24/09/2026
I am still on a high from last Friday!
The Stage Is Yours was a huge success, and the performers are still absolutely buzzing!!
Every January I set my students a 4 week challenge- They need to learn a tricky song, technique, play in front of family etc. They all only have 4 weeks, and I write if they pass or fail on my whiteboard for everyone to see. (A bit mean, but boo hoo)
I realised, I never set myself challenges! So, I booked The Marketplace Theatre, told everyone about it, so I couldn't back out, and started to construct a show!
DFK Performing Arts Academy Baker Street School Of Music JMP Drum Tutor JR Guitar School Rafferty and damianheron all pitched in very talented students to the mix!
Once I had a list of our best students, I formed age and ability appropriate bands, made them pick an artist from a hat, and then choose a song from that artist 😂
The work that the students put in all throughout summer, (and the parents for driving then to and from!) was massive, and it all paid off.
The confidence I saw on that stage reminded me what this is all about - (in my opinion at least) kids have enough stress, homework, grades, climbing the ranks in and outside of school etc.. This is meant to spark something that an exam cannot give you. I may lose some students from saying that, but frankly if you thought I was all about exams at this stage, it's your fault 😂
Perhaps a slightly controversial approach I have is NOT everyone is a winner. Me and the other tutors made a shortlist of only our most dedicated students, who put in a lot of effort. If you or your family member want to take part in next years show (which I'm already planning) I can assure you, the competition is going to be even greater.. That's a word of warning for all the students that took part in this years event, too!
Thank you all so much for making this a genuinely life long memory for every performer, to all the incredible tutors backstage actually making the show run so unbelievably smooth, without you guys, (Saran, Jonny, Sean Mckenna and Sean Lynn, Oisin, Jade and Johnny P) there would have been a bunch of students waiting backstage with their hands in their pockets! You guys pulled off such a pro job. And to Ryan Belshaw and Eden View Photography for capturing the night!
I will of course keep you posted on upcoming events, and once the videos are ready, I will make sure to spam them here!!!
Cheers folks!!
