Blog: Young Performers of Suffolk

Young people get such bad press, “they sit on their computers all day” “ they’re disrespectful” and “they’re always in trouble” From my experience, Suffolk’s young people are an energetic, enthusiastic, talented bunch, but most of all they are so much fun! I have a real laugh with them. A lot are witty and intelligent and a joy to teach.

I love being a part of their wider education and to allow them to get involved in activities outside school, get them to unleash their, sometimes hidden talents and put their bundles of energy to good use.

I hear a wealth of brilliant singers each week, from ages 5 –18. One 6 year old girl at Theatretrain, comes up to me every Saturday and begs me to let her perform a song she has learnt to the rest of her class. She knows all the words and has come up with dance moves too. The class love it because it is always sung with a big smile.

One of the teenagers at Theatretrain was reluctant to sing to me because when she was younger she was told that she couldn’t sing. It took a lot of persuasion from me, (and a bit of attitude from her!) but eventually she plucked up the courage and out came a beautiful voice. She now has a solo in the next show.

Children with learning difficulties have it tough sometimes and to be honest it has taken me a while to discover how best to teach them. I now find it the most rewarding of all, whether they have dyslexia or autism they are just as enthusiastic and so appreciative of the time given to them.
For example, one boy aged 14, has taken part in the last four Punch Studios Rock Schools and has been a pleasure to teach. He likes things a certain way and feels the pressures of being a musician more than some others.
He played guitar in all the Rock Schools, up until the last one when he decided he would like to try singing. “Fantastic!” I thought, “His love for music will really show in his performance.” He struggled to start with, mainly with confidence because it was something completely new to him, but he worked really hard through out the week and in my opinion, gave one of the best performances!

So I would just like to say, give the youngsters a break! And instead of moaning at/about them, support and encourage them to do what they love, whether it’s music, dance, sport or any other hobby that gets them out of the house and socialising.

Libby,
Singer and Singing Teacher at Punch Studios, Theatretrain and Laura Emily Theatre School.