Expert support for Music Hubs in rap, lyricism, recording and reaching disengaged young people

“In my opinion, the work Kenny does is absolutely unique in the UK” - Charly Richardson, CEO, Lewisham Music

“The way Kenny interacts with pupils and teachers is an art!” - Mark Lowe, Schools Project Manager, Inspiring Music/Central Bedfordshire Music Hub.

“Through his work, schools reported transformational changes in young people with increased and improved attendance to school, better emotional control and an improved attitude towards their education.” - Peter Lovell, Music Service Lead Officer, Essex Music Service

What I can offer Music Hubs?

I work with Music Hubs and schools with a focus on increasing student engagement: in music, in learning, in their community and, most importantly, in their own lives.

For young artists/students I do this through:

  • Rap, songwriting, recording and performance workshops and masterclasses

  • Motivational talks

  • 1:2:1 and group artist development

  • mentoring

Additionally, I also provide the following for tutors, teachers and leaders from Hubs, schools or other arts organisations:

  • tutor/teacher training (group/class management, lesson planning as well as teaching rap, songwiritng, etc.)

  • provisional/curriculum planning and development

  • programmatic and strategic planning

  • tutor/teacher mentoring

  • consulting

My services increase the potential of the ‘hard to deal with’ students but, crucially, also improve the

school environment for everyone. I work with mainstream and SEND within Key Stages 2—5.

Work to date has helped improve:

  • attendance

  • rates of bullying

  • self-confidence

  • attitude to learning

  • behaviour management

  • exam results

Would you be interested in meeting (virtually or in person)?

I’d love to discuss your biggest challenges in engaging your students and explore how I may help

your hub develop the next generation of musicians and songwriters.

Testimonials

“[Kenny’s] dynamic nature allows him to adjust his approach to facilitate the best possible outcomes with everyone he works with. I witnessed first-hand how he enabled pupils to feel comfortable enough to express their opinions and views, allowing meaningful discussions to take place, creating a strong sense of community and respect.

His knowledge and experience of a diverse range of genres, showcases not only his passion for music, but his ability to tailor sessions based on the interests of the young people he is working with. This consequently inspired the teachers involved to better understand how to represent their pupils’ interests in music. I look forward to working with Kenny again very soon.”

Mark Lowe, Schools Project Manager, Inspiring Music/Central Bedfordshire Music Hub

“In my opinion, the work Kenny does is absolutely unique in the UK. He understands community and youth settings, mainstream schools and Pupil Referral Units. He’s able to relate to youth workers, teachers and music tutors as well as the young people themself. He bridges the gap between so-called formal and non-formal education.

His knowledge and experience of rap and all its subgenres is outstanding. He was raised in and is still very immersed in the culture – Kenny is as genuine as they come.

He’s also a firm believer in the power that lyrical expression can have on disadvantaged and hard-to-reach young people, and I’ve seen the impact of his work on these groups many times.

Whether he’s delivering a project, writing a scheme of work, delivering an inspirational keynote, or training teachers on creative literacy, Kenny really can deliver it all. He’s an inspiration and an absolute joy to work with.”

Charly Richardson, Chief Executive of Lewisham Music

“Kenny has worked for Essex Music Service with a particular focus on working with schools with high levels of vulnerable students and engaging through rap and songwriting interventions.

The work he delivered was always well received by teaching colleagues and Kenny’s approach was always very flexible and collaborative, establishing a strong working relationship with the teaching and support staff at the school, and understanding the individual needs of the young people he was due to work with.

Through his work, schools reported transformational changes in young people with increased and improved attendance to school, better emotional control and an improved attitude towards their education. Many of these successes were borne out of Kenny’s approach being very young person lead, and the authenticity he brought to each session.”

Peter Lovell, Music Service Lead Officer, Essex Music Service