn’t feel seen or appreciated as a guitarist. Because of this, I decided to drop Music GCSE and guitar in Year 8, and I went on to study Drama and Art at GCSE level from Year 9 instead. However, my journey in music didn’t stop there. There were very competitive auditions for ‘Les Miserables’ advertised in my school and I decided to take the plunge and go for it. Having never sung before, you can imagine my surprise and delight when I was actually cast as one of the leads – Madame Thenardier! I was even named as a stand out in a review written by one of the spectators. After that, the rest is history and I rediscovered a fierce passion for music.
I am now a singer and have even been asked by my school to take the Music GCSE as an extra subject due to my musicality and talent, an opportunity I will be forever grateful for. I am also involved as a soloist in concerts at my school and in competitions as a frontwoman of my own rock and metal band, a leader of choir, a Britain’s Got Talent auditionee, and a proud musical theatre actress who has now played a lead in three productions – including Oldham Theatre Workshop’s STRIKE and We Will Rock You, in which I played Scaramouche.
To this day, I am still working on my voice and growing my range with every performance I do. Even though Mr Hawkins’ lessons were more focused on learning music through an instrument, I don’t think that I would be where I am without his encouragement. He taught me how a musicians’ creativity should be respected and appreciated and to never settle to do something that isn’t truly me.
Due to the confidence that the ‘We Can Play’ programme gave me, I’m not afraid to try new things and I see every performance as a chance to grow as a musician. I now also teach workshops in Broadhurst occasionally, teaching children to love drama and the arts just like Sir did all those years ago!
Would you recommend ‘We Can Play’ for students today?
I would absolutely recommend ‘We Can Play’ to students today because not everybody has the money to explore private musical tuition and it is a great way for people from very non-musical backgrounds to find a love for this subject.
It is also a brilliant way to boost children’s esteem and make them feel proud of creating something as a team that they can then perform to a live audience. This also teaches them vital life skills that link to communication and speaking in front of crowds, which can be a daunting thing for anybody.
One Education is excited to continue supporting students like Amy, helping them to discover their passion for music and grow in confidence as artists and performers.
To find out more about our Music service, please explore our website or get in touch.
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