ABOUT US
We believe music is a great “universal language”. It can tell stories, inspire art, bring to life geography, history and literature, and encourage exciting cross-curricular collaboration in follow up work. Music education is more than learning an instrument; it is also learning to listen and enjoy, to appreciate and discover a whole world of stories, from myths and folktales, to vivid descriptions of the natural world, through wonderful music.
In our sessions, tailored to suit different age groups, we present several stories to provide an ideal context for the live performances of music and art. The stories are carefully researched to provide an authentic version of the original inspiration for the music. Using compositions by composers like Rimsky-Korsakov, Grieg, Stravinsky and Saint-Saëns, Caroline weaves a mesmerising spell with her exquisite playing on a 300 year old Italian violin. For many children it will be the first time they’ve seen an instrument played up close like this, and it is incredibly inspiring.
James paints illustrations at an easel so all can see his paintings grow and develop in perfect synchronicity with the music. This unique way of presenting music to young people is educational, inspirational, and huge fun.
CAROLINE SPECA
Caroline attended the Suffolk Youth Orchestra and later studied the violin at the Guildhall School of Music before attaining her "dream job" in the Orchestra of the Royal Opera House, where she played for 14 years. With postgraduate qualifications in Music and Creative Health, she is now based in Suffolk, where she uses her talents in schools and hospitals, sharing music with everyone from the youngest children to the most senior people in the region. She is an ambassador for Britten Pears Arts, and has collaborated regularly with Britten Sinfonia. She now runs her own “Musical Lifelines” project for the elderly, in Bungay. She especially enjoys inspiring young children, bringing music to life for a new generation.
JAMES MAYHEW
James is an award-winning children’s author and illustrator. He has been creating books for children for over 30 years, and titles like Katie’s Picture Show and Ella Bella Ballerina are now published and enjoyed all over the world. James also loves to collaborate with musicians, from the country’s top symphony orchestras in big concert halls, to chamber projects in schools, sharing the stories told by music, and illustrating the tales as the music plays. His most recent books, inspired by his love of music, are Once Upon A Tune, A Symphony of Stories and Peter & the Wolf. He lives in Suffolk, where the gentle light and big skies are perfect for artists.