Beatbox Workshops for PRU’s and SEMHs | Beatboxing

School of Beatbox has been delivering workshops in PRUs (pupil referral units) and SEMH (social, emotional & mental health) establishments. These young people are often disengaged with education and the arts, so we feel that it's even more important to reach out and show them what's possible.

Danny Ladwa, founder of School of Beatbox said "I'm passionate about working with young people in these types of settings because I know how much difference music can make. Seeing the children and young people get noticeably excited and engage in the activities is a joy. Beatboxing and working with the voice can be transformational".

A Way to Connect and Express Yourself:

Young people in PRUs and SEMHs often have a deep connection with music. Music can provide a sense of calm and expressiveness that's often lacking from everyday lives. It can be a way to connect with others and share common experiences. Music can also help young people to develop their self-confidence and identity. When young people feel connected to music, they often perform better in other areas of their lives. This is because music requires focus, discipline, and creative thinking - all skills that can be transferred to other areas of life. Music can also be a positive outlet for emotions, helping young people to regulate their moods and constructively channel their energy. For these reasons, it's important to provide opportunities for young people in PRUs and SEMHs to engage with music regularly.

What goes on in a beatbox workshop:

The beatbox workshop will start with the tutor welcoming each participant to the space with high energy and enthusiasm. This is to set the tone for the day and let everyone know that they are in for an amazing time.

After a quick icebreaker, the tutor will demonstrate some of the sounds that can be made with the voice. The participants will then be given a chance to have a go themselves and try their sounds out using the microphone. After learning some basic rhythms and some harder ones, the session will move to the loop station where collaborative group songs can be made.

Loop stations allow you to record samples of your voice whether it be beatbox rhythms, singing, or sound effects. These samples get layered up one on top of the other until you have a complete soundtrack.

This next part of the workshop is always unique as each participant can either choose their sound or rhythm or they can be suggested by the tutor. This is where the creativity starts to flow and the participants get to put their spin on the song.

The next part is adding lyrics to the backing track that has been created by the group's voices. The tutor will help with writing the lyrics and getting them to fit with the rhythm of the beat. The song can be about anything that the group wants to write about.

Once the lyrics are written, it's time to learn the song and perform it in front of the group. This is always a special moment as it's the first time that everyone has heard the finished product. The performance can be filmed on a phone or camera so that the participants can show their friends and family what they have achieved.

This type of creative workshop teaches a plethora of valuable things like:

Creative writing skills, listening skills, teamwork, sharing ideas, collaborative writing, rhythm & timing, and storytelling.

These workshops also help with confidence and boost self-esteem and participants leave the session with a sense of achievement.

Delivering with Sensitivity:

Our beatbox workshop facilitators are highly trained and experienced in working with children and young people with a wide range of mental health issues. They are sensitive to the needs of each individual in the group and adapt the delivery of the workshop to meet the needs of the whole group. This requires a sense of awareness and sensitivity, as well as a deep understanding of the issues that can impact mental health. Our facilitators are committed to providing a safe and supportive environment for all participants, and to helping them develop their confidence and self-esteem through music. By working together, we can help participants overcome their mental health challenges and lead fulfilling lives.

We are now offering workshops in beatboxing, songwriting and music industry knowledge for primary and secondary schools, sixth form, PRU's and SEMH establishments. If you would like to find out more please get in touch.

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