Stafford Borough
Stafford Borough Council:
What's distinctive about music in Stafford Borough?
- There is a wide range of performing groups and amateur participation in Stafford and around the Borough.
- There are distinctive strengths in music technology with specialist HE courses at Staffordshire University Stafford campus and FE courses at Stafford College.
- There is a range of private and public sector music studio facilities in the Stafford area, and a range of related creative industries.
- Stafford is the nerve centre for the county's Performing Arts Service and other county services such as libraries.
- There is a diverse range of musical individuals based here including some very successful musicians and music teachers.
- There is a need for better venue provision in Stafford, which despite an extensive range of music-making locally has limited rehearsal facilities and poor performance facilities.
Stafford Borough can be proud of:
- The growing reputation of the Stafford campus of Staffordshire University as a centre of excellence in music technology. Graduates are qualified to work within the music, media and related industries, providing technical solutions for sound production and quality in recording studios, live sound venues and digital videos. A new course in 'e-music' starts in 2008 in response to the digital revolution and the way the music industry is changing, with new opportunities for music as, increasingly, a 'cottage industry' with many artists promoting, selling and marketing their music through digital media.
Possible development areas:
- There are plans for a new Arts Space to provide a focus for music practice and performance and other arts development activities.
- There is scope for a coherent strategy to develop the creative economy through music technology, building on distinctive local strengths.
Interesting example of music activity locally:
Make Some Noise, based in Stafford, was set up in 2001 as a 'Youth Music Action Zone' to work across Staffordshire and Stoke-on-Trent to provide access to music making activities for children and young people. Make Some Noise supports projects from drumming to singing and DJing to opera, in settings as diverse as schools, nurseries, young offenders' institutions, youth clubs and venues. Other activities include training, mentoring and professional development opportunities for music leaders who work with children and young people.
Make Some Noise is supported by the National Foundation for Youth Music, Staffordshire County Council, Stoke-on-Trent City Council and other partners. It plans to become an independent agency to promote music-making by children and young people, especially with groups for whom there is little other provision, and to encourage and advocate for young people's music-making. The organisation's vision is that the lives of children and young people in the area will be significantly enhanced by high quality opportunities to make music, recognising that music inspires young people and for many is also a catalyst for positive change.
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Stafford Music Festival
Started 2002 in its current form. Annual music festival each May; includes many local performers as well as professional artists. "Music to suit all tastes from classical instrumental and vocal to popular music, dance and jazz."
http://www.staffordmusicfestival.org.uk/
Stafford Festival
(Not to be confused with Stafford Music Festival)
Started 1991 in its current form. Annual festival promoted by the Borough Council each July includes some music including Raw Talent showcase for young bands and annual outdoor music event at Stafford Castle 'Live @ the Castle' which features "local folk and blues and rock 'n' roll bands".
http://www.staffordfestival.com/
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Gatehouse Theatre
Eastgate Street, Stafford, ST16 2LT Tel. 01785 254 653
E-mail: gatehouse@staffordbc.gov.uk
www.staffordgatehousetheatre.co.uk
Includes 540 seat theatre venue, 120 seat studio theatre plus meeting rooms, catering facilities etc. Built 1877 as The Borough Hall; remodelled as a civic theatre in 1982. Programme includes wide range of music including residency by the Manchester Camerata, tribute bands and folk, jazz and blues.
Staffordshire University (Beaconside, Stafford site)
Legends and The Lounge are Staffordshire University Students Union Beaconside Campus venues with a combined capacity of 750. Legends is the Stafford Campus nightclub venue and holds regular clubnights and has bands performing every week.
http://www.staffsunion.com/venues/legendslounge/
Shugborough (National Trust / Staffordshire County Council)
Occasional outdoor concerts in the parkland
Arts Space
http://www.arts-space.org.uk/.
Feasibility studies have been commissioned by Staffordshire County Council and partners to research the potential for an Arts Space as a new cultural venue for music and the visual arts in the area. The venue will include an international quality auditorium, seating around 600 with a flexible layout, and a 150-seat studio, to provide new facilities for music and other arts.
Gig venues include:
The Grapes
5 Bridge Street, Stafford, ST16 2HL
Mob. 07989 174631
http://www.grapesstafford.co.uk/
http://www.myspace.com/grapesmusicbar/
Regular live music venue; for many years run by Derek Holt of the Climax Blues Band (formed in 1968 and based in Stafford).
Gumbles Jazz Club
http://www.staffordjazz.org/gumbles.html
Chris Gumbley (Saxophonist) Tel. 01785 259144
Venue: The Prince of Wales, Weston Road, Stafford
Top names in jazz every Thursday fortnight, including many famous names
Stafford Jazz Society
http://www.staffordjazz.org/
Set up 1981. Weekly Sunday lunchtime concerts plus other events. Main venue is Stafford Rangers FC Social Club.
Granville's Brasserie
Granville Square, Stone ST15 8AB Tel. 01785 816658
E-mail: adam@granvilles.st
http://www.granvilles.st/music.htm
Live music Friday and Saturday evenings and most Thursdays
Stafford Rangers FC Social Club
Marston Road, Stafford ST16 3BX
Facilities used by several local promoters e.g. Redspot and Stafford Jazz Society for live music gigs; also Stafford Keyboard and Organ Society
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Barber Lutherie
Contact: Phil Barber 22, Radford Street Stone Staffordshire ST15 8DA
Tel. 01785 817658
Fax 01785 817658
E-mail: phil@barberlutherie.co.uk
http://www.barberlutherie.co.uk/
Instrument sales, guitar and drum repairs.
Chapman's Pianos & Music Supplies Ltd
Amerton Farm & Craft Centre, Stowe by Chartley Stafford Staffordshire
Tel. 01889 271254
E-mail: chapmanspianos@amertonfarm.fsbusiness.co.uk
New and used pianos, piano stools, sheet music, CD's and other instruments.
Guitar & Son
3 & 4 Lichfield Rd
Stafford
ST16 2EZ
Contact: Eric Furze
Tel. 01785 606614
http://www.myspace.com/guitarandson
Guitars, Sheet Music, Wind Instrument accessories and organise lessons for all instruments including in house Guitar and Bass Lessons
Mews Music
St. Mary's Place
Stafford
ST16 2AR
Tel. 01785 212626
Fax. 01785 212626
Sheet music
Michael Raven Publications
Contact: Eve Raven
26 Church Lane
Derrington
Stafford
ST18 9LY
Tel. 01785 255555
Mob. 07724149059
E-mail: everaven_nok@yahoo.co.uk
Publishers of guitar music - country dance tunes, folk music, classical, flamenco and renaissance, guitar and tin whistle tutors. Majority of books have a companion cassette or CD.
Brian Russell Violins
27 North Castle St
Stafford
ST16 2EH
Tel. 01785 606575
E-mail: brian_russell@tiscali.co.uk
Repairs and servicing of violins, violas, cellos, basses and bows
Song & Groove
91-93 Wolverhampton Road
Stafford
ST17 4AH
Tel. 01785 225393
http://www.songandgroove.co.uk/shop/index.cfm
E-mail: andy@songandgroove.co.uk
Guitars etc.
Stafford Classical Guitar Centre
1 Catalan Close,
Stafford,
ST17 4XS
Tel. 01785 211218
Fax. 01785 229736
http://www.staffordguitar.com/
E-mail: adrian@staffordguitar.com
Sale of the best quality instruments in the classical guitar world. Also Classical Guitar Weekend Courses at Wedgwood Memorial College and other venues.
Tim Toft Violins
7-9 Station Road
Stone
ST15 8JP
Tel. 01785 811860
Fax. 01785 811216
http://www.timtoftviolins.com/
Dealers & Restorers in Fine Violins, Violas, Cellos, Basses & Bows
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The Building Recording Studio
37 Rowley Street
Stafford
ST16 2RH
Tel. 01785 245649
E-mail: info@thebuilding.co.uk
http://thebuilding.co.uk/
The Building has 2 recording rooms, a control room and 3 isolation booths, giving the flexibility to record a full band live whilst maintaining separation between instruments.
Each room is acoustically controlled to a design drawn up by Howard Turner (aka The Studio Wizard) creating ideal spaces for recording and mixing. Facilities include Apple G5 (dual 2ghz processor) running Logic Pro and Cubase SX, Analogue to Digital (A/D) and Digital to Analogue (D/A) conversion and Studer 2" Tape Machine, with engineer support. The studio has residential facilities with a fully furnished apartment available.
Cosmic Studios
Tel. 01952 271 228
Mob. 07773 994 638
E-mail: info@cosmicstudios.co.uk
www.cosmicstudios.co.uk
Professional recording and mastering services, analogue and digital, also location and mobile recording. Linked to Silence Studio (see next), a fully equipped recording studio set in the grounds of Trentham Lakes and Gardens Leisure Estate.
Goldphone Recordings
Silence Studios
Contact: Jon Aldersea
The Courtyard
Trentham Gardens
Stone Road
Staffordshire
ST4 8AX
Tel. 01782 659050
Fax 01782 659050
Mob. 07816 612972
E-mail: jonaldersea@hotmail.com
www.myspace.com/jonaldersea
Composer/artist who has worked in the live/electronic genre for over 10 years; also professional drummer and percussionist who has worked on many recording and live sessions. Professional music producer and video artist running Silence Studios/ Goldphone Recordings, a professional analogue recording studio that incorporates digital technology. The studio is situated in the 720 acre estate grounds of Trentham Gardens.
Grapevine Recording Studio
3 Shawms Crest
Radford Rise
Stafford
ST17 4PT
Tel. 07967 058099 / 07968 214051
E-mail: derek.holt5@btinternet.com
http://www.myspace.com/grapevinestudiostafford
Owned by Derek Holt, founder member of the Climax Blues Band and bass player, guitarist, keyboard player, vocalist, computer programmer and music producer.
Ingestre Hall Residential Arts Centre
Ingestre,
Staffordshire
ST18 0RF
http://www.ingestrearts.org.uk/index.html
Tel. 01889 270225
Residential arts centre run by Sandwell Metropolitan Borough Council. Facilities include two different suites for hire, a small pre production studio with full midi facility and a larger fully digital 24 track recording studio for bands and Live Recordings. The studio boasts great microphones, a nice range of outboard equipment and a selection of vintage amplifiers that are included in the hire price. Available for daily hire with an in-house engineer and producer; contact John Sambrook 01889 270 225. Also offer facilities for recording Larger Ensembles, Orchestras and Choirs, making use of the natural acoustics of the rooms of Ingestre Hall, including the oak panelled Great Hall.
Tower Studios
Unit 4, Mount Industrial Estate
Stone
Staffordshire
ST15 8LL
Contact: Dave Massey
Tel. 01785 811011
E-mail: tower_studios@hotmail.com
Recording studio and rehearsal rooms used by local and internationally known musicians. The Charlatans have written two number one albums at the studio
The Voltalab Recording Studios
Oakridge
Weston Road
Littleworth
Stafford
ST16 3RS
Tel. 07899 802 352
Web Site: http://www.voltalab.co.uk/
E-mail: info@Voltalab.co.uk
Privately run recording facility situated in a restored manor house in Staffordshire. Voltalab recording studios takes its name from the laboratories of Alexander Graham Bell. With analogue philosophies the studio is based around a fully restored 1970's Midas PR series console used by artists such as Cat Stevens and Pink Floyd but with the latest Protools technology Voltalab offers a wide range of recording services combining vintage outboard works alongside state-of-the-art plug-in technology to give the best of analogue vs digital.
Educational institutions
Recording studios and/or music technology studios are also available within educational institutions, although normally only for use by their own students:
- Staffordshire University, Stafford Campus
- Stafford College
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Kevin Bennett
5 Catalan Close
Stafford
ST17 4XS
Tel. 01785 612063
Piano tuning & repairs
GEV Chapman & Son
John Chapman
7, Highfield Road, Puddle Hill, Hixon, Stafford, ST18 0LY.
Tel. 01889 271254, Mob. 07855 397048.
E-mail jvc.piano@quista.net
Piano tuning business established for 35 years by G Chapman. John Chapman qualified in 1993 and in 2001 took on the tuning contract for Birmingham Symphony Hall. Covers all of Staffordshire plus some of the surrounding districts.
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J.T Molineux
Kynance, 228 Grindley Lane,
Blythe Bridge,
Stoke-on-Trent,
Staffordshire
ST11 9JS
Tel. 01782 397324
John Oakes & Son
23 Hilderstone Rd,
Stoke-on-Trent,
Staffordshire
ST3 7PB
Tel. 01782 392142
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AudioGrafix
Contact: Steve Howe
19 Bakewell Drive, Stone, Staffs
ST15 8YR
Tel. 01785 286877
Mob. 07977317197
E-mail: steve@audiografix.co.uk
www.audiografix.co.uk
Web design, vinyl to CD archiving, radio advertising production, radio jingle production, music mixing and composition for demo music.
Bullet Sound
Tel./Fax 01785 761761
www.bulletsound.com
Staffordshire's leading PA Company. PA hire for festivals, concerts, gigs, discos, events.
Jasper Films
Contact: Chris Atkinson
Tel. 01785 272935
E-mail: chris@jasperfilms.com
Video company specialising in music videos. Produced Chris Atkinson's film 'Stafford Music Scene' released January 2007 about Stafford's Music Scene. Now available on DVD price £9.99.
Music On My PC Ltd.
The Water Tower
Swynnerton
Stone
ST15 0QD
Tel. 01782 796260 Fax 01782 796727
E-mail: info@musiconmypc.co.uk
www.musiconmypc.co.uk
Company formed 2003 with the aim of facilitating the use of music software and technology to help with learning and playing music. Online shop for music software providing help and guidance on choosing and using music software, together with product reviews. Step-by-step tutorials are added regularly, plus how-to guides & useful info on computer-based music making.
Operatunities Ltd
Contact: Sharon Rose Atkinson
Smithy Cottage High St Church Eaton Stafford ST20 0AG
Tel. 01785 822879
Mob. 07725255138
E-mail: rose_dennis@btinternet.com
Operatunities aims to introduce Opera as a realistic sustainable career choice for young people interested in the Performing Arts, with the opportunity to develop knowledge etc.
Redspot
Contact: Jim Wheeler
36 The Oval, Stafford, ST17 4LQ
Tel. 01785 211343
E-mail: spot@redspot.org.uk
http://www.redspot.org.uk/index.htm
Promoter of local and national bands; youth music development organisation; PA hire for indoor and outdoor; local activist group and network for musicians and artists. Advocates for a community venue and an independent local record label.
Soul Mekanik
Contact: Danny Spencer 19 Warwick Road
Stafford ST17 4PD
Tel. 01785 213995
E-mail: danny@luvradio.com
www.soulmekanik.com
Dance music production team with 20 years experience, helping to create a healthy underground music scene locally. Markets include independent and major record labels worldwide
Visualade
Contact: Adrian Baldwin
89 Manor Rise
Stone
Staffordshire ST15 0HX.
Tel. 01785 615359
Mob. 07760 177776
E-mail: visualade@ntlworld.com
www.visualade.co.uk
Music/design related Video art company, making visuals for clubs and bands and short DVD presentations.
Warped Noise Productions
Contact: Gwynn Hemmings
49 Stafford Business Village
Staffordshire Technology Park
Beaconside,
Stafford,
ST18 0TW
Tel. 01785 887887
Fax: 01785 887875
E-mail: info@warpednoise.co.uk
www.warpednoise.co.uk
Video company led by three film makers - Dan Hunt, Gwynn Hemmings and Chris Hancock - specialising in music videos. Services include music videos and live gig recordings.
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Stafford area
Alstom Singers
http://www.fcet.staffs.ac.uk/jdw1/alstomsingersmainframe.htm
Alstom Singers has about 50 members, and meets every Monday evening (Bank Holidays and summer period excluded) 1930 - 2130 in St Leonard's Sports & Social Club, Stafford.
Musical Director: Cathy Garside
Cantemus Chamber Choir
http://www.cantemuschoir.org.uk
E-mail: cantemus@fs2s.com
Musical Director: John Savage. 30 voice choir founded 1985. Rehearsals at Rising Brook High School Wednesday evenings
Stafford and District Choral Society
Contact: Robin Cooper-Maggs
Tel. 01785 780578
E-mail: rob_prcm@hotmail.com
http://www.stafford-choral.org.uk/
Musical Director Leslie Smith. Founded 1946. Two or three concerts per year. Rehearsals at Weston Road High School, Stafford, on Monday evenings in term time.
Stafford & District Operatic Society
Contact: Ian Bowen
Tel. 01785 245234
E-mail: ian@staffordoperatic.org.uk
www.staffordoperatic.org.uk
Since 1924 the society has provided an outlet for those who like to sing, dance and act in amateur productions of popular musicals and operettas. Perform two Stage Musicals per year at Stafford Gatehouse Theatre.
Stafford Concert Band
Contact: Roger Yates, 4 Lymington Road, Stafford ST16 3SQ
Tel. 01785 601854
E-mail: ian@staffordoperatic.org.uk
Meets Tuesday evenings at Holmcroft Community Centre, Newland Avenue, Stafford. Suitable for any brass or woodwind player. Evolved from the (former) RAF Stafford Band. No marching! A busy band with around 20 public concerts per year.
Stafford Folk Players
http://www.staffordfolkplayers.co.uk/
Stafford Folk Players organise the Stafford Music Day, a whole-day workshop event each year for folk musicians. The workshops are led by experienced folk musicians and include instrument technique, performance technique, repertoire and arrangement. In 2007 it was held at Barnfields Primary School.
Stafford Keyboard & Organ Society
Contact: Jill Evans
Tel. 01785 223956
Email:
jillevans77@hotmail.comMonthly concerts of light classical/show/ film/popular music given by well known concert artists. licensed bar, raffles, enjoyable social atmosphere. Held on first Monday of month at 8.00pm. Stafford Rangers Social Club, Astonfields, Stafford.
Stafford Lancers
Contact: Dave Milton
Tel. 01785 665146
E-mail: davemilton@lancers.co.uk
www.lancers.co.uk
Youth marching band organisation providing brass, percussion and dance tuition and opportunities for members to take part in competitions.
Stafford Orchestral Society
Contact: Jim Seddon
5 Gillingham Crescent, Stafford ST16 1AN
Tel. 01785 250828
E-mail: jamesseddon@uku.co.uk
Conductor:Tony Preece. Classical and light popular music full symphony orchestra. Open to any competent players (grade 5+) capable of sight-reading, repertoire is mostly light classics. Several public concerts per year. Meet St Leonards Hall Sports & Social Club (GEC Alstom T&D Protection Ltd), St Leonards Ave, Stafford, Wednesdays 7.30pm
Stafford Sinfonia
Contact: Michael Woodhead (Chairman)
E-mail chairman@staffordsinfonia.org.uk
http://staffordsinfonia.org.uk/
Musical Director: Darrell Wade. Established over 30 years. Classical chamber orchestra of about thirty players, specialising in music of the baroque and classical eras, augmented when needed.
Stone area
The Pebbles
www.the-pebbles.co.uk
A cappella vocal group.
Stone Choral Society
http://www.stonechoral.org.uk/
Musical Director: Sarah Forbes. Mixed choir of around 70 singers, founded 1968. Rehearse Thursday evenings at St Dominic's school hall
Stone Scout and Guide Band
Tel. 01785 815719
Stone Town Band
Tel. 01785 664514
http://www.stonetownband.org.uk/
Founded 1954. Meets Friday evenings at the Frank Jordan Centre with a beginner and improver's class 19:00-20:00 and a full band rehearsal 20:00-22:00. Welcome new players (young and old) of all brass instruments and standards.
The Stonefield Singers Male Voice Choir
Contact: Mr. W. Cornes
Tel. 01785 814623
Aims to promote male voice choir singing and to aid organisations (churches etc.) to raise funds to maintain their existence. Meet St.John's Church Hall, Longton Road, Stone, Wednesdays 7.30 pm.
Rural
Adbaston Community Concert Society
http://www.accs.woodlandquarter.co.uk/about.htm
Tel. 01785 280490
Founded 2005. Promote chamber concerts in Adbaston Church on Sundays, 4 times through the year.
St Michael & All Angels Church, Colwich
Annual performance each December of Handel's 'Messiah', in aid of the John W R Taylor Memorial Trust and Colwich Church, by an ad hoc choral group led by members of Stafford & District Choral Society.
Eccleshall Folk Club
Contact Derek Aldred
Tel. 01785 851964
or E-mail: dgaldred@tiscali.co.uk
General community information on http://www.eccleshallguide.com/
Meets at the Royal Oak in High Street on the second Thursday of each month
Eccleshall Ladies Hand Bell Ringers
Led by Mrs Ruth Boulton Tel. 01785 850620.
Meet weekly at the Parish Room and welcome new members, beginners or more accomplished ringers.
Eccleshall Singers
Secretary Helen Morrey
Tel. 01543 424102 or E-mail:
helenkernohan@btopenworld.com
Meet Tuesday evenings at the Eccleshall Methodist Church school room in Stone Road. New singers are always welcome.
Gnosall Singers
Methodist Schoolroom
Wednesday mornings 10:20 am - 12:30 pm
Gnosall Handbell Ringers
Meet Tuesdays 8:00pm at The Grosvenor Centre, High Street.
Tel. 01785 823592
Holy Trinity Church Choir Eccleshall
Choir practises Thursday evenings in the baptistry of the church. Musical director Rodney Bellamy Tel. 01630 656457
Church bell-ringers:
Barlaston: Church of S John. Practice night: Friday
Church Eaton: Church of S Editha. Practice night: Thursday
Colwich: Church of St Michael. Practice night: Thursday
Eccleshall: Church of Holy Trinity. Practice night: Monday. . New ringers and people wishing to learn are made most welcome. Tower captain Warren Griffith Tel. 01785 850948
Gnosall: Church of St Lawrence. Practice night: Friday. St Lawrence is one of only three approved National Training centres. It has installed 4 Dumb Bells in the Clock Room, and connected them to a Simulator. Together with the 8 existing 'real' bells, which are also wired to the Simulator, the tower can now ring on any number of bells up to 12.
http://www.magpiecd.com/bells/
Contact: info@gnosall-bells.org.uk
Haughton: Church of St Giles. Practice night: Monday. Tel. 01785 780699 E-mail: haughton@thebellringers.org.uk
Seighford: Church of St Chad. Practice night: Alternate Fridays with Swynnerton
Stafford: Church of St Mary. Practice night: Wednesday
Standon: Church of All Saints. Practice night: Thursday
Stone: Church of St Michael. Practice night: Thursday. Ringing Master Dave Simpson E-mail: d.simpson11@ntlworld.com
Swynnerton: Church of St Mary. Practice night: Alternate Fridays with Seighford
The North Staffordshire Association of Change Ringers
Formed in 1882 and celebrated its 125th Anniversary in 2007. "Ringing membership is open to those who can ring either 120 half-pull changes of doubles or cover with the tenor bell for not less than 120 half-pull changes, or demonstrate that he or she is progressing in the art of change ringing to the satisfaction of the committee."
http://www.nsacr.org.uk/index_main.html
Community venues with live music
Events on the Live and Local Touring Circuit: www.liveandlocal.org.uk
- Brocton Village Hall Tel. 01785 661537
- Chebsey Village Hall Tel. 01785 850802
- Moreton, Outwoods & Bromstead Community Centre Tel. 01952 691231
- Salt Village Hall Tel. 01889 508284
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Staffordshire University
Contact: Charles Walker, Award Programme Manager 01785 353281
http://www.staffs.ac.uk/courses/
Facilities at Stafford site include suites of professional recording studios and video and animation studios.
Courses include:
Within the Faculty of Computing, Engineering & Technology (Stafford)
- Music Technology HND
- Music Technology B.Sc Hons
- Creative Music Technology B.Sc Hons
- e-Music B.Sc Hons (new course starting 2008)
- Music Technology and Film Production B.Sc. Hons
- Music Technology with Management B.Sc. Hons
Within the Faculty of Arts, Media & Design (at the Stoke campus)
- Music Broadcasting BA Hons
- Music Journalism and Broadcasting BA Hons
Stafford College
Contact: Claire Rogers
E-mail: c.rogers@staffordcoll.ac.uk
Tel. 01785 275529
http://www.staffordcoll.ac.uk/
Facilities include industry-standard recording studios.
Courses include:
- BTEC First Diploma - Music Technology [Level Two]
- BTEC First Diploma - Performing Arts [Level Two]
- BTEC National Diploma - Music Technology [Level Three]
- BTEC National Diploma - Performing Arts [Level Three]
- BTEC Higher National Diploma (HND) - Music Production [Level Four]
- BTEC Higher National Diploma (HND) - Performing Arts [Level Four]
Ingestre Hall Residential Arts Centre
Ingestre, Staffordshire ST18 0RF
http://www.ingestrearts.org.uk/index.html
Tel. 01889 270225
Residential arts centre run by Sandwell Metropolitan Borough Council. Facilities include two different suites for hire, a small pre production studio with full midi facility and a larger fully digital 24 track recording studio for bands and Live Recordings. The studio boasts great microphones, a nice range of outboard equipment and a selection of vintage amplifiers that are included in the hire price. Available for daily hire with an in-house engineer and producer; contact John Sambrook 01889 270 225. Also offer facilities for recording Larger Ensembles, Orchestras and Choirs, making use of the natural acoustics of the rooms of Ingestre Hall, including the oak panelled Great Hall.
Make Some Noise
http://www.make-some-noise.com/
Based in Stafford, Make Some Noise was set up as a 'Youth Music Action Zone' to work across Staffordshire and Stoke-on-Trent to provide access to music making activities for children and young people. Make Some Noise supports projects from drumming to singing and DJing to opera, in settings as diverse as schools, nurseries, young offenders' institutions, youth clubs and venues. It is supported by Youth Music, Staffordshire County Council, Stoke-on-Trent City Council and other partners.
Staffordshire Performing Arts
The Green, Stafford, ST17 4BJ.
Tel: 01785 278278; Fax: 01785 278288
E-mail: spa@staffordshire.gov.uk
/Curriculum/Services/StaffordshirePerformingArts/
The County Council provides the Staffordshire Performing Arts Service. SPA is a unit of the Cultural Development Division, working with schools and the School Improvement Division to provide the best music and dance opportunities for young people throughout the county.
SPA provides music and dance teaching services to Staffordshire schools including teaching over 14,000 instrumental pupils and a further 10,000 pupils through classroom teaching. Tuition is aimed at providing pupils with technical and musical skills and knowledge to enable them to participate in a rich variety of music making activities including ensemble playing with other instruments. Tuition is available on all woodwind, brass, and string instruments, as well as keyboard, guitar, percussion and voice. Pupils usually receive weekly tuition in small groups. Whole primary school classes can also learn an instrument and the curriculum through SPA's Key to Music (K2M) programme. All schools are taking part in the national singing programme Sing Up (http://www.singup.org/).
SPA also organises instrumental, vocal and dance ensembles through several regional Performing Arts Centres which arrange their own concerts, and county-wide activities including:
- an annual Oratorio, featuring the Staffordshire Symphony Orchestra and County Chorus, performed at Lichfield Cathedral
- the County Recorder Festival which brings schools together from across the county at Lichfield Cathedral
- rock and pop competitions such as 'Pop Stars' for young vocalists and 'Staffordshire Rocks' for school bands
- Staffordshire Young Musician of the Year
- events such as the County Music Festival and concerts at venues such as Lichfield Cathedral, Victoria Hall Hanley, Symphony Hall Birmingham and NEC Solihull.
Stafford Performing Arts Centre
Central Region Manager: Jenny Mason.
The centre began in 1970 so that the pupils from all over Stafford Borough could broaden their musical experiences. Regular Centre ensembles include: Stringsters, Training String Orchestra, Centre String Orchestra, Junior Brass, Clarinet Choir, Double Reed Ensemble, Guitar Orchestra, Electric Guitar Orchestra, Theory Classes, Early Birds, Training Wind Band, Centre Wind Band, Aural and Songbirds.
Together with the Cannock Performing Arts Centre, Central Region ensembles include:
- Staffordshire Youth Orchestra (Central), which rehearses at Blessed William Howard High School
- Staffordshire Youth Wind Orchestra (Central), which rehearses at Cardinal Griffin High School
- Staffordshire Youth Choir (Central), Staffordshire Girls' Choir (Central), Staffordshire Recorder & Renaissance Ensemble (Central), Staffordshire Training Choir (Central), Staffordshire Youth Brass Band (Central) and Staffordshire Talent School (Central), which all meet at The Green.
Specialist School
Blessed William Howard Catholic School is a specialist Performing Arts school
http://www.blessedwilliamhoward.staffs.sch.uk/
Adult/Continuing Education
Wedgwood Memorial College, Station Road, Barlaston ST12 9DG.
E-mail: wedgwood.memorial@stoke.gov.uk
Range of day and weekend courses in musical topics, e.g. renaissance music, saxophone ensemble, gamelan music
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Denise Baggott
7, Elmstone Close
Walton-On-The-Hill
Stafford
ST17 0YL
Tel. 01785 660566
Tuition in piano and music theory grades 1-5 mainly for young beginners.
Barbara Barron LMUS TCL LTCL(GMT)
46 Merrivale Rd, Stafford, ST17 9EB
Tel 01785 603020
E-mail: barron@onetel.com
Tuition in jazz keyboard, woodwind, brass, theory - to professional level.
Richard Boote
Eccleshall
ST21 6JR
Tel. 01785 229562
Mob. 07974 196001
http://www.richardboote.co.uk/bandsite/
Tuition in classical, electric and bass guitar; all styles, classical, rock, folk, jazz, blues, fingerstyle; Recording Artist for Spiritsong Recordings UK; Composer, Session musician, guitar and keyboards.
Andrew Brakes GBSM ABSM(Gen Mus) ABSM (Organ) Cert Ed
12, Bodmin Avenue, Weeping Cross, Stafford. ST17 0ED
Tel. 01785 603256
http://www.andrewbrakespiano.co.uk/contact.html
E-mail: info@andrewbrakespiano.co.uk
Tuition in Piano
Rosa J Cook LRAM LTCL ABSM
17 Rickerscote Road
Stafford
ST17 9ET
Tel. 01785 251272
Singing tuition: pupils prepared for professional or amateur stage exams, music festivals etc.
Mrs Corella Cope BA
Wildwood
Stafford
ST17 4RF
Tel. 01785 618244
Tuition in Clarinet, Piano, Theory, Recorder
Jenny Couch
58 Torrington Avenue
Weeping Cross
Stafford
ST17 0JF
Tel. 01785 603815
Music tuition - clarinet, double bass and theory; all ages and standards welcome.
Mat Dale
28 Victoria Terrace
Stafford
ST16 3HA
Tel. 01785 248841
Mob. 07970047889
E-mail: mdale@matdalemusicservices.co.uk
www.matdalemusicservices.co.uk
Guitar Tuition / Solo, Duo and band for Hire / Session Musician / Studio Recording / P.A. Hire / D.J. Hire
Joe Dring
134 Lichfield Rd, Stone, ST15 8PY
Tel: 01785 811544
Guitar tuition - Rock, Pop, Folk, Blues. Acoustic or Electric, beginners welcome.
Chris Gumbley BA(Hons) LTCL
53 Peel Terrace
Stafford
ST16 3HE
Tel. 01785 259144
Woodwind tuition: clarinet and saxophone; specialist jazz knowledge; live jazz available for private functions. Runs Gumbles Jazz Club at the Prince of Wales, Weston Rd, Stafford.
Mrs Sheila Hemming HonLCM LLCM(PfT)
1 Sunningdale
Walton
Stone
Staffs
ST15 0LZ.
Tel: 01785 812965
Advanced and diploma tuition in piano
Joe Hill BTEC National Certificate + Diploma
Stafford
ST17 9BT
Mob. 0785 4048981
Tuition in drums, percussion; rock, pop, funk, Latin, blues and many more
Harry Hitchen
33 Baswich Lane
Weeping Cross
Stafford
ST17 0BH
Tel. 01785 223917
Music lessons - piano, pipe organ, oboe, electric organ, keyboards, music theory.
Jo Jingles
Contact: Christine Cubbon
22 North Castle Street
Castletown
Stafford
ST16 2EH
Tel. 01785 226262
Leading pre-school music and movement group; offers fun and educational group sessions using active music, actions, instruments, nursery rhymes. also playgroups, nurseries, parties.
Classes in Stafford, Stone, Stoke-on-Trent, Penkridge, Cannock, Newcastle-under-Lyme and Cheadle (also in 400 centres across UK).
Mrs B Lockley LLCM ALCM
14 Woodlands Avenue
Stone
ST15 0DT
Tel. 01785 813191
Tuition in piano
Mrs Selina Madeley G Mus RNCM PGDip RSAMD
9 Lyric Close
Stafford
ST17 9GG
Tel. 01785 211218
Tuition in Classical Guitar, Lute; also teaches at the Royal Scottish Academy of Music and Drama and performs as a soloist and as part of the Scottish Guitar Duo.
Paul McCarthy LGSM LTCL CT ABRSM
15 Telegraph Street
Stafford
ST17 4AT
Tel. 01785 612160
E-mail: wellerweller64@yahoo.co.uk
Mobile: 07758817810
Tuition in drum kit and percussion.
Laura Mole BSc Hons (Music Technology)
Stone
Staffordshire
ST15 8LF
Mob. 07709209050
Tuition in vocals; classical, musicals and pop; beginners to intermediate
Monkey Music
Contact: Pat Curnick-Orrin
18 Bakewell Drive
Stone,
ST15 8YR
Tel: 01785 814077
E-mail: pat.curnickorrin@monkeymusic.co.uk
www.monkeymusic.co.uk
Delivering music classes to pre-school age (6 months to four years) children. Set up locally in 2004 as part of a national franchise. Weekly groups at Stone Station Community Centre, Station Approach, Stone; New Vic Theatre, Etruria Road, Basford, Newcastle-under-Lyme; Gatehouse Theatre, Eastgate Street, Stafford.
Music with Mummy
Contact: Rachel Fuller Tel. 01889 569986
E-mail: rachel-fuller@talk21.com
http://www.musicwithrachel.co.uk/
Weekly sessions for pre-school children in Stafford and Colwich
Angela Nevins LRAM LGSM(TrumpetT) ATCL ALCM(PfT)
Ashton House Ash Lane
Yarnfield
Stone
Staffordshire
ST15 0NJ
01785 760432
07967102334
Tuition in piano and brass, beginners to advanced
Paul Nevins GRSM LGSM Prof.Cert.RAM Cert.Ed.
Great Haywood
Staffordshire
ST18 0GF
01889 882338
07967 102335
Trumpet tuition, beginners to advanced
Mrs Bobby Annette Oxlade LTCL(FluteT) CT ABRSM
103 Baswich Lane
Stafford
ST17 0BN.
Tel: 01785 249686
Flute tuition - beginner to advanced. Visiting Flute Teacher, St Dominic's Priory School, Stone, Staffs.
Mrs M E Phillips GTCL LTCL
Wyverne
Wharf Road
Gnosall
Stafford
ST20 0DA
Tel. 01785 823783
Tuition in piano aural and theory, beginners to diploma level.
Pippa Redfern
85 Meadow Way
Walton
Stone
Staffs
ST15 0JT
Tel. 01785 818747
Teacher of piano & keyboard, encouraging adults and children of all abilities to discover music. Play for pleasure or gain recognised examination requirements.
Frank Wadkin LRAM(Trumpet) LGSM(TrumpetT) CertEd
Priory Cottage
Baswich Lane
Stafford
ST18 0YD.
Tel: 01785 242319 Fax: 01785 242319
E-mail: f.wadkin@btinternet.com
Peripatetic Brass Teacher and Conductor Staffordshire County Music School, Staffordshire Performing Arts.
Mr Chris Watt BA Hons Jazz Studies
44 Siemens Road
Stafford
ST17 4DT
Tel. 01785 229902
Mob. 07779 587379
E-mail: whereschris@hotmail.com
Tuition in Guitar Jazz, rock, pop, Plectrum guitar, Sight reading, Graded exams, Beginners Bass, Theory. Lessons tailored to suit needs and aspirations.
Paul Weaver
Tel. 01785 780751
Singing lessons; coaching, preparation for examinations and concerts, singing just for fun. Beginners especially welcome, also beginners piano.
Alistair Roy Wightman MAOxon DPhilYork LRAM(PfT) ARCO
1 St Austell Close
Stafford
ST17 0EE.
Tel: 01785 664626 Fax: 01785 664626
E-mail: arwightman@aol.com
Advanced and diploma tuition in piano
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Charmaine Baines
Mob. 07865023268
E-mail: charmainebaines66@yahoo.co.uk
Creative music workshops to all ages, social and cultural backgrounds. The aim is to promote self confidence and awareness, team building and interaction skills whilst developing a basic understanding and awareness to all mixed heritage backgrounds. Work includes Young Offenders Institutions.
Andrew Baker
Tel. 01785 245450
E-mail: ajbakeresq@hotmail.com
Composer, including Composer in Residence at Shugborough in 2005. Composed for choirs, particularly Cantemus, plus several dance and arts projects e.g. for Stafford Asian Arts Festivals and dancer Geetha Sridhar, and "Spirit of Place" with artists in different media exploring particular places.
Joe Blanks
Stafford
http://www.myspace.com/joeblanks
Young Drummer of the Year 2006, and film made with Greg McKinney was the winner of viewers' film competition on BBC TV Newsnight, December 2006.
Jon Broberg
Stafford
Mob. 07886 008651
http://www.jonbroberg.com/
E-mail: jon@jonbroberg.com
Session drummer and percussionist. Professional drum tuition to the highest standard, styles from Jazz and Funk to Hip Hop and Heavy Metal, from punky beats to drum n bass and Latin percussion. Recent students include three finalists in the National Young Drummer of the Year competition. Fully equipped studio in the Stone /Stafford area.
Alan Cartwright
Ivydene, 29 Wordsworth Avenue,
Castle Ridge,
Stafford
ST17 9UB
Tel. 01785 253341
E-mail: adpcartwright@aol.com Musician (pianist, electric organ and keyboards) and teacher. Wide knowledge of Big Band music.
The Early Music Man
Contact: Terry Carter
10 Fairview Way,
Stafford
ST17 0AU
Tel. 01785 245253
E-mail: tcarter@tcarter.force9.co.uk
www.earlymusicman.co.uk
Mediaeval and Tudor music and dance including Hurdy Gurdy , Bass Viol, Pipe and Tabor, Rauschpfeife, Medieval Violin, Psaltery, Crumhorn and Rebec. Demonstrations and workshops on early music and dance to schools, community groups and societies, and performing in historical properties e.g. National Trust.
Kerry Milan
48 Fairview Way,
Baswich,
Stafford
ST17 0AX.
Tel: 01785 255884
E-mail: Kerry_Milan@msn.com
Website: http://ardrosshouse.com/
Composer. Most recent work is 'Completus', six settings of compline texts for SATB and double choir. A recording by Czech chamber choir 'Ars Brunensis' is now available.
Ed Peczek
14 Redruth Drive,
Baswich,
Stafford
ST17 0FJ
Tel. 01785 228283;
Mob. 07949299023
E-mail: edpeczek@hotmail.com
Classical Guitarist; light background music for corporate events, weddings etc
Shruthi UK
Contact: Dr. Chithra Ramakrishnan Tel. 01889 270379
E-mail: chithra.ramakrishnan@gmail.com
Founder and Artistic director of Shruthi UK to promote Indian Arts in the UK. Proficient in South Asian music and dance as Bharata Natyam dancer, vocalist, choreographer and dance and music educator. Performed in US, India, Middle East and the UK. Works as freelance artist for arts organisations, community workshops for schools and local communities in Indian music, dance and culture and as performer and vocalist.
Tim Watts
Tel. 07807 991875
E-mail: tim@audioclique.co.uk
Producing/Engineering music aimed for release. Experience in all aspects of the music industry, Specialist in Software and Studio environments. Interested in youth development programmes to share some knowledge.
Last Modified:
26/04/2010 11:04:10
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