Join our Post-16 open afternoon for Music Technology National Diploma Course on Tuesday 17th October, 4pm-6pm, and take the first step toward your dream career in the world of music production and technology.
What we offer:
*Cutting-edge Music Tech education
*Experienced Instructors
*Hands-on studio time
*Industry-standard equipment
*Collaboration with fellow music aficionados
Transform your passion for music into a career with our BTEC Vocational National Diploma in Music Technology course which is designed for 16-18 year-olds who are ready to make their mark in the music industry.
Whether you dream of producing chart-topping hits, engineering live performances, or crafting unique soundscapes, our course will empower you to reach your full potential. Our Music Technology course paves the way for an array of thrilling opportunities in the world of sound and music!
Unlock your potential:
*Music Producer: Craft chart-topping hits and shape the future of music!
*Sound Engineer: Elevate live performances and studio recordings to perfection!
*Film and Game Audio Specialist: Create immersive soundscapes for movies and video games!
*Music Educator: Inspire the next generation of musicians and tech-savvy creators!
With our expert guidance, hands-on experience, and industry-standard equipment, you’ll be well -prepared to follow your passion and succeed in the dynamic Music Tech industry.
For more information and to apply, visit the course page and complete the form to express your interest or contact us on (01302) 327769, email: mail@higherrhythm.co.uk.
Your journey to a vibrant musical future starts here!
We are delighted to share the news that Higher Rhythm is now a registered provider with the Office for Students. We will be taking expressions of interest soon for our HND Music Technology and Sound Engineering commencing September 2024.
We’re very excited to be providing students with the very best academic experience, all at a professional music industry organisation.
With our HND Music Technology and Sound Engineering you will get a qualification, grow your network, and build professional experience all at the same time, and graduate industry-ready in just 2 years!
Our tutors and guest lecturers have worked with the biggest names in music. These include, Sir George Martin, The Rolling Stones, UNKLE, Idlewild, Skinny Pelembe, Paul van Dyk, Sister Bliss, Editors, and more….
Most importantly, Higher Rhythm is a prominent music industry player regionally and nationally. Our team aren’t just qualified tutors, they’re established industry-pros. With us, you will study in REAL recording studios filled with high-end equipment (such as the SSL Origin console in our main studio). We’re proud of our reputation of producing highly-skilled pros who go on to work in all sectors of the industry.
At Higher Rhythm, we don’t just get you through a qualification. We will give you the skills and experience that you will need to be at the front of the queue for work opportunities as soon as you graduate from the course.
Our NCS Community Experiences programme funded by National Citizen Service that will support young people across Doncaster.
The grant is part of a significant £20m funding package that NCS Trust have awarded to organisations across England.
Furthermore, these new experiences will complement NCS’ away from home residential offer, and engage more teenagers in local activities. Grants will support organisations that cater to specific groups of young people who may not have participated in NCS initiatives.
In collaboration with the National Youth Agency and StreetGames, NCS assessed more than 400 applications. Higher Rhythm was selected as one of around 100 organisations to receive funding.
“I am delighted to welcome a diverse range of local, grassroots and community organisations from across the youth sector to deliver reimagined NCS experiences. This allows us to reach more young people than ever before, ensuring they are equipped with the skills and perspective to become work ready and world ready. Additionally, our grants for targeted experiences will enable us to reach underserved young people and communities.”
“Together, we will work towards creating a country of confident, connected, caring citizens where everyone feels at home.”
Over the past decade, more than 800,000 young people have benefitted from an NCS experience. They have dedicated over 18 million hours to community based social action, while gaining invaluable life experiences.
To book a place, please visit our NCS Community Experiences page and complete an expression of interest.
Position | Level 3 BTEC National Diploma in Music Technology Course Leader |
Location | Doncaster |
Hours and days of work | Between 9.00 pm – 5.30pm (Working hours to be agreed) 4 days per week |
Reporting to | Senior Manager |
Purpose of the position | The Level 3 Course Leader has the ultimate responsibility for making sure that all students are engaging fully in the Level 3 BTEC National Diploma in Music Technology course and achieving to expected standards. The successful applicant will lead a small team of tutors and engage with students and tutors on a daily basis. |
Working Relationships | Internal: Level 3 team of tutors Exams officer SENCO Lead Internal Verifier Admin CEO External: External Quality Assurers Pearson Awarding body Key education partners |
Salaries and Benefits | £32064 pro rata at 4 days weekly |
Key Areas | Accountabilities |
Key duties | Lead on curriculum delivery Teach units in the Level 3 BTEC National Diploma in Music Technology course. Coordinate and manage all activities associated with the Level 3 National Diploma in Music Technology. Ensure consistent, high-quality teaching and learning on the programme. Maintain close liaison with key education partners to ensure all academic requirements are met. Review and develop teaching and learning methods and strategies for the enhancement of quality and student engagement and achievement. Work closely and collaboratively with the wider Higher Rhythm team to secure the successful delivery of all course key performance indicators. |
Person Specification | At least 2 years’ experience within education management roles. A teaching qualification (PGCE, DTTLS, CertEd or equivalent) Experience in the use and development of VLEs. Friendly disposition with excellent interpersonal skills. Highly organised and able to implement processes and procedures. Great communication, grammar and proofing skills. Ability to work from own initiative. Great attention to detail. Reliable with excellent timekeeping and time management. Knowledge and interest in music, preferably as an active musician. |
How to Apply
Please submit your CV with a cover letter (of no more than 1 side of A4) which supports your application with details of two references to: mail@higherrhythm.co.uk
A full Job Description is available to view and download here
The closing date for applications is Monday 7th August 5.00 pm
Interviews will be held in-person at Higher Rhythm on Friday 11th August between 10.00 am – 4.00 pm
The successful candidate will be subject to qualification checks, satisfactory references and enhanced disclosure via the Disclosure and Barring Service.
Stage Invasion is our annual initiative providing opportunities for young people to gain real-world experience within the live music industry. Stage Invasion 2023 will end with a live finale event just like previous years. The event is being held at Doncaster Dome Leisure Centre on Thursday 13th July.
Tickets are FREE but seats are limited so grab one now as the last event was a capacity audience.
Stage invasion is run in partnership with Doncaster Music Education Hub. It has happened this year thanks to funding from Youth Music through Arts Council England. We work with young songwriters / music artists who enter Stage Invasion each year, to develop music they have created. This is developed until they are able to perform it live, at a high-standard.
We then offer the opportunity to play at a professionally-produced live event, held at a music venue, where the audience votes and the winner gets to record their music in the pro studio at Higher Rhythm. We work with schools (including academies and colleges) to provide opportunities for students to participate in Stage Invasion each year. This is currently a FREE opportunity due to working with a range of funders and partners.
Huge thank you to Doncaster Culture & Leisure Trust for once again, providing the venue for the Stage Invasion 2023 annual live music event.
We can’t wait for a fantastic night of live music presented by Higher Rhythm students. Our end of year event, held at The Leopard, Doncaster, Wednesday 28th June, 6.30pm – 9.00pm (doors at 6.15pm), will showcase the talent of all our BTEC National Diploma Level 3 in Music Technology Year 1 and Year 2 learners.
The event will include live music performances from our learners, who will also manage the event, and handle the sound and lighting. There will also be a special guest appearance from our very own Joe Russell-Brown, singer and songwriter with indie-dream pop band Bungalow who were recently championed by BBC Radio 1, and 6 Music.
Tickets are only £1 on the door and ages 16+ are welcome. Come and join us for a fantastic night of live music presented by Higher Rhythm students.
Events such as our end of year showcase demonstrate our unique model of delivering a National Diploma in authentic industry settings, providing a truly immersive learning experience for learners.
If you are looking for a post-16 destination we still have a few spaces left for the 2023-2024 academic year, but act fast. We keep class sizes to a maximum of 12 to ensure that everyone gets the support they need to develop a high-level of technical competency.
For further information regarding our BTEC National Diploma Level 3 in Music Technology please click here to register your interest in a place on the course, book an introductory session, and receive a free Music Industry Guide download.
We’re excited to announce our new exhibition “Doncaster Sound Memories On Tour” commissioned by the DMBC culture team.
The “Doncaster Sound Memories On Tour” exhibition will use vacant space in Doncaster city centre. Each location will feature a colour ‘block image’ of a famous music artist, and a short story about a local person’s encounter with that music artist in Doncaster. The collection of images will feature exhibition branding. A QR code will also enable easy interaction to find out more.
The exhibition is interactive, and will unfold in individual pieces as people walk around the city centre. Every piece will create an inspirational impression of Doncaster, linking famous music artists with local venues.
We have completed a large public exhibition entitled Doncaster Sound Memories wrapped around the corner of the Higher Rhythm building. This exhibition consists of 24 stories of encounters with famous music artists in Doncaster by local people alongside 1m x 1m colour block illustration of the relevant music artist.
Over the years, people have told us some incredible stories about encounters they’ve had with music artists in Doncaster. Doncaster Sound Memories exists to celebrate and preserve these stories about local musical history. Peoples’ personal interactions with music artists offers a truly locally rooted peer to peer sharing of stories of art and culture.
Higher Rhythm have successfully bid to communications regulator Ofcom to establish a DAB digital radio broadcasting service for Doncaster.
A DAB multiplex is a system hosting many radio stations, allowing each to broadcast over DAB to the same area. Previously, DAB multiplexes have been licensed across large areas, such as counties. Ofcom are now offering licenses to run DAB multiplexes in smaller areas such as single cities.
Higher Rhythm will hold the license for and run Doncaster DAB, Doncaster’s digital radio multiplex. This will allow existing and new radio stations to broadcast over DAB across the whole borough.
Doncaster DAB will expand the choice of digital radio channels locally. This will therefore provide media that’s more representative and relevant to the broadest range of local audiences.
We already have commitments from existing Doncaster stations such as (our own) Sine FM, TX1 and TMCR, to join the multiplex. We also have commitments from stations from outside Doncaster, such as UK Asian station Radio Sangam. The broadcast media landscape is set to change hugely when this new digital radio broadcasting service is launched. This is therefore a big win for the city of Doncaster.
Organisations who want to start their own station, can submit proposals to join Doncaster DAB. There are just a few more available slots remaining on the multiplex.
Higher Rhythm’s Doncaster Sound Memories project has delivered its exciting finale… We’ve created a large-scale Doncaster Sound Memories public exhibition, wrapped around the corner of our building on Nether Hall Road.
Funded by Heritage Lottery Fund, the project has engaged local people to contribute stories about encounters with music artists in Doncaster. The project has captured, preserved and celebrated these music memories of local people. The stories are based on oral historical accounts of musical events and encounters people have experienced in Doncaster. People have also participated in training and as volunteers. We’ve underpinned the entire project with interviews, broadcast as special features on Sine FM.
The last part of the project is this exhibition. The exhibition features excerpts from 24 of the stories contributed by local people. Stories range from having breakfast with the Beatles, to pushing Captain Sensible down the street in a shopping trolley!
Measuring 10m wide and 3m high, it’s also one of the largest permanent public exhibitions ever created in Doncaster. Being street-based, the Doncaster Sound Memories exhibition is free to visit and it’s even illuminated at night for 24/7 viewing.
Since the exhibition has gone live we’ve counted hundreds of people each day stopping as they walk past to view the exhibition. Make sure you get down to have a look and use the QR code displayed to send us your feedback.
Attend one of our free, Creativity Counts, learning sessions in March. As well as enjoying learning about something new, you’ll also get free lunch and get your grocery shopping paid for!
With support from Well Doncaster we’re offering these free, 1-day creative learning sessions for Doncaster adults aged 18+ throughout March and April.
Based around music technology and radio broadcasting, the Creativity Counts sessions will also explore the role of numbers in these industries. These small, exciting workshops will only accommodate 4 people each day, and are just 4 hours long.
You don’t need any previous experience in music or media to participate. Just come along with an open mind and an appetite to learn something new. We have designed these sessions to be fun and they won’t cost you a penny…
Each attendee will receive £10 on the day for lunch. At the end of the day, every participant also gets a £50 grocery shopping voucher, which can be spent just like cash, in supermarkets.
If you’re 18+ and live in Doncaster and are not in full-time employment, complete the form below to reserve your place. Each session only has 4 places so make sure you reserve your place straight away to avoid missing out.
We’ve now extended the program into April and can also reimburse travel expenses if you are a participant who lives in Stainforth.
This programme is funded by Doncaster Council and South Yorkshire Mayoral Combined Authority through the Department of Education’s Multiply programme.
Position | Volunteer Coordinator at Higher Rhythm Ltd |
Location | Doncaster |
Hours and days of work | Between 9.00 pm – 5.30pm (Working hours to be agreed) 3.5 days per week This is a 18 months position starting April 1st 2023 |
Reporting to | Media Services Manager / Music Projects Manager |
Purpose of the position | This person will coordinate volunteers and other participants on the Plugged-In Doncaster project, being delivered by Higher Rhythm Ltd |
Working Relationships | Internal: Media services and Quality Manager Music Projects Manager Admin CEO External: Other agencies and departments as appropriate External Service Providers |
Salaries and Benefits | (£23541 PRO RATA) £16416 per annum at 3.5 days weekly |
Key Areas | Accountabilities |
Key duties | Timetabling activities and resources for volunteers and project participants Tech upkeep & operation of music production and radio / media equipment Tutoring (up to level 3 competency) music technology and radio media Communication with employees, volunteers and outside bodies Keeping records, filing systems and logging information Operating computers (PC and Mac) and maintaining files Undertaking other relevant tasks as may be reasonably required |
Training Support | Providing training around music & media technology, and coordinating external training provision, for volunteers. Most of this training will be on accredited, community level delivery and short taster courses. |
Systems, Procedures And previous experience. | It is expected that the post holder should be competent using music and media technologies and computer applications, as well as office / email applications, and be competent using social media and website admin systems. The post holder must have experience working within the arts / learning sector / community sector, and have some experience working on publicly funded projects. Excellent organisational and communication skills are essential, as is the ability to work to deadlines when necessary. Applicants must be able to display the ability to work alone, on their own initiative, and also as an effective member of a team within the organisation. |
How to Apply
Please submit your CV with a cover letter (of no more than 2 pages) which supports your application with details of two references to: mail@higherrhythm.co.uk
The closing date for applications is Monday 13th March 1pm
Interviews will be held in-person at Higher Rhythm in the week commencing Monday 20th March
The successful candidate will be subject to qualification checks, satisfactory references and enhanced disclosure via the Disclosure and Barring Service.
Find out more about the Plugged-In Doncaster project here.
This post is funded by National Lottery Community Fund.
Join our next Post 16 Music Technology open evening on Tuesday 31st January, 4pm-5pm.
This early evening session is especially for young people interested in the Level 3 National Diploma in Music Technology.
This session will introduce you to our programme and give an opportunity to see our facility.
Higher Rhythm’s studios are brimming with world-class equipment, making them the best in the region. Come and see for yourself why our courses grow each year and why our students achieve and progress.
You’ll get to meet some of our team, see our pro level recording studios and ask questions about our programme. Dan, the course leader is an established music artist with tons of experience performing and recording. Leading the National Diploma for five years, he can answer your questions about how to successfully move from education into professional industry.
We believe that anyone with the right support and determination, can play a part in the national success story of the UK music industry. Our Post 16 Music Technology is a serious step towards a career in music.
Call us on (01302) 327769, email mail@higherrhythm.co.uk or visit the course page and complete the form to express your interest.
This special introductory session at our Doncaster city centre site is the start of your journey into the professional industry.
Join the open evening on Tuesday 13th December, 4pm-5pm, for young people interested in our Level 3 National Diploma in Music Technology.
Places on this outstanding rated programme are limited, so to secure your place you need to enroll early. This session will give you an overview of our programme and an opportunity to see our sector leading facility.
Record labels and established artists have used our facilities to make their records for over 21 years. An analogue Solid State Logic mixing console in our main studio, partners with Universal Audio digital recording interfaces. We’ve invested in equipment from the best manufacturers in the world for over two decades, this is what sets our studio apart. This means that you benefit from having access to the professional equipment used in the real music industry.
The music industry contributes £5.2 billion to the UK economy, to this end employing over 190,000 people. We believe that anyone with the right support and determination, can play a part in this national success story.
Call us on (01302) 327769, email mail@higherrhythm.co.uk or visit the course page and complete the form to express your interest.
This special National Diploma introductory session is being held at our Doncaster city centre site.
Higher Rhythm, has been supported by Solid State Logic, a world-leader in recording equipment and featured amongst music industry royalty on their website.
SSL are one of the biggest names in music industry equipment, manufacturing high-end mixing desks for over 50 years. They are used in the world’s leading studios, by artists from The Stones and Oasis, to U2 and Dr Dre.
Building recording equipment in Oxford, SSL have supported Higher Rhythm with a discounted SSL ‘Origin’ console for their main studio. This is used daily for recording and for teaching Higher Rhythm’s students on courses such as the National Diploma in Music Technology.
Steve Mundin, Higher Rhythm CEO said, “Being featured on the SSL website, amongst music industry greats, is a proud moment. We provide access to genuinely world-class studio equipment such as the Origin console in our main studio. This offers the people who use our studios to record and learn, the very best professional industry experience.”
Read the feature about Higher Rhythm, on the SSL website here:
https://www.solidstatelogic.com/media/higher-rhythm-acquires-solid-state-logic-origin
Enquiries for our next national diploma open days for Music Technology for post 16 learners are open. Expressions of interest for our programmes have been higher than ever this year.
We are therefore running two more open days on Wednesday the 27th of July and Wednesday the 3rd of August, for young people, aged 16 or 17, interested in enrolling on our next level three National Diploma in Music Technology, starting this September.
Our National Diploma is rated Outstanding by the National awarding body and is the perfect start to get into the music industry. The music industry is growing, offering more opportunity for employment than ever.
Our national diploma course is in its 10th successful year, structured around real industry practice. With us, you get to use professional equipment, and learn from established industry pros. This approach sets us apart and supports our learners to achieve, and to go on to succeed.
The open days will run from 10 am to 3:30 pm. You will get to meet some of our staff so you can talk about your goals. You will also have a tour of our industry-leading recording studios and music production facility. Get in touch to arrange a time slot that suits you.
Find out more about our diplomas here
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Stage Invasion is our annual initiative providing opportunities for young people to gain real-world experience within the live music industry. Stage Invasion 2022 will end with a live finale event just like previous years. The event is being held at Doncaster Dome Leisure Centre on Thursday 14th July.
Tickets are FREE but seats are limited so grab one now as the last event was a capacity audience.
Stage invasion is run in partnership with Doncaster Music Education Hub. It has happened this year thanks to funding from Youth Music through Arts Council England. We work with young songwriters / music artists who enter Stage Invasion each year, to develop music they have created. This is developed until they are able to perform it live, at a high-standard.
We then offer the opportunity to play at a professionally-produced live event, held at a music venue, where the audience votes and the winner gets to record their music in the pro studio at Higher Rhythm. We work with schools (including academies and colleges) to provide opportunities for students to participate in Stage Invasion each year. This is currently a FREE opportunity due to working with a range of funders and partners.
Huge thank you to Doncaster Culture & Leisure Trust for once again, providing the venue for the Stage Invasion 2022 annual live music event.
There’s a job opportunity to join the Higher Rhythm / Sine FM team!
You will work on our new, Sound Opportunities project, acting as lead team member to coordinate and deliver music tech and media training to volunteers participating in the project. Our organisation provides a comprehensive range of music and media services and opportunities. This includes recording studios, live events and further education courses, the organisation also runs Sine FM, Doncaster’s community radio station.
The project is funded through Arts Council England’s Volunteering Futures programme through DCMS. Sound Opportunities aims to develop local volunteering by engaging people experiencing barriers to volunteering, and who have limited access to arts and cultural activity.
Accessible micro-volunteering opportunities will be on offer, with options to progress onto more sustained roles. Local people can apply directly to participate in the project. Community partner organisations with support specialisms outside of the cultural sector, also refer their clients in. This is intended to help to overcome participation barriers and builds better community links.
If you are ready for a new challenge and want to work for our organisation, get in touch. Application deadline for job opportunity: 5pm 6th May 2022. Interviews for this position will be held w/c May 16th 2022.
Download job description and application details here.
TUESDAY, 1 MARCH 2022 FROM 16:15-17:15
This taster session is for learners interested in our level three, national diploma in music technology, wishing to enrol September 2022.
Launched in January 2022, Doncaster Sound Memories project which will celebrate the fascinating stories of people from Doncaster as oral histories. It will do this through features on Sine FM radio station, on online platforms, and via the production of a large-scale public art piece.
There’s lots of opportunity for local people to get involved in the Doncaster Sound Memories project. You could either either through just telling us your story, or come on board as a project volunteer (or both!).
Maybe you’ve had a cup of tea with one of the Beatles… Bumped into Joey Ramone on town fields… Or picked up Kylie in a taxi! These are just some of the stories we’ve heard over the years! These kind of stories are what started the idea to develop this exciting new project. These stories are important locally. We want to preserve them as part of Doncaster’s history for people to enjoy in the future.
There’s free training available too… Learn how to interview, or discover how to produce audio features for radio. Develop new skills interviewing people in order to create oral histories.
This project is funded through Heritage Lottery Fund and is free to access for anybody from Doncaster.
If you’re from Doncaster, and have a musical story you think we’d love to hear, follow the link below.
Find out more about the project here
We are looking for an experienced project coordinator to deliver a exciting new project launching in January 2022
Application deadline 5pm 10th December 2021
There is currently administrator job position vacant at Higher Rhythm. We are looking for an energetic and enthusiastic administrator to join our dynamic team.
This team member will work front of house on our reception and support staff with admin. The administrator job is also key to supporting learners on our courses and projects. This isn’t the kind of admin job where you will just be sat in front of a computer and answering telephones. Our admin is at the heart of everything we do and a vital part of our team. We are all about supporting people, so the admin is often the first port of call for projects participants and learners.
Our organisation provides offers a wide range of music and media services and opportunities. This includes recording studios, live event promotions and further education courses. Amongst responsibilities, you will play a crucial role supporting our further education learners and programmes.
Additional to the above, our organisation also runs Sine FM, Doncaster’s community radio station. This makes this job an exciting opportunity to work for a real music and media industry company.
If this role sounds like a challenge you would enjoy, make sure to apply.
Application deadline is 22nd of September 2021.
Download job description and details here
Sine FM transmission power has been given a boost. After being re-licensed by Ofcom, the FM signal has almost 10 times more power.
All the necessary technical work is now complete. The FM signal is clearer, louder and more widely available across Doncaster metropolitan borough and beyond.
In Doncaster, the only licensed radio station Broadcasting over FM or DAB is Sine fm. The station reaches the biggest broadcast area, the widest listenership and has the largest social network audience. The local presenters broadcast shows from our Doncaster-based studios 7 days every week. This boost for Sine FM transmission power means we can serve Doncaster even better.
Sine fm applied for this additional power via a call from Ofcom. Previously, the station’s transmission power was 25 Watts. This is the standard license transmission power for community radio stations. I will proposal to Ofcom made the case that Doncaster was the country’s largest metropolitan borough. Doncaster is a wide geographical area, whilst locally produced media is limited.
Run by music fans for music fans, Sine is run by our award winning not-for-profit organisation, Higher Rhythm. Our live radio station & listen again services offer something for everyone. There are more than 50 local presenters bringing a diverse selection of shows every week.
Tune in on 102.6 FM
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Congratulations to all learners completing Higher Rhythm BTEC Music Technology Level 3 National Diploma in 2021…
It has to be said that a 100% pass rate is tough to beat. In short, you smashed it! Good to see so many high grades in there as well.
Learners can complete our diploma Two days per week plus additional learning enrichment activities. There is no cost for post 16 learners on the Higher Rhythm BTEC programme as places are fully funded. Additional learning bursaries are also available for some learners subject to status.
A range of employment destinations in the music industry. This includes, studio engineering, music production, live sound, events promotion, recording artist, creative media, music publishing and licensing, AV industries, artist management… the list keeps growing!
The course leader and Higher Rhythm staff will support you throughout the course. We are also experts at supporting additional learning needs and everyone is welcome. Progression onto our two year HND in Music Technology is a perfect option. We offer priority places for our Level 3 course graduates. Get in touch any time and ask us about careers in the music industry.
We couldn’t be prouder of you all, well done and best of luck with whatever comes next in your music career.
Higher Rhythm is a Trinity College London Champion Centre.
This status underpins our programme of Arts Awards which we deliver for young people from #Doncaster and South Yorkshire.
Higher Rhythm has delivered hundreds of arts awards over the past years. Since, we introduced new blended programmes in 2020, covering songwriting, music production and radio presenting, demand has sharply risen. Recognised as a Trinity College London Champion Centre, quality learning provision is guaranteed.
Through progressing through the five levels of an Arts Award, young people get to:
There are no entry requirements, no time limit for completing the award, and no set rules on how to present final work. We also deliver arts awards at different levels including, discover, explore, bronze and silver awards. This structured means where we can set awards according to age and ability. Our experience team of qualified arts award advisors are always on hand to help.
If you are a young person or a school interested in our arts award programmes, find out more here.
We are proud to announce that our very own Paul Littlewood is the new chair of Doncaster Music Education Hub.
Doncaster Music Education Hub is a collection of partners, and as well as schools, academies and Doncaster Council. The partnership is built up of a varied range of organisations and music providers. This includes: Higher Rhythm, DARTS, Doncaster Music Services, Doncaster Youth Jazz Association, Doncaster Culture and Leisure Trust, Doncaster Children’s Trust. Additional national and regional partners include Yorkshire Youth & Music, Opera North, IVE, Charanga, University Centre Doncaster, Cast (Performance Venue), The William Appleby Trust, Music in the Round, the National Youth Jazz Orchestra, Orchestras Live, Rainbow Connections and Music for Youth.
The music hub’s vision for Doncaster includes a thriving musical offer for all children and young people, with a wealth of exciting performance opportunities, challenging and appropriate progression routes, an inspirational workforce of music leaders across all genres and embedded regional and national partnerships.
Music Education Hubs are groups of organisations – such as local authorities, schools, other hubs, art organisations, community or voluntary organisations – working together to create joined-up music education provision, respond to local need and fulfil the objectives of the Hub as set out in the National Plan for Music Education.
All Music Education Hubs must deliver the roles outlined by the National Plan for Music Education, which are funded by Arts Council England:
Core Roles
Extension Roles
Higher Rhythm is genuinely excited about what we can bring to the hub through Paul being in this key position.
We have worked alongside Sound UK, Doncaster Music Education Hub and Youth Music as part of a national project joint commissioning a brand new musical work by Skinny Pelembe, Field Notes #2.
Performing the piece has involved a host of young musicians from the Doncaster Youth Swing Orchestra and Rainbow Connection Choir. Inspired by conversations with social workers and nurses, Skinny Pelembe’s Song for South Yorkshire premiered online on 23rd March.
National music project, A Song for Us, led by Sound UK, marks this historic time. It celebrates our communities and the power of music to bring us together. Leading singer-songwriters and composers Skinny Pelembe, Seth Lakeman, This Is The Kit & Bucky and Gwenno have created the first in a series of fifteen County Songs.
HEAR ‘A SONG FOR SOUTH YORKSHIRE’ HERE
Skinny Pelembe is a multi-talented wonder, born in Johannesburg and raised in Doncaster. He released debut album Dreaming Is Dead Now in May 2019. The album was supported by BBC 6 Music’s, BBC Radio 1 and Worldwide FM. In 2020 Blue Note asked some of the top British names in music to rework songs from their legendary back catalog. Skinny’s version of Andrew Hill’s cult classic, Illusion was chosen as a single from the Blue Note Reimagined album. His varied approach to his influences started early on. His two older brothers were heavily into hip-hop, while he would also absorb the West Coast folk and country music played by his dad. The former influences the way he thinks about his lyrics. The latter has continued to inform the way he writes songs. Listen to Skinny Pelembe’s music below. skinnypelembe.com
ABOUT DYSO: The Doncaster Youth Swing Orchestra is the second tier of DYJA ensembles – the intermediate and training level. At this level young musicians explore the popular songs of the Swing Era alongside more complex styles of the modern Big Band. Musical Director – Mark Sabin. Band Manager – Louise Patterson dyja.co.uk
ABOUT RAINBOW CONNECTION: Rainbow Connection are firmly established as one of the UK’s experts in Choral singing. Founded in 2003 with the aim of offering high quality musical training for beginners to professionals. With a family of 13 choirs they have a huge diversity of singing groups. rcchoirs.com
We were looking for the perfect desk for our main recording studio for a while. Then we spotted the SSL Origin Mixing Console…
Solid State Logic (SSL) has held a top-spot in console design and manufacture for decades.
SSL mixing desks are used by too many artists, engineers, producers and world-class studios to mention…
SSL were good enough to give us and our students a virtual tour of their SSL Origin Mixing Console this week. ORIGIN has traditional analogue studio workflow at its heart whilst providing the perfect partner for a modern DAW-driven ‘hybrid’ production studio. Its classic design looks back to the origin of in-line consoles for signal flow inspiration. The console incorporates cutting-edge analogue developments to deliver a unique sonic signature that’s unmistakably SSL.
The Origin is purely analogue inline design, with 16 buses, E-Series EQ and the classic Bus Compressor. The new PureDrive™ mic pre inherits the clarity and purity of previous SSL Mic Pre designs, switching character to a warm, harmonically-rich and driven tone that varies with mic pre gain.
We were so impressed, they we placed an order for an Origin. This will be delivered and installed over the next months.
This world-class console will be available to everyone who uses the studio at our HQ, including our students.
Position | 1 x Alternative Provision Teaching Assistant (Freelance) |
Location | Classroom based teaching at Higher Rhythm premises in Doncaster |
Hours and days of work | 5 hours, Wednesdays (with potential expansion dependant on growth of provision) |
Reporting to | Alternative Provision Course Leader |
Purpose of the position | This provision caters for students with a diverse range of needs including those with social, emotional and mental health issues as well as students who are considered vulnerable, at risk or hard to reach. The organisation provides its students with individualised music and music technology learning programmes designed to help them achieve success. As a teaching assistant you will be expected to create an creative environment that will make each student feel comfortable and become confident, independent life-learners who can express themselves and their choices, whilst safeguarding their happiness and safety. Successful candidates will have a background in music, and/or music technology and be strong, confident and positive in their approach to behaviour management. In this role, you will be expected to: • support a high level of learner engagement through shared planning and delivering a creative and flexible curriculum • be able to build strong relationships with children and young people to inspire and motivate • work well in a team environment and demonstrate resilience • promote positive behaviours to build the self-esteem of the children and young people in your care to support them in fulfilling their potential It is beneficial for you to have: • have a background in music, and/or music technology • experience of working/supporting children or adults with social, emotional, mental health issues • experience in a school or childcare setting |
Working Relationships | Alternative Provision learners, Alternative Provision Course Leader, Administrator, Other Higher Rhythm staff |
Salaries and Benefits | £13.44 per hour |
To apply for this role, you must:
Have the legal right to work within the UK
Hold an enhanced DBS or be willing to apply for one
Provide 2 references (one must be from your current or previous employer)
Be a compassionate individual with a strong work ethic
Please send your CV to mail@higherrhythm.co.uk or use this e-mail address to request further information relating to the post.
Applications close midday Friday 19th February 2021.
Another artist supported through our artist development programmes has secured funding. August Charles secured funding from Help Musicians UK’s ‘do it differently’ fund. This financial support is aimed at helping him develop further as an artist.
August started out on. our PRS Foundation TDP artist programme. He then progressed onto our full-year Breakthrough Artist Development Programme, funded by Help Musicians UK and Arts Council England.
Born in Zambia, raised in the UK, British musician August Charles’ musical tastes and talents have evolved over many years, and 2020 saw August emerge with his debut single “Take Me Away”. August has built a network of talent in his hometown of Doncaster and across Yorkshire. August has built his craft in the studio, producing music that showcases his outstanding songwriting and voice. He has now moved onto more life performance opportunities, at festivals, and showcases for emerging artists.
August Charles secured funding on the back of his talent, artistic vision and hard work. Investing the money in developing his career will undoubtedly lead to new successes. August is a huge talent with a big voice, and is another Yorkshire music artist to watch for.
Listen to some of the music he recorded at higher rhythm here:
Tutors needed at Higher Rhythm. English and Maths teachers needed for part-time tuition jobs supporting national diploma learners. Working at our Doncaster City centre headquarters.
Job description – Functional Skills and GCSE Tutor(s)
Position | 1 x Functional Skills and GCSE Math Tutor 1 x Functional Skills and GCSE English Tutor |
Location | Classroom based teaching at Higher Rhythm premises in Doncaster |
Hours and days of work | 2 hours, Fridays between 9.30am-3.30pm, January start |
Reporting to | Course Leader |
Purpose of the position | The post holder(s) has the responsibility for planning and delivering Functional Skills English and GCSE English, and Functional Skills and GCSE Math to a group of post-16 learners studying at Higher Rhythm. |
Working Relationships | Post-16 learners, Course Leader, Administrator, Other Higher Rhythm staff |
Salaries and Benefits | Rates of pay on request |
Tutors needed as soon as possible, on an ongoing basis. If you want to work in an exciting Learning environment, supporting national diploma learners, this could be for you. Working in small groups of learners who need to resit maths and English as part of their study programme.
A current enhanced DBS is essential + 2 references
Please send your CV to mail@higherrhythm.co.uk or use this e-mail address to request further information relating to the post.
Yorkshire Music Forum Convention 2020
Saturday 14th November to Thursday 19th November
Register to attend: http://bit.ly/YMF2020
Yorkshire Music Forum Convention returns in 2020 as an online event to support the region’s music industry. It takes place from Saturday 14th November to Thursday 19th November. The event will feature panels and live performances put together in collaboration with Launchpad and the YMF consortium. YMF members are Come Play With Me, DMF Digital, Higher Rhythm, Arnold Brown Ltd, and Music:Leeds.
Things kick off with Come Play With Me’s HerFest on Saturday 14th November, which will take place in front of a socially distanced audience at Brudenell Social Club. The remainder of the events will be live-streamed. A keynote in-conversation with Rebecca Lucy Taylor (Self Esteem) will take place on Sunday 15th November. Further live-streamed discussion panels will be held on each night. Topics include: Artists guide to building your own PR and approaching the media, managing mental health in challenging times, blueprint for the future (with Youth Music) and building back better.
Live performances selected by the YMF partner organisations will follow the live conversations each night. On Tuesday 17th there is a special edition of Launchpad’s regular online advice sessions, with journalist Jenessa Williams. Please see below for the details of the whole program.
Full programme details (speakers & panels): https://www.launchpad-music.com/ymf Social media assets to share: https://bit.ly/3jnQ3cq
COVID-19 Update: We have overhauled our diploma programmes to make sure we can continue to deliver them safely. This is in-line with Government and Public Health England’s Covid-19 recommendations from September 2020.
We’ve also identified the following advantages in our learning programmes. This offers potential benefits when compared to learning in larger institutions:
We will add tall and adapt this COVID-19 update periodically.
You might recognise the new team members at higher rhythm and sine fm…
There’s no greater way of putting your money where your mouth is, than employing people who’ve graduated from your own programmes. We’re therefore proud to welcome, Leonie Sloots, Joe Russell Brown and Simon Patinson as new team members.
Leonie and Joe are both alumni of our Breakthrough artist development programme, and Simon, has been a volunteer presenter on Sine FM (The Radar Show).
Leonie will lead on the Breakthrough programme this year, funded by, help musicians and Arts Council England, taking over from Paul Littlewood. Leone will also lead on a project for young people with special educational needs, funded by Youth Music. Joe will lead this years artist development studio sessions under our PRS foundation funded, talent development partnership work. Simon is now a part time tutor on our BTEC National Certificate in Creative Media Production course.
Also back on board after 4 years away from Higher Rhythm to focus on his own business, is Alan Raw, bringing his many years experience as the BBC introducing Radio presenter for BBC Leeds and Humberside, as the volunteer coordinator and person in charge of day-to-day running of our radio station, Sine FM.
Job description – Media Volunteer Coordinator
Position | Media Training and Volunteer Coordinator |
Location | Higher Rhythm / Sine FM premises in Doncaster (plus other borough wide locations) |
Hours and days of work | 30 hours per week Work pattern to be agreed with the successful candidate |
Reporting to | Quality and Media Services Manager and Studio Manager |
Purpose of the position | The post holder has the responsibility for planning and delivering media training programmes and will also support Sine FM’s people and services, focusing on media based community engagement and coordinating presenters together with oversight of the programme schedule. |
Working Relationships | Internal: Sine FM volunteers Administrator Other Higher Rhythm staff External: Other agencies and departments as appropriate External Service Providers |
Salaries and Benefits | £27,232 (pro rata) This is a 1 year post with continuation expected thereafter and potential for increase in hours up to 37.5 a week. Holiday entitlement is 28 days pro rata plus public holidays.A pension scheme is in place. |
Key Accountabilities:
Key Areas | Accountabilities |
Main Duties | Delivering media focused trainingVolunteer management and supportSupporting delivery of broadastsOverseeing programme content and playoutTechnical duties around operation of station and broadcast |
Training Support | To deliver media / broadcast related trainingTo coordinate, train and support a team of volunteer presentersTo provide guidance to presenters to assure the quality / legality of output |
Experience Requirements | Teaching in a range of settings Knowledge of broadcast law Experience in the field of radio and community media Experience in managing volunteers Excellent written and oral communication skills Experience in delivering public funded projects Experience working with people from a wide range of backgrounds Applicants must be able to display the ability to work alone, on their own initiative, and also as an effective member of a team within the organisation. To undertake such other tasks as may be reasonably required |
Problem Identification and Solution
Evaluating situations and identifying existing problems or opportunities. Using the information obtained, understanding the pros and cons of each alternative and choosing the most appropriate alternative.
Initiative
Asserting one’s influence over events to achieve goals; self-starting rather than accepting passively; taking action to achieve goals beyond what is required; being proactive.
Other Essential Requirements
Applications to be made via E-MAIL including Cover Letter and CV, as a minimum to mail@higherrhythm.co.uk
All applications to be received by 1 pm on Friday, 24th July 2020.