Yamaha More Music!
Some Key Activities - past & present
MusicQuest (from 2007-2010)
MusicQuest was a 3-year programme which began in 2007 to introduce primary school children to high-quality live classical music, a partnership between Yamaha Music UK, the Prince of Wales' foundation for Children and the Arts, Classic FM Music Makers and the Philharmonia Orchestra. This project is delivered by a chamber orchestra of musicians from the Philharmonia, under the expert guidance and baton of Philharmonia percussionist and Purcell School head of percussion, Kevin Hathaway, with a van load of instruments supplied by Yamaha for each of the morning workshops before performances in five UK towns each year. We are proud to be able to work with such incredible musicians to inspire both teachers and the young people who have taken part in MusicQuest.
Yamaha Jazz Experience (from 2009, continuing)
The Yamaha Jazz Experience is a perfect example of how Yamaha More Music! works. Launched in early 2009 top Yamaha jazz artists, who have included Geoff Warren, Julian Joseph, Peter Ind, Tim Garland, Andrea Vicari and Neil Cowley, work alongside our leadjazz educator, Richard Michael. In year one of the programme they deliver a series of one-day workshops across the UK for teachers new to jazz. The aim of the workshops is to support teachers on their own jazz and improvising journeys, in order to improve access to jazz and improvising for young people aged 11-18. In year two, the project features a competition for a jazz ensemble, whose prizes include gigs at top UK jazz venues. By enlisting the support of the UK's top jazz musicians and educators in this way, we are able to leave a lasting legacy for both the teachers and the young people themselves - which is the mission of Yamaha More Music!
Childline Rocks (from 2009)
Since 2009 Yamaha has supported Childline Rocks, which itself supports the children's charity, Chidline. Top Yamaha artists, like Joe Bonamassa, Jamie Cullum, Jools Holland and drummers Troy Miller, Mark Richardson and Andrew Small, work with Yamaha's UK music schools to raise money for the charity through a free lesson campaign and through visits to local schools. With top rock and pop musicians involved this project is also inspiring young people to get involved in making music. Past Childline Rocks concerts have featured performers from Yamaha Music Schools.
(updated: June 2010)