Music is powerful and can spark a reaction in us all.
At Live the Beat CIC, we use that emotional response as an opportunity to promote learning, connection and wellbeing for children and older people.
We're passionate about creating musical experiences for groups whether they are:
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Children in the early years of learning
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Children with emotional regulation or behavioural needs
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SEND children
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Older people in care settings
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Professionals in care and educational settings looking for training opportunities
We provide accessible, inclusive and meaningful music experiences that support:
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Communication and language development
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Emotional wellbeing
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Creativity and confidence
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Social connection
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Intergenerational relationships
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Inclusive learning environments
Meet Amanda...
I have always been passionate about music and the arts and their value to people of all ages. 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.
Fast forward to 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.
I now get to witness the impact they have on a range of learners in both their growth and development. I am determined to bring music into the lives of as many children and older people as possible.
Live the Beat CIC Timeline
In 2023, Amanda founded Live the Beat and since has gone on win various awards and be invited to sing for royalty - take a look at what we've been upto over the last few years
2020
Amanda began delivering weekly sessions for children, their parents, grandparents and carers in her local community in a village close to Chester.
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2022
Amanda realised, as a teacher, she wanted to support children regularly, and this ‘ad-hoc, pop-in class’ meant there was no continuity and progression for the children. So she changed her business.
2023
Amanda left her permanent job as a primary school teacher to run Live the Beat full-time. She'd spent the last 20 years teaching both infants and juniors, and also as an assistant headteacher and school SENDco.
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2024
Live the Beat is a finalist for the Music & Drama Education Awards.
2024
Great British Care Award Regional Finalist
2024
Intergenerational Choir received a letter from HRH
Princess of Wales inviting us to sing in
Westminster Abbey at Christmas
2025
Invited to a Royal Garden Party at
Buckingham Palace for contributions to Education
2025
InCommon: Living Lives Together
Best Intergenerational Project with
Under 11s
2025
Cheshire Community Foundation Community Award
2025
Dementia Care Award Finalist - Highly Commended
2025/2026
Expanded the team, bringing Laura and Lauren on board
2026
Launched the Oracy Exchange in Schools.
Meet the Team
Live the Beat is made up of experienced teachers, educators, facilitators and trainee music therapist.
Class Leader
Laura Carroll
Laura joined Live the Beat in September 2025. She's a qualified primary school teacher and has worked with children from Year 1 – Year 4.
Laura has delivered music and movement sessions in nurseries across the Chester area and plans and delivers the Oracy Project in schools.
In her spare time, Laura loves being with her family and exploring different places on holiday.
Laura's happy place... A sunny day on a winter beach with my family.
Class Leader
Lauren Stockton
Lauren joined Live the Beat in April 2026 and has a degree in Creative Sound and Music. She is currently studying Music Therapy at Masters level.
She has worked within the education sector for the last 13 years in a number of creative and digital roles. Lauren delivers our nursery and intergenerational sessions.
In her spare time Lauren loves to spend time with her family, spending time in nature and going to the theatre and museums.
Lauren’s happy place…playing music as a family or having a sound bath!
Testimonials
Many nursery practitioners regularly give amazing feedback, particularly in relation to their SEND children:
“I’ve never seen him sit like that before!”
“She sat through the whole session!”
“Did you see his focus and attention?”
"The children at our nursery thoroughly enjoy their weekly music class with Amanda, she keeps them engaged throughout the entire session and has a variety of experiences for them to take part in. Amanda makes the whole session so fun and upbeat, the children cannot stop smiling as they are taking part. The children have even been pretending to be "Teacher Amanda" and leading their own Little Beats Music session during their play once she's gone! Amanda has been nothing but a ray of sunshine since she joined us, and her passion and professionalism shine through. We cannot recommend her enough!"
Manager and Deputy at Little Learners, Chester
"Amanda understands the importance of making sure everyone is able to make a contribution whatever their age or situation. She is passionate about what she does and everything is sensitively and thoughtfully planned. This results in wonderfully engaging opportunities for children older people, carers and families and to come together in ways that make learning fun and provide care that is both nurturing and enabling. We love having Amanda as a key member of our tribe!"
Sue Egersdorff Ready Generations Co-Founder