Music making is coming to the masses

STOCKTON is spearheading the way in the music making world with a
brilliant, and unique, new facility.

 

Tees Valley Music Service (TVMS) now boasts 'Sound Pod'  -  the only,
state-of-the-art multi music-making, and learning, venue in the whole of
the UK.

 

There is only one similar type of facility based in the USA and TVMS is
delighted globally renowned session musician Craig Blundell is coming to
try it out for himself at the launch.

 

The amazing 'Sound Pod' is based at the TVMS on Bishopton Road West,
Stockton and consists of no less than twelve discrete area 'pods'.

 

Each 'pod'  has an electronic drum kit and percussion pad, keyboard,
bass guitar and lead guitar which are all linked to a central console
control desk.

 

From the control desk the teacher can instruct students on a completely
individual, or group, basis through headphones.

 

Web based images are also projected on to a wall to show, for example,
the exact fingering patterns for guitars and keyboards.

 

Now schools across the Tees Valley can take advantage of this
exceptional facility as well as members of the community and plans are
also afoot for family sessions.

 

Students will not only be able to learn to play musical instruments, but
also to read music and progress through music grades.

 

The inspiration for Sound Pod came from Stockton and Hartlepool Area
Development Co-ordinator for TVMS, Dan Jones, who is the current UK
Peripatetic Music Teacher of the year.

 

Dan said: "Sound Pod is a dream teaching and learning environment and
with it comes more opportunities for everyone to learn how to play a
musical instrument. Not only that, but it offers the opportunity for
youngsters to meet and make music together.

 

"I am particularly excited we are opening the Sound Pod nearly a year to
the day I received my award as Music Teacher of the Year at the Royal
Albert Hall.

 

"Sound Pod has certainly caught the imagination of global session
musician  Craig Blundell and we are delighted this tremendously
inspiring musician is coming along to show his support."

 

Councillor Alex Cunningham, Stockton Council's Cabinet Member for
Children and Young People is extremely enthusiastic about Sound Pod and
said: "Sound Pod has to be seen to be believed. It holds so many
possibilities and is a fantastic new way for groups of students or
individuals to learn music.

 

"It will give a tremendous boost to the teaching of music across the
Tees Valley not only for our schoolchildren but to all members of the
community." 

 

Funding for the Sound Pod came from a Music Service Grant and TVMS's
own resources.

 

The bespoke and complex wiring system was installed by Bandland Music
store of Portrack, Stockton.

    http://www.stockton.gov.uk/

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