WHAT DO WE OFFER?

We offer children an opportunity to experience a wide range of musical activities in a relaxed and fun way. Upbeat welcomes children of all abilities and no prior experience is necessary. We always challenge the more experienced children with technically demanding music and exciting performance opportunities. Our children develop skills and confidence on our courses and keep coming back for more!

WHO TEACHES THE GROUPS?

Maxine Owens (BA Hons PGCE) - Max has loved music since the age of 5 and for the last 14 years has been passing on her enthusiasm to children, both as a Head of Music in London schools and as Director of Upbeat. Having graduated from University with degrees in Music and Education, Max set up Upbeat, with the aim of providing children with a fun and exciting music learning experience. She coordinates the courses and also teaches singing and keyboards!

Steven Ashmore - Steve has been with Upbeat for 9 years and is our resident guitarist/drummer and Recording Technician. Steve has played in bands since he was 14, composed for television and now teaches music in schools across the South of England as well as working with Special Needs children.

Kate Gardiner (Ba Hons MA) - Kate choreographs the dances and makes sure the Upbeat performances go with a swing! A trained dancer, Kate has worked at Upbeat for 9 years, alongside her career in the Film Industry which she entered into after completing her MA in Performance Arts.

Joe Dickinson (BA Mus MA) - Joe has worked at Upbeat for 3 years since finishing his Masters in Guitar and Sound Recording. He is an experienced musician and talented teacher and is in charge of band rehearsals and recording.  Joe is an experienced sound engineer and composer and works at our Saturday School and after-school clubs. 

Ashley Hall (BA Hons Music and Music Technology) - Ash has been part of the Upbeat team for 4 years alongside writing and recording his debut album with the band My Preserver.  Before joining Upbeat, Ash worked as a guitar tutor for Yamaha Music Schools and was head drum tutor at a prep school in Derby.  Ash has  performed on television and radio and has gigged recently at the Indigo2, 100 club, Astoria and the O2 Empire.