National Diploma in music technology open days
Enquiries and applications for our Music Technology National Diploma courses for post 16 learners, 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 open days will run from 10 am to 3:30 pm. Get in touch to arrange a time
Find out more about our diplomas here
Stage Invasion 2022 Live Music Finale at Doncaster Dome
Stage Invasion our initiative providing opportunities for young people to gain real-world experience within the live music industry, will end with a live event for another year, 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 has been run for another year in partnership with Doncaster Music Education Hub and thanks to funding from Youth Music through Arts Council England
Huge thank you to Doncaster Culture & Leisure Trust for once again, providing the venue for this fabulous annual live music event.
Job opportunity at Higher Rhythm / Sine FM
We are looking for a new staff member to join our 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.
Application deadline: 5pm 6th May 2022. Interviews will be held w/c May 16th 2022.
Taster session for higher rhythm’s national diploma in music technology
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 enroll September 2022
Doncaster Sound Memories project launch
Launched in January 2022, Doncaster Sound Memories, is a project which will celebrate the fascinating stories of people from Doncaster as oral histories, through features on Sine FM radio station and via the production of a large-scale public art piece,
There’s lots of opportunity for local people to get involved either through just telling us your story or coming 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!
Project Coordinator job opportunity at Higher Rhythm / Sine FM
We are looking for an experienced project coordinator to deliver a exciting new project launching in January 2022
Application deadline 5pm 10th December 2021
Administrator job opportunity at higher rhythm
We are looking for an energetic and enthusiastic administrator to join our dynamic team
Application deadline 22nd of September 2021
Sine FM Radio Station boosts FM transmission power
Sine FM, the only licensed radio station remaining in Doncaster, run by Higher Rhythm, has been re-licensed by Ofcom to boost our FM transmission power by almost 10 times.
With all the necessary technical work out of the way, Sine fm’s FM signal is now clearer, louder and moer widely available across Doncaster metropolitan borough and beyond.
Tune in on 102.6 FM
Higher Rhythm BTEC National Diploma Music Tech students achieve 100% pass rate!
Congratulations to all learners completing Higher Rhythm’s #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.
We honestly couldn’t be prouder of you all, well done and best of luck with whatever comes next in your music career.
Higher Rhythm becomes a Trinity College London Champion Centre for Arts Awards
We are pleased to be able to announce that, Higher Rhythm is now 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.
Through progressing through the five levels of an Arts Award, young people get to:
- Discover the enjoyment of creating and participating in arts activities.
- Experience arts events.
- Develop creative and communication skills that are essential for success in 21st century life.
- Explore the work of artists and craftspeople and gain insights into the professional arts world.
- Gain experience and knowledge to help progress into further education and employment.
There are no entry requirements, no time limit for completing the award, and no set rules on how to present final work.
If you are a young person or a school interested in our arts award programmes, find out more here.
Higher Rhythm’s Paul Littlewood is the new chair of Doncaster Music Education Hub
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, including: Higher Rhythm, DARTS, Doncaster Music Services, Doncaster Youth Jazz Association, Doncaster Culture and Leisure Trust, Doncaster Children’s Trust and 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
- Ensuring every child between the ages of 5 and 18 has the opportunity to learn a musical instrument.
- Providing opportunities to play in ensembles.
- Ensuring that clear progression routes are available and affordable.
- Developing a singing strategy so that every child sings regularly.
Extension Roles
- Offering CPD to school staff to help deliver the music curriculum.
- Providing an instrument loan service.
- Providing access to large-scale and/or high quality experiences including working with professional musicians and publicising musical performances for young people.
Higher Rhythm is genuinely excited about what we can bring to the hub through Paul being in this key position.
SKINNY PELEMBE – A SONG FOR SOUTH YORKSHIRE
We have worked alongside Sound UK, Doncaster Music Education Hub and Youth Music as part of a national project which involved 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.
This national music project, A Song for Us, led by Sound UK, was developed by Sound UK to mark this historic time and 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
ABOUT SKINNY PELEMBE: 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, with support from 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 one of the singles 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- day Big Band and enjoys its own identity as a driving 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 by Paul Mellors & Deborah Mellors 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
SSL Origin Mixing Console in our Recording Studio at HQ
We’ve been looking for the perfect desk for our main recording studio at our Nether Hall Road HQ site for a while.
The team at Solid State Logic (SSL), a British company which has held a top-spot in console design and manufacture for several decades with SSL mixing desks used by too many artists, engineers, producers and world-class studios to even mention… were good enough to give us (our staff and our students) a virtual tour of their new, Origin desk this week.
We were so impressed, we’ve placed an order for an Origin, which will be installed over the next few months and will then be available to everyone who uses the studio at our HQ, including our students.
Work opportunities for Tutors
Job description – Alternative Provision Teaching Assistant (freelance)
| Position | 1 x Alternative Provision Teaching Assistant |
| 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.
Breakthrough programme artist secures development funding
We are pleased to announce that August Charles, an artist who progressed from our PRS Foundation TDP artist programme, onto our full-year Breakthrough Artist Development Programme, funded by Help Musicians UK and Arts Council England, has secured funding from HMUK’s ‘do it differently’ fund to help him develop further as an artist.
August is a huge talent with a big voice, and is another Yorkshire music artist to watch for 2021. Listen to some of the music he recorded at higher rhythm here:
Work opportunity for Tutor at Higher Rhythm
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 |
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
Yorkshire Music Forum Convention 2020
Saturday 14th November to Thursday 19th November
Register to attend: http://bit.ly/YMF2020
- 6 days of online panels and live performances to support the regions music industry.
- Keynote In Conversation with Rebecca Taylor (Self Esteem).
- Socially distanced live HerFest at Brudenell Social Club.
- Discussion panels covering PR, mental health, and the future of the music industry.
Yorkshire Music Forum Convention returns in 2020 as an online event to support the region’s music industry, taking 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 partner members Come Play With Me, DMF Digital, Higher Rhythm, Arnold Brown Ltd, and Music:Leeds.
Kicking 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 with further live-streamed discussion panels each night on topics including artist 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, and 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 Info Update
Covid-19 Update: We have overhauled our diploma programmes to make sure we can continue to deliver them safely and 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, which offer potential benefits when compared to learning in larger institutions:
- Our relatively small student community and our focus on learning delivered in smaller group sizes (rather than the larger numbers of learners in Colleges or Sixth Form environments) reduces the risk of spreading infections person to person.
- Our learners benefit from having a dedicated workstation, therefore reducing the risk of infections being spread indirectly, compared to widely shared learner computers used in many learning institutions.
- We have developed a bespoke online learning platform, which will allow learners on all courses a more flexible way to complete their learning, offering an alternative to physically attending sessions, where necessary.
- Studying in small work groups in our real industry setting also allows more of the vital hands-on time needed to develop a high degree of practical competence using equipment, and our vast array of industry level kit means you get to use the same gear professionals do (not the hobbyist stuff used in most learning institutions).
New old faces join the team
There is no better way of putting your money where your mouth is, than employing people who have graduated from your own programmes. We’re therefore proud to welcome, Leonie Sloots, Joe Russell Brown and Simon Patinson onto the team. 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, as well as leading Music sessions 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 opportunities at Higher Rhythm / 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
- Willing to travel to fulfill job requirements.
- Flexible in times and days of work.
- Welcomes and values diversity and contributes to an inclusive working environment where differences are acknowledged and respected.
- Recognises and understands the circumstances and issues facing various clients in the communities Higher Rhythm and Sine FM is working with.
- Sympathetic to the aims and objectives of Higher Rhythm and Sine FM.
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.
How to release your music and get paid event at Cafe Indiependent
PRS for Music, The Musicians’ Union and Higher Rhythm are delighted to invite you to ‘How To Release Your Music and Get Paid’.
About this Event
Now more than ever before, musicians and artists are taking a DIY approach to creating, releasing and exploiting their music. Some are self-releasing now with hopes of securing a future record deal, but others see it as a long-term strategy for their careers. Either way, if you are planning to release your own music then it’s vital you understand some fundamentals about the way the music industry works and how your music can generate revenue.
19.00 – Doors Open
19.15 – 20.15 – Mind Your Own Business
In this session, The Musicians’ Union will explain how record labels and music publishers make their money and how independent artists can do the same.
Topics covered:
• Copyright law and protecting your work
• The difference between Master Rights and Publishing Rights (PRS, MCPS and PPL)
• The business models behind record labels and music publishers (and how that applies to you)
• Artists agreements and performers’ permissions you need to secure before you can release
20.15 – 20.30 – Break
20.30 – 21.30 – How To Get the Most from PRS Membership
In this session, PRS for Music will take you through the practicalities of self service using the PRSfM website.
Topics covered:
• How to register or amend works
• How to search the PRSfM works database
• How to report performance usage
• How to claim unpaid royalties
This evening will conclude with networking drinks.
Attendance to this event is free, but numbers are limited so it’s essential you book a space if you wish to come along.
If you have any questions or specific access requirements, please email PRS for Music at education@prsformusic.com.
We look forward to seeing you there.
Tickets
https://www.eventbrite.co.uk/e/how-to-release-your-music-and-get-paid-tickets-92328492005
Date And Time
Thu, 12 March 2020
19:00 – 22:00 GMT
Location
Cafe Indie
169-173 High Street
Scunthorpe
DN15 6EH
Higher Rhythm Presents: LIO and The Paper Waits via Live Stream
On Tuesday, 10th of December from 7 pm, Higher Rhythm, in partnership with Heeley Trust, will live stream two acoustic recording sessions as uniquely intimate performances from Heeley Institute, showcasing the exceptional songwriting and musicianship of LIO and The Paper Waits, both artists from our Help Musicians UK and Arts Council England funded, Breakthrough Artist Development Programme.
Attendance as an audience member has been limited to invite only but anyone can stream this event free of charge via Facebook live, through our Facebook page at https://m.facebook.com/higherrhythm/ from 7 pm, Tuesday the 10th.
See you there!
Big Boulder Festival 2019 partnership
We’re proud to announce that we are partnering with Big Boulder festival in Sheffield this year and have curated the main stage with artists we’ve worked with, including those supported through our Breakthrough Artist Development Programme funded by Help Musicians UK and Arts Council England.
The one day festival runs 12pm to 7pm on the 8th of September 2019 and as well as the outstanding line up of music artists, will also feature a wide range of street food stalls and other activities to enjoy on the day. It’s also FREE (yes, free!)
We love to work with other organisations who share our vision for artist development and the Big Boulder, with an intimate audience of around 2000 people and its family friendly atmosphere offers the perfect live platform to showcase the best in emerging music talent.
Skinny Pelembe will headline, with, LIO, Joe Russel Brown, Bernado, Dan Whitehouse and Holly Redford Jones completing the stage line up for the day.
Women take the lead on our Breakthrough 2019 Artist Development Programme
The new cohort of Yorkshire music artists have now been selected for on our Breakthrough 2019 Artist Development Programme funded by Help Musicians UK and Arts Council England
It’s an 80% female led cohort this year with artists selected from across the whole Yorkshire region, and Breakthrough 2019 also follows the example set by the programme’s previous years in supporting widely diverse musical genres.
We’ve been working hard with the artists for the past few months to make sure they get maximum impact out of their place on Breakthrough. Here’s a quick intro to this year’s artists:
LIO, a female fronted alt-pop band from Sheffield
The Paper Waits, a female-male duo from Harrogate
PARK FIRES an all female Indie-Pop band from Leeds
Young Tarzan Yxungtarzaan (aka Will Phillips), a male beats producer from Doncaster.
Holly Redford Jones a female singer songwriter from Sheffield
If you went to Live at Leeds this year you might have caught The Paper Waits on the Yorkshire Music forum stage, or if you got to our Skinny Pelembe promotion earlier this year or had a wristband for the main arena at Tramlines last weekend, you will have probably seen LIO, but if not, don’t worry because there will be more opportunities to see all artists live and hear their new recorded works as this year of the programme progresses.
Here’s a few of the artists we’ve supported on the Breakthrough programme alomg the way…
Stage Invasion first event draws huge audience to Doncaster Dome
Wow! What an audience for the launch of our new initiative Stage Invasion a partnership between ourselves and Doncaster Music Education Hub, supporting young people into the live music industry.
A whopping 425 people turned up to the Dome in #Doncaster to see 10 young bands playing live at the first event on the evening of 4th July.
Huge thanks is due to Arts Council England BBC Children in Need Doncaster Leisure and Doncaster College and University Centre for supporting.
More Stage Invasion news coming soon asd we prepare for year 2!
