Music To My Years
About Live The Beat
Music is powerful and can spark a reaction in us all. I use that emotional response as an opportunity to promote learning for children and older people.
I am passionate about creating musical experiences for groups whether they are:
Children in the early years of learning
Children with emotional regulation or behavioural needs
SEND children
Older people in care settings
Professionals in care and educational settings looking for training opportunities.
Hi, I'm Amanda and I’ve been a teacher for more than 20 years.
In April 2023, I did something brave.
​
I left my permanent job as a primary school teacher to run my music business full-time. I'd spent the last 20 years teaching both infants and juniors, and also as an assistant headteacher and school SENDco.
This background in early years education has given me a wealth of skills and knowledge that underpins the success of my new business.
The power of music.
I have always been passionate about music and the arts and their value to people of all ages. I’m now seeing this first-hand, witnessing the impact they have on a range of learners in both their growth and development.
​
Whether it’s a 92-year-old who feels valued and empowered to teach songs in an intergenerational setting. Or a non-verbal three-year-old finding their voice and beginning to communicate… music can have a life-changing effect!
As a child I was fortunate enough to attend a specialist music school. The opportunities I had to grow and perform were vast, including as a solo singer and in a choir; with which I toured the UK and America. I am now determined to bring music into the lives of as many children and older people as possible.
Live the Beat is for all ages and abilities
My daughter was really into music when she was young, but I couldn't find a class near to me in Cheshire. So I decided to set up my own.
I began delivering weekly sessions for children, their parents, grandparents and carers in my local community in my village close to Chester.
​
My 75-year-old Dad would attend with my daughter whilst I led the session. It was the highlight of their week!
I loved seeing their intergenerational relationship grow, like all the other grandparents and carers who came to the class.
In the summer of 2022, I realised that, as a teacher, I wanted to support children regularly, and this ‘ad-hoc, pop-in class’ meant there was no continuity and progression for the children. So I changed my business.
​
I now deliver classes to around 15 educational settings such as: nurseries, preschools, primary schools, care homes and care villages. Every week I see first-hand how my music classes make a real difference to children and older people. And as an inclusive activity, I witness the incredible impact on children with special educational needs and disabilities (SEND).
​
Many nursery practitioners regularly give amazing feedback, particularly in relation to their SEND children:
“I’ve never seen him sit like that before!”
“Did you see his focus and attention?”
“She sat through the whole session!”
Music runs in the family
I enjoy spending time with my young family, which usually involves outdoor activities like walking, cycling and water sports. My son is loving learning to play the drums, and my daughter is excited to join her school choir.