Children's mental health is important!

A MUSICIAN who has worked with some of the biggest names in music has stressed its importance in boosting wellbeing among young children during Children’s Mental Health Week (1-7 February).

https://www.childrensmentalhealthweek.org.uk/

Jon Eno, who founded not-for-profit social enterprise Hot House Music in Derby in 2002, has seen demand for lessons soar during the past 12 months, as more and more people take up singing or playing an instrument.

And with the ability to host lessons online now, Hot House Music – which has schools across the UK and is planning on opening branches in Singapore, Lyon and Texas soon – has been able to host guest teachers, including John Waugh; the saxophonist with chart-topping band the 1975.

Jon Eno said: “During the coronavirus pandemic, and thanks to the advancements in technology, we have been able to democratise access to music so that more and more people – particularly children – can get involved with music.

“In just 72 hours last year, Hot House Music went from holding all of our lessons face-to-face to having most online and that has enabled us to grow by 17.5 per cent.

“The fact that we have been able to move our lessons online means that more people have been able to access more great art.

“We were able to host a session with John Waugh, the saxophone player with chart-topping band The 1975, recently. He’s one of the greatest saxophonists in the world and a former Hot House Music alumni. The fact that John can be wherever in the world but dial in, using Zoom, and our pupils can play, record, perform and learn from someone like John is incredible.

You can watch the session here:

“There are amazing teachers, amazing artists right here in Derby but we can really take it to the next level of enrichment just by embracing the technology we have available.

“We talk with our students across the UK and we find that, with them being at home more with their parents and carers, learning music – whether that is playing an instrument or singing – has given them that much-needed release at a difficult time.

“Music makes them smile, makes them resilient and brave with what is going on, so we’re super proud with how they have coped during the pandemic.”

Did you see us on Notts TV? https://nottstv.com/programme/ey-up-notts-wednesday-27th-january/ (19:57)

Hot House Music has gone from strength-to-strength over the past 19 years and its graduates have worked with big-names, including Noel Gallagher, Paloma Faith and Lewis Capaldi, who had the biggest-selling album of 2020.

Other notable graduates have gone on to become heart surgeons while one former pupil was a part of the medical team who came up with the Oxford Astra-Zeneca coronavirus vaccine.

Jon, a former Ripley Mill Hill pupil, added: “Music is so important, especially at the moment when things are really uncertain. It allows you to feel good inside while giving you a boost of confidence.

“Our aim is to help budding musicians to become more confident and resilient through an engaging and creative outlet. We encourage them to be part of a family which supports progression, creativity and fun.”

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