tag:gokidmusic.com,2005:/blogs/gkm?p=3Go Kid Music Blog2024-02-20T16:27:05+00:00Go Kid Musicfalsetag:gokidmusic.com,2005:Post/73542072024-02-20T16:27:05+00:002024-02-20T16:30:56+00:00When Al met Ed (Sheeran)<figure class="table" style="width:600px !important;"><table style="border-width:0px;" border="0" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" width="100%"><tbody>
<tr><td style="border-bottom:0px none currentcolor;border-top:0px none currentcolor;vertical-align:top;" id="templateHeader"><figure class="table"><table border="0" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" width="100%"><tbody><tr><td style="padding-top:9px;vertical-align:top;"><figure class="table" style="float:left;"><table border="0" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" width="100%"><tbody><tr><td style="padding:0px 18px 9px;vertical-align:top;"><h1><strong>Once upon a time...</strong></h1></td></tr></tbody></table></figure></td></tr></tbody></table></figure></td></tr>
<tr><td style="border-bottom:0px none currentcolor;border-top:0px none currentcolor;vertical-align:top;" id="templateBody"><figure class="table"><table border="0" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" width="100%"><tbody><tr><td style="padding-top:9px;vertical-align:top;"><figure class="table" style="float:left;"><table border="0" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" width="100%"><tbody><tr><td style="padding:0px 18px 9px;vertical-align:top;">
<p>...I was touring singer-songwriter on my big solo tour.<br><br>I'd been in America for 5 weeks and was now touring the UK, so was feeling pretty confident.<br><br>One evening I was in Suffolk at a lovely venue called the High Barn. It had been a long drive, but I was backstage getting ready and in bounded a young chap with ginger hair and a big grin!<br><br>The event organiser apologized and said this was a young person called Ed they were helping out, he was going to play a couple of songs in between the listed artists (like my support act!). Sorry if he was bothering me.<br><br>I've worked with children and young people for yonks, so was. more than happy to chat with him.<br><br>Anyway Ed and I got talking, he was very sweet, 15 years old. The main thing I noticed about him was his enthusiasm to know everything about music and touring; he was really friendly and actually great company.<br><br>So I hung out with Ed that night.<br><br>Later, I listened to his set and it was good! Could do with practicing his singing a bit - and he had this funny little Taylor guitar that looked too small for him - but apart from that, really good for a young writer.<br><br>He'd just recorded his first album, showed me all through it and talked about everyone who'd helped him make it. <br><br>I was touring my first solo album too - so we swapped and signed each others' albums - wished each other good luck at the end of the night and I played his CD on the way home. Lovely!<br><br>I didn't think much more of it until about a year or so later, I saw Ed on the telly!<br><br>Over the next couple of years it became clear he was here to stay!<br><br>And the rest is history as they say.<br><br><i>What's the point of this story? </i>I hear you ask.<br><br>Well, <a class="no-pjax" href="https://gokidmusic.us7.list-manage.com/track/click?u=28568573b0fdd9e0e6d496341&id=d4caf1b42e&e=f69e6c981f" target="_blank"><u>if you've not watched my latest video</u></a> - the point I'd like to make is about <i>SUPPORT.</i><br><br>Ed had a ton of support - from his family, friends, school, youth workers and mentors. With that support he was able to fulfil his dream.<br><br>I want to support our young primary school-aged children to take up music and start their journey into a life with music - who knows where it will lead?<br><br>SO let's get them off those bloomin' screens and playing a fun instrument, singing and enjoying music with like-minded people.<br><br>...You never know, one day you might be thanking me as you float around your swimming pool with cocktail in hand and your wildly famous child beams at you from their recording studio window...!<br><br>Cheers!<br>AL :-)<br><br> </p><img src="https://mcusercontent.com/28568573b0fdd9e0e6d496341/images/7235961c-6f00-f60f-cffa-27a70fbafd6a.jpg" class="size_orig justify_inline border_" height="300" width="300" /><p><br> </p>
</td></tr></tbody></table></figure></td></tr></tbody></table></figure></td></tr>
</tbody></table></figure>Go Kid Musictag:gokidmusic.com,2005:Post/73536812024-02-19T16:32:11+00:002024-02-19T16:35:19+00:00New Video Out Now!<h2>Whatever the Weather</h2><p>Yep it's been a right old rainy half term and start to 2024. But kids don't mind the weather! It's just us grumpy grown-ups who can't stand dragging ourselves around the local playground in the rain!</p><p>So here's a song to inspire us all! (Watch on <a class="no-pjax" href="https://youtu.be/ISu2foZtlgw?si=im0oepJVFAnaLh7n" target="_blank" data-link-type="url">Youtube</a>) (Watch on my <a class="no-pjax" href="/videos" data-link-type="page" data-link-label=" VIDEOS">VIDEO page</a>)</p><p>Whatever the Weather is about the seasons and the weather - and how there's always fun to be had come rain or shine! In my new video I'll teach you the signs for all four seasons as well as loads of vocabulary around the topic.</p><p>Perfect for Key Stage 1 classes, singing assemblies or just a fun song to sing in the car on the way to the rainy old park!</p><p>So let's get outside more, get our kids off their screens and have some fun whatever the weather!</p>Go Kid Musictag:gokidmusic.com,2005:Post/73099352023-11-27T17:44:40+00:002023-11-27T17:48:28+00:00GROWN UP GIG ALERT!!! Thursday 7th December...<p>Now it doesn't happen very often, but I have a gig for you grown ups!!</p><p>Proud to be part of a stellar line-up of female singer-songwriter/comedians! If you like silly giggles, clever songs and naughty jokes (in the style of the late, great VIctoria Wood) why not phone a friend and get yourself down to the Brunswick on Thursday evening?</p><p>Here's the link for more info and tickets: https://www.wegottickets.com/event/599261<img src="//d10j3mvrs1suex.cloudfront.net/s:bzglfiles/u/539054/859617d9bd2688cc1ac4911e54dc15b66369bd26/original/ff-poster-flyer-front.jpg/!!/meta:eyJzcmNCdWNrZXQiOiJiemdsZmlsZXMifQ==" class="size_l justify_center border_" /></p>Go Kid Musictag:gokidmusic.com,2005:Post/72899992023-10-19T14:20:33+01:002023-10-19T14:20:34+01:00Learn some spooky songs for Halloween!<p>Would you like to learn some easy-to-play spooky little songs on your ukulele?</p><p>I know! Why wouldn't you!</p><p>This half term, get stuck-in to Spooky Ukulele - my mini-course for kids and beginners. Learn 5 songs to impress and terrify your friends in equal measure.</p><p>The course includes all songs, teaching videos, song-sheet downloads - in fact, everything you need…and it's just £6.00! </p><p>(You read it right!)</p><p>So follow this link to find out more and get yourself a cool holiday activity that will ensure you have the spookiest Halloween!</p><p><a class="no-pjax" href="https://club.gokidmusic.com/p/spooky-ukulele" target="_blank" data-link-type="url">Spooky Ukulele</a></p><p> </p>Go Kid Musictag:gokidmusic.com,2005:Post/72715962023-09-11T17:10:44+01:002023-10-03T15:56:07+01:00Let's Harvest! Your Perfect School Harvest Song.<p>It's harvest time again!</p><p>Teachers - I have the perfect Harvest Festival song for your celebrations this year! Follow <a class="no-pjax" href="https://youtube.com/shorts/GHysubw6yfg" target="_blank" data-link-type="url">this link</a> to listen and watch the video. You can download the entire resource pack for just £12 (inc vat).</p><p>It includes the signed, subtitled teaching video - for the children to watch, copy and learn the song; the audio track, backing track, lyrics to display on your smart board, sheet music for piano part, guitar chords and even a guitar tutorial to show you players how easy it is to play the riff and song!</p><p><strong>Find all resources here: https://club.gokidmusic.com/p/lets-harvest</strong></p><p> </p>Go Kid Musictag:gokidmusic.com,2005:Post/72105032023-05-17T12:04:15+01:002023-07-30T06:02:24+01:00Exciting Family Ukulele Club Launches This Summer<p><strong>Yes! I think it could be one-of-a-kind….</strong></p><p>I'm launching my brand new family ukulele club early this summer for parents/carers, grandparents, extended family, friends and their kids!</p><p>The <strong>Go Kid Ukulele Club</strong> will be a fresh new way for families to enjoy singing, playing uke and making music together! Eat your heart out the Vonn Trapps - this is family musical fun 21st century style!</p><p>I'll be opening the doors to the Go Kid Ukulele Club <strong>later next week </strong>- it will feature a clever mix of technology and real-life fun - offering families a great way to introduce musical fun into the home, holiday and especially around the ole campfire!</p><p>Are you interested in finding out more? Believe me, you're going to love this…even if you don't think you're particularly musical (you don't have to be - this is for total beginners through to experienced players) </p><p><strong>Follow this link and all will be revealed….. 🎶 ☀️ 😀</strong></p>Go Kid Musictag:gokidmusic.com,2005:Post/71034802022-11-16T15:03:48+00:002022-11-16T15:03:49+00:00RAVI'S DREAM<p>My friend Ravi has a dream - he wants to help all children who experience brain tumours to get treatment and get well again.</p>
<p>Ravi goes to my school and we have sung together every week for the last 3 years - then Ravi found out he had a brain tumour and had a big challenge to get better. </p>
<p>He's doing great now - and wants to help other children in the same situation. He loves singing so much, he chose his favourite song and with his musician dad and enterprising mum, they pulled together a host of amazing singers and musicians to make his song into a record to sell to raise money for the brain tumour charity.</p>
<p><img src="//d10j3mvrs1suex.cloudfront.net/u/539054/b59f9e32fd0ba1338038eeabdcba7fb31c738365/original/screenshot-2022-11-16-at-14-59-46.png/!!/meta:eyJzcmNCdWNrZXQiOiJiemdsZmlsZXMifQ==/b:W10=.png" class="size_l justify_center border_" />Watch Ravi’s charity music video of the song ‘A Million Dreams’ from The Greatest Showman. Starring an amazing array of internationally acclaimed musicians including Bastille, Damon Albarn, Paloma Faith, The Big Moon, and Metronomy....and me Al Start!!</p>
<p>All funds go to two essential brain tumour charities, The Brain Tumour Charity and brainstrust.</p>
<p><img src="//d10j3mvrs1suex.cloudfront.net/u/539054/385a1e088df56eccb6c25df72112200818e8822c/original/vinyl-record-half-inside-a-million-dreams-record-sleeve-showing-a-picture-of-a-jar-with-written-dream-notes-inside-it.png/!!/meta:eyJzcmNCdWNrZXQiOiJiemdsZmlsZXMifQ==/b:W10=.png" class="size_l justify_center border_" /><strong>FEATURING </strong></p>
<p>DAN (BASTILLE) </p>
<p>JOE MOUNT (METRONOMY) </p>
<p>JIMMY SOMERVILLE </p>
<p>THE BIG MOON </p>
<p>RAVI, GBENGA, BETHAN AND MAYA </p>
<p>JULIETTE JACKSON (THE BIG MOON) </p>
<p>AMANI ADELEKAN </p>
<p>AL START </p>
<p>PALOMA FAITH </p>
<p>SEYE ADELEKAN (GORILLAZ) </p>
<p>RAVI'S GRANDPARENTS </p>
<p>JOHMAALYA ADELEKAN </p>
<p>Keys: Damon Albarn <br>Drums: Woody (Bastille) <br>Track produced by: Grammy Award-winner Synematik (Niyi Adelekan) <br>Track arranged by: Gbenga Adelekan</p>
<p>Please join us and raise money for Ravi's Dream! <a contents="https://ravisdream.com/" data-link-label="" data-link-type="url" href="https://ravisdream.com/" style="" target="_blank">https://ravisdream.com/</a></p>Go Kid Musictag:gokidmusic.com,2005:Post/70956542022-11-04T17:59:30+00:002022-11-04T17:59:30+00:00The Go Kid Music Club is back!<p>We are back at the wonderful Brunswick Pub in Hove this autumn and winter! </p>
<p>I can't wait to welcome you to a live show -hear the songs we sing at school in real life! Learn new songs, request your favourites and have a great afternoon of live music, fun and games!</p>
<p>Book your tickets right here on the website - follow the link to the <a contents="TICKETS " data-link-label="tickets" data-link-type="page" href="/tickets" target="_blank">TICKETS </a>page right now!</p>Go Kid Musictag:gokidmusic.com,2005:Post/70084572022-07-06T10:11:58+01:002022-10-21T12:30:48+01:00Tell me about your cat - and be in my next song!<p>😻 Cats eh? They really do think they are above us all...and they probably are!</p>
<p>If you have a cat who gets up to mischief, I'd love to hear about it. Send me a quick email with a description of what your cat does and include a photo of your cat so we can pop them in the video too!</p>
<p>Here's an example:</p>
<p>Coco: "I only drink water from a clean glass, or straight from the tap! Don't even think about giving me a bowl!"</p>
<p>or</p>
<p>Willow: "I love to visit all my local neighbours, once I got shut in a factory over night and my owner (Al) saw me through the window and had to get the key-holder to get me out...on a Saturday!"</p>
<p>or you can just describe what they do, and I'll turn it into a line in the song.</p>
<p>Please email me on <a contents="EMAIL ME" data-link-label="" data-link-type="email" href="mailto:al@gokidmusic.com" target="_blank">al@gokidmusic.com</a> with the subject "Cat Story" - I'll be waiting! 😻</p>Go Kid Musictag:gokidmusic.com,2005:Post/69357182022-03-30T14:12:18+01:002022-03-30T14:17:31+01:00Funky Kids Radio Awards! <p>We are delighted to announce that Funky Kids Radio has announced the winners of the Funky Kids 2021 awards! How exciting!! </p>
<p>The Funky Kids Radio people's choice is:</p>
<p> </p>
<p style="text-align: center;">Al Start: runner-up for European Artist of the Year 2021</p>
<p><img src="//d10j3mvrs1suex.cloudfront.net/u/539054/861d0280c57474bfad5ad1a386c2fd70bf56beeb/original/captura-de-pantalla-2022-03-30-a-les-11-52-15.png/!!/meta:eyJzcmNCdWNrZXQiOiJiemdsZmlsZXMifQ==/b:W10=.png" class="size_l justify_center border_" /></p>
<p> </p>
<p style="text-align: center;">Robot: 3rd place for Global Album of the Year Award</p>
<p><img src="//d10j3mvrs1suex.cloudfront.net/u/539054/df13673222d9a6345a9ed8a87f16b5c9c0d024f9/original/captura-de-pantalla-2022-03-30-a-les-11-56-41.png/!!/meta:eyJzcmNCdWNrZXQiOiJiemdsZmlsZXMifQ==/b:W10=.png" class="size_l justify_center border_" /></p>
<p> </p>
<p style="text-align: center;">Hedgehog Hero: 'As One World' top 4 finalist for Global Song of the Year </p>
<p style="text-align: center;"><img src="//d10j3mvrs1suex.cloudfront.net/u/539054/ec969e535ec57fdd47b285ceb9faba6e27df26e7/original/captura-de-pantalla-2022-03-30-a-les-12-00-29.png/!!/meta:eyJzcmNCdWNrZXQiOiJiemdsZmlsZXMifQ==/b:W10=.png" class="size_l justify_center border_" /></p>
<p style="text-align: center;"> </p>
<p>Thank you very much for voting. We really appreciate it ❤️</p>
<p> </p>
<p>And congratulations to all the finalists! </p>
<p> </p>
<p>Find more info about Funky Kids Radio here: <a contents="www.funkykidsradio.com" data-link-label="" data-link-type="url" href="http://www.funkykidsradio.com/" target="_blank">www.funkykidsradio.com</a></p>Go Kid Musictag:gokidmusic.com,2005:Post/68939792022-02-10T15:09:36+00:002022-02-10T15:11:34+00:00We’re celebrating the LGBT+ History Month in the UK 🌈<p>We’re celebrating the LGBT+ History Month this February in the UK! And the theme for 2022 is Politics In Art 🌈 </p>
<p>This time I would like to share with you my album for grownups "I ❤ History". </p>
<p>👉 In the summer of 2007 I started work as a researcher/interpreter for @brighton_museums for 6 months. I had full access to their archives and I uncovered hidden stories of love, heartbreak, romance and tragedy... and some from interesting LGBT+ people. </p>
<p>Brighton had a thriving underground Gay Scene that could even eclipse the Scene today! And as a songwriter, I turned my research into songs 😌 </p>
<p>🎶 Songs such as When Datura Sings, Freak Show, or More of Man are some of the examples. </p>
<p>You can listen to the whole album <a contents="here" data-link-label="" data-link-type="url" href="https://open.spotify.com/album/36nEtsku5GoNK4uya1Eo9X?si=lr_psal3RqW0BxLw3qZ9ww" target="_blank">here</a>.</p>
<p>Also, you can buy it for only £9.99 <a contents="here" data-link-label="" data-link-type="url" href="https://gokidmusic.com/product/622159" target="_blank">here</a>.</p>
<p> </p>
<p><img src="//d10j3mvrs1suex.cloudfront.net/u/539054/f7f793186542178c8a14e1f3c1bf6d3fc0d79da5/original/captura-de-pantalla-2022-02-10-a-les-14-34-41.png/!!/meta:eyJzcmNCdWNrZXQiOiJiemdsZmlsZXMifQ==/b:W10=.png" class="size_l justify_center border_" /></p>
<p>#lgbthistorymonth</p>Go Kid Musictag:gokidmusic.com,2005:Post/68597182022-01-26T13:20:00+00:002022-01-26T13:20:02+00:00PODCAST - Songwriting with Children with Al Start<h2>Songwriting with Children</h2>
<p>In my final podcast session with Dale, I'll tell you all the tips and tricks to writing great songs WITH children! Not many teachers are brave enough to try writing songs instead of poems or stories - but there are some simple ways in, and we will even write a song live on the podcast to show you how easy it can be!</p>
<p><a contents="Listen on the website" data-link-label="" data-link-type="url" href="https://www.thesendcast.com/songwriting-with-children/" target="_blank">Listen on the website</a></p>
<p><a contents="Listen on Spotify" data-link-label="" data-link-type="url" href="https://open.spotify.com/episode/3ROKuBGnlnj9rSxDExfjDF?si=Eqgd54dEQ4Op_vWL2v7XSw" target="_blank">Listen on Spotify</a></p>
<p>Children enjoy writing stories and poems, but have you thought about songwriting? It can be a fantastic activity to enhance speech and language skills, communication and literacy. It makes a great alternative to creative writing as it’s more inclusive and collaborative. </p>
<p>Singing songs and music in school engages children in a different way. It levels the playing field with children with different abilities and is a really accessible way to get into a topic. </p>
<p>Al Start is a singer-songwriter who specialises in music for children and schools through her company Go Kid Music. Al joins Dale Pickles to show us how you can write songs for your own topics and class to reinforce concepts, behaviours and learn basic skills.</p>Go Kid Musictag:gokidmusic.com,2005:Post/68597172022-01-19T13:00:00+00:002022-01-19T13:00:01+00:00PODCAST - SIGNING with children, why bother?<h2>Inclusion Matters – Signing – Why Bother?</h2>
<p>I use signing to teach all children songs - why is this? How hard is it to learn? What are the benefits? In this podcast I'll break it down and explain all about how fantastic your world will be once you start using signing to boost your communication skills!</p>
<p><a contents="Listen on the website" data-link-label="" data-link-type="url" href="https://www.thesendcast.com/inclusion-matters-signing-why-bother/" target="_blank">Listen on the website</a></p>
<p><a contents="Listen on Spotify" data-link-label="" data-link-type="url" href="https://open.spotify.com/episode/1ebDYr3QoYhCEYMhFuvr21?si=wSRA71fhRvyZ_xXI07Jz3Q" target="_blank">Listen on Spotify</a></p>
<p>In this week’s podcast, Dale Pickles from B Squared is joined by Al Start. Al is a singer-songwriter who specialises in music for children and schools through her company Go Kid Music. She has worked with children through creative art organisations and local authority play services. Al has also toured the UK and East Coast USA performing her music. </p>
<p>There are different types of sign language, British sign language or BSL is the primary language used for deaf people, and less than 1 in 10 people in the UK know more than two words in British Sign Language. There is also Makaton that uses symbols, sign and speech to support communication. Sign language isn’t always an alternative to speech, it can be used to support speech. </p>
<p>Why use signing in your school? How can you introduce it to all students? How can your staff learn? Why is it important? </p>
<p>Visual communication methods such as Makaton support spoken language and help everyone understand. Many schools do not use signing, some do but only in a class with a child with SEND, but there is evidence to show kinaesthetic learning is your secret weapon as well as being inclusive, fun, creative, supportive, respectful and beautiful!</p>Go Kid Musictag:gokidmusic.com,2005:Post/68597052022-01-12T13:00:00+00:002022-01-12T13:00:01+00:00PODCAST - Using Topic Based Songs<h2>Using Topic Based Songs</h2>
<p>How can teachers use song to support their teaching? Is it a real thing? Do children really learn from songs?</p>
<p>Can anyone do it, or do you need special skills?</p>
<p><a contents="Listen on website" data-link-label="" data-link-type="url" href="https://www.thesendcast.com/using-topic-based-songs/" style="" target="_blank">Listen on website</a></p>
<p><a contents="Listen on Spotify" data-link-label="" data-link-type="url" href="https://open.spotify.com/episode/7v2C0JUE03x3e2I8dgUBig?si=43af7ZnNTJOL_5lSVKGrKg" target="_blank">Listen on Spotify</a></p>
<p>In this week’s podcast, Dale Pickles from B Squared is joined by Al Start. Al is a singer-songwriter who specialises in music for children and schools through her company Go Kid Music.</p>
<p>Al has worked with children through creative art organisations and local authority play services. Al has also has toured the UK and East Coast USA performing her music. </p>
<p>Songs get stuck in your head. We remember songs for years, we remember nursery rhymes from our childhood. They help in so many ways.</p>
<p>It make sense to use songs and music more widely in school. The next step is to use topic-based songs for learning the vocabulary, key facts, retaining information and bringing a new dimension to cross curricular topic work. </p>
<p>By introducing music and singing into all areas of the curriculum and not just for music lessons, schools can enable a mixed ability class to learn collaboratively, creatively, and ‘level the playing field’ in terms of ability. This enables students who may struggle to learn in a conventional way to take part and feel confident in their learning.</p>Go Kid Musictag:gokidmusic.com,2005:Post/68597032022-01-05T12:52:41+00:002022-01-05T12:52:41+00:00PODCAST - TIPS for Singing with Children<h2>Tips for singing with children - using music inclusively across the curriculum with Al Start</h2>
<p>The SENDCast with Dale Pickles</p>
<p>Here's the first of four podcast episodes I recorded last year with Dale. Today we discuss tips for singing with children in the classroom - for the generalist teacher. Good stuff!</p>
<p><a contents="Listen on the website" data-link-label="" data-link-type="url" href="https://www.thesendcast.com/tips-for-singing/" target="_blank">Listen on the website</a></p>
<p><a contents="Listen on Spotify" data-link-label="" data-link-type="url" href="https://open.spotify.com/episode/45ZMd365470Cay0lyjg4cD?si=SuKYFTCtTEqAFLpA5dTZXg" target="_blank">Listen on Spotify</a></p>
<p>This week Dale is joined by Al Start to discuss some helpful tips to help teachers use music and songs in the classroom. </p>
<p>Al had 20 years working with children with and without SEND in after school projects, creative arts organisations and holiday playschemes. She worked for the Brighton & Hove Play Service, BHIP inclusive project and Extratime children’s charity. She lectured at Brighton University on the Playwork Foundation Degree for many years and supported teachers during their training with Reflective Practice. Using both Makaton and British Sign Language, communication skills were always at the forefront of her study and work. </p>
<p>Singing with children can be a scary idea if you’re not musically trained, but introducing music and singing into children’s daily learning routine will open up so many opportunities for learning, creativity, behaviour management and wellbeing. With some handy tips, anyone can use singing and music without a musical background. </p>
<p>There isn’t enough support for teachers to try music in the classroom – but the benefits are plentiful – for both pupils and staff. </p>
<p>Music is always way down on the curriculum and thought of as a specialist subject. However it should fill your classroom throughout the day, whatever subject you’re teaching.</p>Go Kid Musictag:gokidmusic.com,2005:Post/66811362021-07-07T14:31:18+01:002023-07-30T06:02:24+01:00FREE Membership Offered to Primary Schools to Help All Children Catch-Up<p><strong>We're on a mission </strong>to help our children catch-up with their learning after lockdowns and school/bubble closures.</p>
<p>A catchy song makes any subject unforgettable. We use the power of music to enable children of all learning styles to easily absorb key facts, vocabulary and improve their literacy and communication skills - and shine!</p>
<p>We are making free membership available to all primary and special schools in the UK to remove barriers and increase inclusivity. </p>
<p>We want to make it simple for teachers to see how every subject can benefit from music and song. Increase attainment and bring smiles to faces at the same time. </p>
<p>Create a culture of creative learning and well-being in your school to benefit both teachers and pupils now.</p>
<p><strong>Official guidance</strong></p>
<p>The DfE (Department of Education) highlights the importance of developing pupils’ speaking and listening skills and wider understanding of language. </p>
<p>Using a range of different activities, like singing, can develop children’s early reading and ability to hear and manipulate sounds. </p>
<p>By introducing singing into everyday learning you have access to a powerful tool. Our songs offer children the opportunity to copy and learn words, sounds and build their vocabulary. </p>
<p>But, our songs also support cross-curricular topics - so not only are children developing their literacy and communication skills - they are learning the key concepts and facts about your chosen subject.</p>
<p><em>"Your songs have really given our school a lift in these difficult times, so please keep up the good work" </em></p>
<p><em>- Rose Fisher, Christ the King School</em></p>
<p><strong><em>Music can change lives</em></strong></p>
<p>As adults we sometimes forget the impact that music can have on young lives. Learning an instrument, singing wonderful songs and being part of something bigger than ourselves can inspire children to begin a life-long love of music. </p>
<p>There isn't much great music out there for Primary School children, which is why I began writing children's songs in the first place. </p>
<p>The collection of songs for learning is growing and growing, and each song is tried and tested in primary schools in Brighton, UK. </p>
<p>The teachers ask me to write songs for their topics and help the children remember the key facts and vocabulary. So I make sure every song has all the ingredients of a great song that the kids will love to sing....while they learn. </p>
<p>So far we've had rave reviews!</p>
<p><em>"The songs are the soundtrack to our day!" </em></p>
<p><em>"The children go home singing the songs and parents are thrilled! The fact that families can have the membership at home, means the children can share their learning and singing with their family, and parent engagement has soared." </em></p>
<p><em>"It has had a hugely positive effect on children who came into school nervous and shy - it has brought them out of themselves and given them self-confidence" </em></p>
<p><em>"We play the songs in snack times, during ‘golden time’ and the children love to choose the songs and sing along while they do other activities" </em></p>
<p><em>- Teaching Assistants & INAs, St.Lukes Primary, Brighton</em></p>
<p><strong>Could your school benefit?</strong></p>
<p>If you have children at primary school, or are a teacher, you can benefit from<strong> free membership right now.</strong> It is simple to sign up and gain access to all the online teaching videos, songs, music and teaching resources that bring your subjects to life in a creative an accessible way.</p>
<p>Staff need no extra training, no musical know-how and nothing technical is required. </p>
<p>Please spread the word and let's create a culture of creative learning and well-being in our schools to benefit both teachers and pupils now.</p>
<p><a contents="https://club.gokidmusic.com/p/schools-membership/" data-link-label="" data-link-type="url" href="https://club.gokidmusic.com/p/schools-membership/" target="_blank">https://club.gokidmusic.com/p/schools-membership/</a></p>
<p><img src="//d10j3mvrs1suex.cloudfront.net/u/539054/26213620c38d29e8d2df148b6b186d1ea02dc5f5/original/start-free-trial-on-phone.png/!!/meta:eyJzcmNCdWNrZXQiOiJiemdsZmlsZXMifQ==/b:W10=.png" class="size_l justify_center border_" /></p>Go Kid Musictag:gokidmusic.com,2005:Post/66619632021-06-17T11:41:38+01:002021-06-17T11:57:03+01:00Hero Species of the Day - Hedgehog <p>As part of the #SwitchonGlobalTelethon 2021, we visited <a contents="East Sussex WRAS" data-link-label="" data-link-type="url" href="https://wildlifeambulance.org/" target="_blank">East Sussex WRAS</a> to find out about hedgehogs. </p>
<p>Trevor Weeks MBE who set up the charity 25 years ago showed us around, explained why hedgehogs are so endangered in the UK. </p>
<p><iframe class="justify_inline" data-video-type="youtube" data-video-id="0iH6Tju-isM" data-video-thumb-url="https://img.youtube.com/vi/0iH6Tju-isM/mqdefault.jpg" type="text/html" src="https://www.youtube.com/embed/0iH6Tju-isM?rel=0&wmode=transparent&enablejsapi=1" frameborder="0" height="180" width="500" allowfullscreen="true"></iframe></p>
<p>We celebrated World Environment Day a few week ago, a global online event with more than 100 children's storytellings, artists and musicians, to raise funds for conservation projects to protect these species around the globe. </p>
<p>If you missed the SwitchOn Global Telethon and you want to get involved, you can still donate! Our charity platform is live for the rest of June. Please, follow this link and choose "UK Hedgehog" in the dropdown menu when you make your donation <a contents="HERE" data-link-label="" data-link-type="url" href="https://chuffed.org/project/switchon-telethon" target="_blank">HERE</a>.</p>
<p><img src="//d10j3mvrs1suex.cloudfront.net/u/539054/4b2734b68e740cc697006c8052781bc5573d3686/original/unnamed.gif/!!/meta:eyJzcmNCdWNrZXQiOiJiemdsZmlsZXMifQ==/b:W10=.png" class="size_l justify_center border_" /></p>
<p><span class="font_large">➢ AMAZING SWITCHON CHILDREN'S ALBUM!</span></p>
<p>We're so excited to have <a contents='our song "Hedgehog&nbsp;Hero' data-link-label="" data-link-type="url" href="https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=lYROIBFmeZ8" target="_blank">our song "Hedgehog Hero</a>" on this brand new, exclusive album made for families, specially for the SwitchOn Telethon. </p>
<p>Artists from every continent have donated songs, all the funds will go to protect our wildlife. We know your family will love to hear songs about animals and wildlife in many different musical styles!</p>
<p>There are 20 wonderful songs written especially about the endangered species. This is a unique project and we'd love you to be part of it. </p>
<p><a contents="Download your copy right here " data-link-label="" data-link-type="url" href="https://switchontelethon.bandcamp.com/" style="" target="_blank">Download your copy right here </a>for 25 Australian dollars which is just under £15. All proceeds go to wildlife charities. </p>
<p> </p>
<p><a contents="" data-link-label="" data-link-type="url" href="https://switchontelethon.bandcamp.com/" target="_blank"><img src="//d10j3mvrs1suex.cloudfront.net/u/539054/6fda18484f1f78ab23d0e65ff9b856711c198ad3/original/a1621064814-16.jpeg/!!/meta:eyJzcmNCdWNrZXQiOiJiemdsZmlsZXMifQ==/b:W10=.jpg" class="size_l justify_center border_" /></a></p>
<p> </p>
<p> </p>Go Kid Musictag:gokidmusic.com,2005:Post/66588392021-06-14T14:28:42+01:002021-06-14T17:38:47+01:00The Perfect Musical Instrument for Little Fingers..?<h4>There’s a tiny little instrument that offers a big punch, Al Start from Go Kid Music is singing the praises of the humble ukulele. </h4>
<p><img src="//d10j3mvrs1suex.cloudfront.net/u/539054/b0b74507d7def440775d3f5c88e4cd8b393ba291/original/boy-on-bed-with-uke.png/!!/meta:eyJzcmNCdWNrZXQiOiJiemdsZmlsZXMifQ==/b:W1sic2l6ZSIsIm1lZGl1bSJdXQ==.png" class="size_m justify_left border_none" alt="boy with ukulele sits on bed - go kid music uke club" /><strong>Uku-what now?? - hear me out! </strong>There’s a few really great reasons why this small, innocent looking instrument could be your secret (musical) weapon. Indulge me… </p>
<p>There’s a window of opportunity, while your children are at primary school, to open up their world to music. Really, you have the perfect combination of their brains being right in the ‘learning zone’, their little fingers start to do what their brains tell them (most of the time!) and they are open-minded and naturally curious. </p>
<p>For children of primary school age, I would argue, <strong>the ukulele makes a brilliant first instrument.</strong> Remember when you were at school? Perhaps not as long ago as I, but there was the good old recorder - a solid standard across the land. Waiting for us to blow far too hard during a rendition of London’s Burning in assembly! </p>
<p>If the recorder was not your thing, then it was the violin. Nothing wrong with that, but there’s a tremendous amount of technique to learn before you’re able to get a decent sound that doesn’t resemble a cat crying. For most children this can be a real turn off - a barrier to learning an instrument that could <strong>change their life forever.</strong> Children need quick results, they need the ‘win’ to encourage them to continue. That’s what makes the ukulele such a champ. </p>
<p><img src="//d10j3mvrs1suex.cloudfront.net/u/539054/c01070bee9375e8654b7e1f055eaa1705f95988d/original/violin-sounding-awful.png/!!/meta:eyJzcmNCdWNrZXQiOiJiemdsZmlsZXMifQ==/b:W1sic2l6ZSIsIm1lZGl1bSJdXQ==.png" class="size_m justify_right border_none" alt="girl plays violin, boy covers ears! Ukulele for kids is much better" /></p>
<p><strong>In just one lesson</strong>, your child will be able to play at least one song, and it’ll sound good! From there it’s only a matter of learning a couple more chord shapes and they will have the solid foundation to be able to play a wide selection of songs.</p>
<p>If they prefer to pick tunes rather than strum chords, with just 4 strings it’s easy on the fingers, small and light to hold, meaning they can concentrate on learning the notes rather than worry about troublesome technique. </p>
<p>From your point of view as the banker, you’ll find the ukulele gives <strong>bang for your buck!</strong> You can buy a perfectly decent ukulele with good quality (Aquila) strings and a carry bag for under £25!</p>
<p>Plus as the faithful audience member, you’ll appreciate how mellow the ukulele sounds (unlike it’s feline counterpart) while you paint that smile on and listen to Smoke on the Water for the 12th time! </p>
<p><strong>What about lessons? </strong>Many schools and music services now offer ukulele clubs for free, there’s usually a keen teacher who will lead lunchtime or after school uke club! Paid lessons are in small groups which make them fun and affordable. </p>
<p><a contents="Youtube" data-link-label="" data-link-type="url" href="https://youtube.com/alstarty09" target="_blank">Youtube</a> has a plethora of free tutorials, and just searching the word ‘ukulele’ plus the song title your child fancies will bring up endless options. </p>
<p>The last of my favourite perks of your child learning the ukulele is that <strong>you can learn along with them!</strong> There is no excuse to mourn your lack of persistence with the violin any more! The ukulele makes an ideal shared activity, especially if you plump for online lessons. You can spend quality time with your child as well as being the next <em>Von Trapp family</em> and the life and soul of your next family gathering! </p>
<p><img src="//d10j3mvrs1suex.cloudfront.net/u/539054/8f0719591b7909314f1e3832d50597ed5e7342ac/original/vonn-trapp-family.jpg/!!/meta:eyJzcmNCdWNrZXQiOiJiemdsZmlsZXMifQ==/b:W10=.jpg" class="size_l justify_center border_" /></p>
<p>Handily, the ukulele comes in <strong>a range of sizes to suit us all.</strong> The smallest (soprano) is ideal for most children, the next size up is the ‘concert’ which is fab for growing hands and smaller adults. The ‘tenor’ is perfect for guitarists and those of us with bigger hands - I prefer a tenor uke as I was initially a guitarist, but I also love the concert size.</p>
<p><img src="//d10j3mvrs1suex.cloudfront.net/u/539054/5ee929d9c9ad091e44ed0dd5cd1c81b612d591af/original/ukulele-sizes.jpg/!!/meta:eyJzcmNCdWNrZXQiOiJiemdsZmlsZXMifQ==/b:W1sic2l6ZSIsIm1lZGl1bSJdXQ==.jpg" class="size_m justify_center border_none" alt="ukulele sizes - what's the best size for my child to learn ukulele?" /></p>
<p>They come in every colour under the sun - but do get the good strings already fitted as I mentioned earlier. I find the Mahalo M1 soprano range to be a great starter ukulele (no, I’m not an affiliate I just rate them) and Octopus Ukuleles UK are also great - they tick all the afore-mentioned boxes and are widely available online. </p>
<p>So, I hope I’ve given you food for thought! If there’s a gift-giving opportunity on the horizon, perhaps you could give the gift of music (and treat yourself at the same time)! </p>
<p>-----------------------------------------------------------------A little more..???------------------------------------------------------------</p>
<p>Having taught ukulele in schools for over a decade Al Start has perfected the art and packaged it into one super-cool family-focused club! The <a contents="Go Kid Ukulele Club" data-link-label="" data-link-type="url" href="https://club.gokidmusic.com/p/go-kid-ukulele-club/" target="_blank">Go Kid Ukulele Club</a> features online lessons taking you from total beginner to ukulele hero at your own pace, for the price of just one ukulele. Check them out! The time is NOW!</p>Go Kid Musictag:gokidmusic.com,2005:Post/65266602021-01-21T13:19:53+00:002021-01-21T13:19:53+00:00Wonderful Funding News!<p>We kick-started this new year - 2021 - with fantastic funding from the Inclusive Recovery Fund from <a contents="Unltd.com" data-link-label="" data-link-type="url" href="https://www.unltd.org.uk/home-page/" target="_blank">Unltd.com</a>, through their partners Comic Relief and the Department for Digital, Culture, Media Sport (DCMS).</p>
<p><a contents="" data-link-label="" data-link-type="url" href="https://www.unltd.org.uk/our-support/how-we-can-help/" target="_blank"><img src="//d10j3mvrs1suex.cloudfront.net/u/539054/fb2fef97107454ce8970bb32ad713af62ab7c7a3/original/screenshot-2021-01-21-at-12-52-11.png/!!/b:W10=.png" class="size_l justify_center border_" /></a></p>
<p>Thanks to their generous funding, we were able to welcome our brand new Digital Assistant, Carmina! </p>
<p><img src="//d10j3mvrs1suex.cloudfront.net/u/539054/608ca84ca7c52516122a17a9e9782cd9b5dd9ecb/original/carmina-photo.jpg/!!/undefined/b:W1sic2l6ZSIsIm1lZGl1bSJdXQ==.jpg" class="size_m justify_left border_" />Carmina has come to Brighton from Barcelona with lots of experience promoting music venues and working with Arts organisations in Spain. She has already made a huge impact by updating and re-designing our Go Kid Music website.</p>
<p>As a singer-songwriter, I (Al) have had to learn a great deal about how to run a business! It's a steep learning curve I can tell you! I have had support along the way from many different people and sources, but recently I have been flying solo! Now, with Carmina's help, we will be able to reach many more children and families and support more schools with our fantastic music resources.</p>
<p>The funding is enabling Carmina to train using the government's <a contents="Digital Apprenticeship scheme" data-link-label="" data-link-type="url" href="https://www.apprenticeships.gov.uk/apprentices/browse-by-interests/digital" target="_blank">Digital Apprenticeship scheme</a>. She will have 15 months' intensive training via providers <a contents="Creative Process Digital" data-link-label="" data-link-type="url" href="https://creativeprocessdigital.com/" target="_blank">Creative Process Digital</a> and will learn every aspect of Digital marketing in the UK. She'll be able to build on her skills and experience and take it to the next level!</p>
<p>This opportunity would not have been possible for us without the Inclusive Recovery Fund as we have been so affected by Coronavirus. No live events, no school singing and losing chunks of our regular income has been tough.</p>
<p>However, it's onwards and upwards! We have online memberships and children's activities and clubs, live streaming events and plenty more to come!</p>
<p>Our aim this year is to reach children who are staying in hospital or residential care. We intend to offer free music resources, songs and activities to the children and their families for free.</p>
<p>We are also developing our schools educational music support for children who are affected by early trauma. Many children struggle with conventional learning and we will be reaching more children than ever with our amazing topic-based songs and our online resources...watch this space!</p>
<p>We hope you are enjoying finding out all about what we offer here at Go Kid Music and how we can enrich more children's lives through music! Do get in touch if you'd like to be involved.</p>
<p>I know you'll join me in wishing Carmina well for the next 15 months having to put up with me! 🤣🤣🤣</p>
<p>Huge thanks again to our funders for making such a positive impact on the work we can now do!</p>Go Kid Musictag:gokidmusic.com,2005:Post/65266462021-01-21T12:36:14+00:002021-01-21T12:36:14+00:00Our friends Octopus Ukulele have a special offer!<p>We have joined forces with the fantastic British company Octopus Ukulele! </p>
<p>They make lovely ukuleles that we know you'll love to play! We have set up a special code just for you for a 10% discount on any ukulele. </p>
<p>We recommend the <a contents="UK&nbsp;205&nbsp;Soprano Range" data-link-label="" data-link-type="url" href="https://octopusukulele.co.uk/products/uk205?variant=33672022130828" target="_blank">UK 205 Soprano Range</a>, which is perfect for little fingers. At just £24 it makes a perfect starter instrument. </p>
<p>Use the code <strong>OAP102 </strong>at check out to claim your 10% discount. </p>
<p>Don't forget you can learn the ukulele with us! Find out about the <a contents="online Ukulele Club here" data-link-label="" data-link-type="url" href="https://club.gokidmusic.com/p/go-kid-ukulele-club" target="_blank">online Ukulele Club here</a>.</p>
<p><img src="//d10j3mvrs1suex.cloudfront.net/u/539054/8a32437612e76aef07b8112498b2cabd1355ffd5/original/captura-de-pantalla-2021-01-21-a-les-12-30-21.png/!!/b:W10=.png" class="size_l justify_center border_" /></p>
<p> </p>Go Kid Musictag:gokidmusic.com,2005:Post/65196852021-01-13T13:27:23+00:002022-10-21T12:30:48+01:00Yes! it's lockdown live streaming with me, Al Start again!<p><span class="font_large"><strong>We had so much fun last time, I just can't wait to do it again! </strong></span></p>
<p>Join Al Start for a weekly fun and lively singing session - rather like our singing at school mixed with a live acoustic gig! </p>
<p>THURSDAY MORNINGS at 10am on my <a contents="Go Kid Music page" data-link-label="" data-link-type="url" href="https://www.facebook.com/gokidmusic" target="_blank">Go Kid Music page</a> or in my <a contents="group&nbsp;Go Kid Music Club " data-link-label="" data-link-type="url" href="https://www.facebook.com/groups/GKMClub" target="_blank">group Go Kid Music Club </a>- Excellent Songs for Children! - (you can join the group if you're a parent or teacher). </p>
<p>Watch along live so you can comment, ask for your fave songs, get a shout-out for your kids and add to the fun.</p>
<p>Schools can watch along - let me know in advance of you have a particular topic or theme and I'll try do a song about it </p>
<p>You (your kids) can learn new songs, request favourites plus comment and chat with Al in real time. The videos will also be available to watch any time after the live stream. </p>
<p>See ya Thursday at 10am. </p>
<p> </p>
<p><img src="//d10j3mvrs1suex.cloudfront.net/u/539054/a6044536f1147abba2c1560d08eaa96e526c0bfb/original/copy-of-live-on-facebook-and-instagram-co-pia.png/!!/b:W10=.png" class="size_l justify_center border_" /></p>Go Kid Musictag:gokidmusic.com,2005:Post/65180282021-01-11T14:31:02+00:002021-01-11T14:31:02+00:00MY RARE CORONAVERSE SUMMER GIGS!<p>This August (2020) should have seen me playing live 4 times a week. All cancelled. </p>
<p>Then this amazing opportunity came my way -to play on Brighton beach at the Warren Outdoor Festival. </p>
<p>Usually a firm favourite at Brighton Festival (also cancelled) this ingenious pop-up venue was right on Brighton beach by the Palace Pier. </p>
<p>I was lucky to play 4 shows, and here's a little video we made to show you round backstage and how magnificent the venue was - this was my last show...were you there?</p>
<p><iframe class="justify_inline" data-video-type="youtube" data-video-id="_R60hm9G96Y" data-video-thumb-url="https://img.youtube.com/vi/_R60hm9G96Y/mqdefault.jpg" type="text/html" src="https://www.youtube.com/embed/_R60hm9G96Y?rel=0&wmode=transparent&enablejsapi=1" frameborder="0" height="180" width="320" allowfullscreen="true"></iframe></p>Go Kid Musictag:gokidmusic.com,2005:Post/65180242021-01-11T14:28:09+00:002021-01-11T14:28:09+00:00WATCH OUR SUMMER VIDEO<p><span class="font_large">BIG BEACH CAFE - A SONG FOR HOVE LAGOON! </span></p>
<p>13th August 2020: Al and a group of families headed to our favourite playpark in Brighton - Hove Lagoon - to film our music video. Here's an exclusive first watch and listen! </p>
<p>It's a simple song about a day out with the kids, and there's no better park in my book - my family loves the playground, funpark rides and bouncy inflatables, the skate park -and we ALL love the Big Beach Cafe! If you come to Brighton, why not check it out - you'll dodge the sea front crowds and have a fantastic time. </p>
<p>The Cafe is owned by Brighton hero Fatboy Slim (AKA Norman Cook) and is funky, friendly and serves a great flat white coffee (my fave!) as well as yummy food and treats! </p>
<p>Big thanks as ever, to all the kids starring in this video, and their wonderful families! xxx</p>
<p> </p>
<p><iframe class="justify_inline" data-video-type="youtube" data-video-id="PzDcpVRt1Ac" data-video-thumb-url="https://img.youtube.com/vi/PzDcpVRt1Ac/mqdefault.jpg" type="text/html" src="https://www.youtube.com/embed/PzDcpVRt1Ac?rel=0&wmode=transparent&enablejsapi=1" frameborder="0" height="180" width="320" allowfullscreen="true"></iframe></p>Go Kid Musictag:gokidmusic.com,2005:Post/65180232021-01-11T14:24:36+00:002021-01-11T14:25:16+00:00SUMMER LIVE GIGS<p><span class="font_large">THE WARREN OUTDOOR FESTIVAL </span></p>
<p>...And all of a sudden, there was a live outdoor, social-distanced venue! </p>
<p>This Friday Saturday 29th at 10am I'll be singing live on the new Brighton Beach Stage! I'm taking the Go Kid Music Club to the Seaside! </p>
<p>You can book a whole table seating up to 6 people who are in your "bubble". Drinks are brought to your table - it's all spaced and socially distanced.... </p>
<p>Follow the link to find out more and book your tickets! YAY!</p>
<p> </p>
<p><span class="font_large">→ <a contents="Find out more now" data-link-label="" data-link-type="url" href="https://www.otherplaceticketing.co.uk/6628/al-starts-go-kid-music-club-monsters-and-beasties" target="_blank">Find out more now</a>. </span></p>
<p> </p>
<p><span class="font_large"><img src="//d10j3mvrs1suex.cloudfront.net/u/539054/ae883638efecf9434a385c6f7c6339c0c156425a/original/captura-de-pantalla-2021-01-11-a-les-14-24-03.png/!!/b:W10=.png" class="size_l justify_center border_" /></span></p>Go Kid Musictag:gokidmusic.com,2005:Post/65180222021-01-11T14:21:42+00:002021-01-11T14:21:42+00:00IT'S A SUMMER OF UKULELE!<p><strong>Grab your ukulele! </strong>This is the summer you and your kids become ukulele players! Yep, there's no reason not to! We're still having to stay close to home, so why not take the plunge! </p>
<p>My ukulele club is all online and available on any device at any time - anywhere! With downloadable songsheets. </p>
<p>I'll take you from <strong>total beginner</strong> <strong>to cool uke strummer </strong>in no time. No joke: the ukulele is one of the easiest instruments to learn...FAST! And we know kids like instant gratification (who can blame them!) </p>
<p>This summer is special as I'm giving live workshops through the summer to all members of the Go Kid Ukulele Club. I'll be streaming regular extra classes where I'll teach you new songs, answer your questions, help you with anything you're stuck on and we'll have a good old strum and sing! </p>
<p>All the info is <a contents="HERE" data-link-label="" data-link-type="url" href="https://club.gokidmusic.com/p/go-kid-ukulele-club/" target="_blank">HERE</a> - and this little vid will tell you more...so come with me and let's get our ukes on!</p>
<p> </p>
<p><iframe class="justify_inline" data-video-type="youtube" data-video-id="-YSIbzPJTc0" data-video-thumb-url="https://img.youtube.com/vi/-YSIbzPJTc0/mqdefault.jpg" type="text/html" src="https://www.youtube.com/embed/-YSIbzPJTc0?rel=0&wmode=transparent&enablejsapi=1" frameborder="0" height="180" width="320" allowfullscreen="true"></iframe></p>Go Kid Musictag:gokidmusic.com,2005:Post/65180192021-01-11T14:15:00+00:002021-08-17T13:07:05+01:00MUSIC IN THE TIPI AT WOWO CAMP<p><span class="font_large">SUMMER 2020 UPDATE</span></p>
<p>I have just heard the sad news that Wowo are not able to have any live music this season :-( I should have started my annual residency back at the beginning of May, and thought perhaps later in the summer we'd be able to do open air sessions. This is going to cause groups to gather, however and Wowo want you to be safe and well if you camp with them this summer. So with a heavy heart, I say "see you next year."</p>
<p><span class="font_large">→ More information <a contents="here" data-link-label="" data-link-type="url" href="https://www.wowo.co.uk/" target="_blank">here</a>. </span></p>
<p><iframe class="justify_inline" data-video-type="youtube" data-video-id="zI9K1Wugim0" data-video-thumb-url="https://img.youtube.com/vi/zI9K1Wugim0/mqdefault.jpg" type="text/html" src="https://www.youtube.com/embed/zI9K1Wugim0?rel=0&wmode=transparent&enablejsapi=1" frameborder="0" height="180" width="320" allowfullscreen="true"></iframe></p>Go Kid Musictag:gokidmusic.com,2005:Post/65180182021-01-11T14:05:59+00:002021-12-21T09:17:42+00:00 HITTING THE RIGHT NOTE<p><span class="font_large">AN INTERVIEW WITH AL START BY : JAQ BAYLES (G-SCENE APRIL 2020)</span></p>
<p> </p>
<p>For some people being a role model is a full- time job – and as such needs to be taken seriously. As a singer-songwriter with a digital platform that reaches children and their families across the globe, Brighton’s Al Start is fully aware of her responsibilities. </p>
<p>Not that this was the journey she originally envisaged for herself, rather her dream for a long time was ‘to be k.d. lang’, but in 2008 that all changed. <em><strong>‘I was kind of forced to do it against my will. I had just been touring the UK and the US, released a solo album, came back and I was broke. I thought: ‘How am I ever going to make money from music?’ </strong></em></p>
<p>So, calling on her previous experience as a playworker, she took a job in a school, where it wasn’t long before a teacher who had seen her lugging her guitar around and going to band practice started asking her to play for the pupils. Al, being what she called ‘a serious musician’, was resistant to the idea. ‘<em><strong>I thought she might want me to sing Kumbaya.’</strong></em> But she wrote a song called <strong>Creepy Castle</strong> and brought it to the youngsters with added sign language, because that’s what she had done as a playworker. ‘<em><strong>They absolutely loved it and I really enjoyed it. But I really didn’t want to do it at all to begin with. The amazing thing is now I can sell my shows out in the blink of an eye.’ </strong></em></p>
<p>Al, herself a parent, had hit upon an unmined seam in British music – the performing of proper songs for kids with good arrangements and meaningful lyrics, backed by the sign language element that brings the lyrics to life and works as a learning aid. <em><strong>‘I put as much effort into writing for children as I do for adults. Children’s music should not be lower quality than all other music, but it often is.’ </strong></em></p>
<p>This month Al launches her tenth album in that vein, Robot. There’s also a range of primary school songbooks, Sing! Play! Learn!, with Go Kid Music (the children’s music company she set up in 2015), published by HarperCollins. </p>
<p>Go Kid Music’s online platform has meant her performances are now seen across the world, making her a household name and a familiar face to thousands of families. <em><strong>‘I try to be a role model for the children. I take it really seriously. I’ve worked with them for 35 years in playwork, creative arts and now as a singer. They think I’m famous because they see me on their computers and tablets then I go to the show and they are ‘Oh my god it’s Al Start’ and they have stars in their eyes.’ </strong></em></p>
<p>The values she puts into her company – <em><strong>‘Kindness, respect, being yourself’</strong></em> – reflect her commitment to helping the kids she performs to develop a positive view of music and lyrics and the confidence to be who they want. </p>
<p>Being quite androgynous, Al is aware of the effect she can have on her audience:<em><strong> ‘I do their heads in because they don’t know if I’m a boy or a girl.’ </strong></em></p>
<p>And she is happy to challenge the gender stereotypes. <em><strong>‘When kids get to about seven they’re trying to work out who they are in relation to everybody else and gender is a crucial part of that.’ </strong></em></p>
<p>For example, they notice that someone’s got long hair or short hair and make the distinction between what is deemed appropriate for girls or boys.<em><strong> ‘By the time they reach nursery school they’ve already absorbed full-on stereotypes,’ says Al. ‘It’s a process.’ </strong></em></p>
<p>Now she says she is<em><strong> ‘teetering on the edge of wanting to do something with LGBTQ+ and kids’</strong></em>, but some in educational establishments can be reluctant to consider such issues from any point of view other than that of the parents. </p>
<p>Regardless, inclusivity is important to Al, as evidenced by a song called What Makes A Family, which uses the rainbow flag colours to help illustrate how different families can be and that’s how it should be – there are many variations on the nuclear model. </p>
<p>Ultimately, Al’s aim is to: ‘<strong><em>Write songs that permeate the fabric of childhood in the same way everyone gets together and sings the Happy Birthday song. I would like my songs to be there as a part of family culture.’ </em></strong></p>
<p>And her own role models? Musically she cites Michelle Shocked, Annie Lennox, k.d. lang, Horse McDonald… think there’s a theme there. And her <em><strong>‘hair icons’ </strong></em>were <strong><em>‘the Fonze and John Travolta in Grease’ </em></strong>– and that’s the power of role models.</p>
<p> </p>
<p><span class="font_large">→ To read more, click <a contents="here" data-link-label="" data-link-type="url" href="https://www.gscene.com/arts/books/al-start-hitting-the-right-note/" target="_blank">here</a>. </span></p>
<p> </p>
<p><span class="font_large"><img src="//d10j3mvrs1suex.cloudfront.net/u/539054/30d546809fe4208a97b182b0a2345c45faea6079/original/b-w1sizxh0cmfjdciseyjszwz0ijoxmtgsinrvcci6mcwid2lkdggiojmynzgsimhlawdodci6mzi3oh1dlfsicmvzaxpliiwymdawxsxbim1hecjdlfsid2uixv0.jpg/!!/b:W10=.jpg" class="size_l justify_center border_" /></span></p>Go Kid Musictag:gokidmusic.com,2005:Post/65179972021-01-11T13:42:41+00:002021-01-11T14:18:00+00:00BRAND NEW DAY<p>Watch my brand new video from the newly released album, ROBOT! </p>
<p>This song is all about our planet and how we need to make some changes to keep it in good health...</p>
<p><iframe class="justify_inline" data-video-type="youtube" data-video-id="mpSxKFODbzA" data-video-thumb-url="https://img.youtube.com/vi/mpSxKFODbzA/mqdefault.jpg" type="text/html" src="https://www.youtube.com/embed/mpSxKFODbzA?rel=0&wmode=transparent&enablejsapi=1" frameborder="0" height="180" width="320" allowfullscreen="true"></iframe></p>Go Kid Musictag:gokidmusic.com,2005:Post/65179962021-01-11T13:40:28+00:002022-05-24T09:38:37+01:00HELPING HANDS - A SONG FOR OUR KEY WORKERS<p>I have written a brand new song, filmed the teaching video and uploaded loads of freebies for your children's delight! My clever friend and drummer, Tony from <a contents="Sunny Studios" data-link-label="" data-link-type="url" href="https://www.sunnystudiohove.co.uk/" target="_blank">Sunny Studios</a> has turned the song into an awesome track - you can now watch the brand new video (on the videos page) and then pop over to my <a contents="Go Kid Music Club" data-link-label="" data-link-type="url" href="https://club.gokidmusic.com/p/helping-hands">Go Kid Music Club</a> to download the song/backing track/lyrics/chord sheets and even learn how to play it on the ukulele!</p>
<p><a contents="" data-link-label="" data-link-type="url" href="https://club.gokidmusic.com/p/helping-hands"><img src="//d10j3mvrs1suex.cloudfront.net/u/539054/2d1057e98c850a8e497cc38ce795fb7f5b747f31/original/b-w1sicmvzaxpliiwxmdawxsxbim1hecjdlfsid2uixv0-1.png/!!/b:W10=.png" class="size_l justify_center border_" /></a></p>Go Kid Musictag:gokidmusic.com,2005:Post/65179932021-01-11T13:35:47+00:002021-01-11T13:35:47+00:00BRAND NEW LIVE MUSIC FOR YOUR CHILDREN ON ZOOM! HOST A VIRTUAL MUSIC BIRTHDAY PARTY WITH AL!<p><span class="font_large">Is your child's birthday coming up? Is there a special celebration you have had to cancel? Maybe I can help...</span> </p>
<p>I can host a musical party on ZOOM.com where you can invite your guests to sign in and be seen and heard online. I can play favourite songs, play music and action games and we can have a good half hour of interactive fun - including singing happy birthday, showing home-made signs, pictures and cards. </p>
<p>I can make this totally bespoke to you and your family - you choose your child's favourite songs, you can ask your guests to dress up in a themed costume, the only limits are your imagination! </p>
<p>If you'd like to hire me the cost is £95 and we can get together on zoom to plan your ideas now! </p>
<p>I'm available for parties on Thursdays and Fridays - email me now! <a contents="info@gokidmusic.com&nbsp;" data-link-label="" data-link-type="email" href="mailto:info@gokidmusic.com%C2%A0" target="_blank">info@gokidmusic.com</a></p>
<p> The show must go on!</p>
<p> </p>
<p><iframe class="justify_inline" data-video-type="youtube" data-video-id="Qxe3yNfzYkI" data-video-thumb-url="https://img.youtube.com/vi/Qxe3yNfzYkI/mqdefault.jpg" type="text/html" src="https://www.youtube.com/embed/Qxe3yNfzYkI?rel=0&wmode=transparent&enablejsapi=1" frameborder="0" height="180" width="320" allowfullscreen="true"></iframe></p>Go Kid Musictag:gokidmusic.com,2005:Post/65179922021-01-11T13:34:10+00:002021-01-11T13:34:10+00:00FAMILY LIVE MUSIC SESSION WITH AL ON ZOOM!<p>How would your kids like a special music session all to yourselves? Al can offer a half-hour music session exclusively for your family! </p>
<p>You can sign-in on Zoom and request your favourite songs, sing along with Al, play the ukulele or your other instruments. </p>
<p><span class="font_large"><strong>Al can even write a song with your family right there and then - and send it to you afterwards!!! </strong></span></p>
<p>Book Al for a family session for £95 for 40 minutes with any songs you write recorded acoustically and sent to you afterwards. What a special family treat!! </p>
<p> Email Al to enquire: <a contents="info@gokidmusic.com" data-link-label="" data-link-type="email" href="mailto:info@gokidmusic.com" target="_blank">info@gokidmusic.com</a></p>Go Kid Musictag:gokidmusic.com,2005:Post/65179912021-01-11T13:31:48+00:002021-01-11T13:31:48+00:00JOIN OUR ONLINE CLUBS & MUSIC LESSONS FOR FAMILIES <p>In the light of recent coronavirus measures, many of us have to stay at home. We are here to help with your children's continuing education and entertainment. If your family is home for a while, we have some really great, interactive music clubs that are all online. </p>
<p>Al can teach your children how to play loads of songs on the ukulele, she can teach them fantastic songs in the Go Kid Music Club - all using makaton signing too, so your children will even be developing their language and communication skills. Many of the songs are educational - and they are all great fun! Click the image below and take a look around our collection of online clubs. </p>
<p>LIVE FACEBOOK MUSIC SESSIONS </p>
<p>Al will be running live music sessions on <a contents="Facebook" data-link-label="" data-link-type="url" href="https://www.facebook.com/gokidmusic" target="_blank">Facebook</a> if we are to stay off school, so make sure you follow us to watch and interact. We'll get through this thing together, and to help you have set up a 20% discount on all online courses and clubs when you join our mailing list (below). </p>
<p>Stay well amigo x</p>Go Kid Musictag:gokidmusic.com,2005:Post/65179692021-01-11T13:26:30+00:002021-01-11T13:29:24+00:00OUR NEW ALBUM - ROBOT - HAS LANDED! <p>ALBUM LAUNCH POSTPONED RESCHEDULED FOR LATER THIS YEAR</p>
<p>Sadly, I have had to move my much anticipated album launch party to later this year. We have a pencilled date of Saturday 26th September - so save the date! </p>
<p>We will keep you up to date with confirmed dates for gigs as we get them. As you know venues are having to close and many live events have been cancelled. I'll be moving my music online as much as possible, so keep an eye on social media!</p>
<p> </p>
<p><iframe class="justify_inline" data-video-type="youtube" data-video-id="QJA3ccvXOkE" data-video-thumb-url="https://img.youtube.com/vi/QJA3ccvXOkE/mqdefault.jpg" type="text/html" src="https://www.youtube.com/embed/QJA3ccvXOkE?rel=0&wmode=transparent&enablejsapi=1" frameborder="0" height="180" width="320" allowfullscreen="true"></iframe></p>Go Kid Musictag:gokidmusic.com,2005:Post/65163452021-01-08T14:57:20+00:002021-12-13T11:04:52+00:00SIGNING IS A BIG PART OF GO KID MUSIC.<p>SIGNING IS A BIG PART OF GO KID MUSIC. </p>
<p>DOES YOUR SCHOOL USE MAKATON OR BSL? </p>
<p>This is Florence, she is one of our first members of the Go Kid Music Club. She loves to sing and sign wherever she goes! </p>
<p>Children learn our songs by watching and copying the signed videos - they read the words as subtitles and improve their literacy skills at the same time! </p>
<p>Each song is about something children love - many are based on topics that follow the National Curriculum in the UK. </p>
<p>Singing, being musical and learning creatively develops so many skills in children and boosts their self-confidence.</p>Go Kid Music