“Live and learn”
Reign Free provides life skills through informal learning, specialising in multimedia driven projects that encourage professionalism, creativity and expression.
29A Lower Road, Harrow, Middlesex, HA2 0DE
07909 540126 – 07976 255199 – reignfree@hotmail.co.uk
www.myspace.com/reignfreetracks
Mark Chiu is an accomplished battle/ freestyle rapper (3-time champion of, ‘The Jump Off’). He started working with disaffected young people in 2008 teaching self-defence (Mark is a martial arts instructor and has attained black belt status in Aiki-jiujitsu) and since then has created many diverse projects and workshops (including film, stunts, music, cookery and origami). By early 2010 Mark had acted as a consultant on various government-related projects contributing to the current, 'The Learning Revolution', headed by John Denham, The Secretary of State for Innovation and Skills.
He also has experience as a professional actor / stuntman on television and film (including 'Batman Begins', 'The Dark Knight' and the final instalment of the, 'Harry Potter' franchise).
Stephen Pickup is a professional singer, songwriter and youth worker. A ten year career in the music industry has allowed Stephen the opportunity to travel around the world performing in clubs and arenas, promoting many of his worldwide releases and also as part of a Government funded project that sends entertainers and performers to raise the morale of British troops, working in countries including; Iraq, Afghanistan, Kosovo, Bosnia and Sierra Leone. In May 2009 one of the many Dance records Stephen has released managed to top the charts in Malta!
Stephen has also spent the last 3 years working in London secondary schools with children that have learning difficulties and behavioural problems, and more recently as a sound technician, vocal coach and youth coordinator on various film and music workshops.
“A unique opportunity for young, ASPIRING singers and rap artists to realise their potential and write, perform and record their own studio demo with current professional singers, rappers, published songwriters and producers.”
Course Aim
To encourage and nurture the creative desires and ideas of young artists through an introduction to the music industry, highlighting the importance of discipline, respect and commitment.
The course will run between 3 and 6 sessions depending on the number of learners (maximum 9). The participants will have the opportunity to experience the creative and therapeutic process of songwriting, along with the challenges and rewards of production and recording. All learners will need to attend three sessions to complete the programme.
This course will lead to each young artist having a professional studio demo of their work to be proud of (they will receive a CD copy and mp3 within a week of the final session) and an invaluable experience working alongside relevant, professional people which will assist in achieving future ambitions.
Objectives
The objectives to be achieved by the young artists attending 3 sessions:
- An informal discussion of the music industry from business procedures (i.e. contracts and publishing split sheets) to genres, and the personal qualities needed to be successful.
- The process of writing and developing ideas into a fully written and structured song.
- The experience of recording a studio demo on industry standard equipment with professional, published, singers, rappers, songwriters and producers.
Course Synopsis
Session one will require all the learners to attend as it is a vital discussion for both the learners and the tutors. Essential topics will be covered, such as the difference between 'mainstream' and 'underground' scenes and the relevant music business procedures and hierarchy.
This course is a creative and interactive process making session one an important time for the learners to discuss the direction they want their music to go in and for the tutors to assess musical tastes, experience and levels of ability. For sessions two and three the artists choose between a solo project or a collaboration with each other in pairs or group.
Session two will focus on writing and song structure. Each solo artist or group will work with a published songwriter and work to prepare a finished piece. Reign Free will not allow the use of swearing or the promotion of negative attitudes or stereotypes.
Session three will focus on any final lyrical or melodic changes and then the rewarding and exciting recording experience will complete the course!
Expected Learning Outcomes
The expected learning outcomes for the participants are an increase in confidence, discipline, self expression, literacy and numeracy through the medium of music. The young artists will also learn the importance of professionalism, time management, communication, teamwork, and the mental capacity to accept and appreciate constructive criticism.
The learners will improve their diction, vocabulary and general literacy skills through writing and performing their lyrics. Numeracy skills will be enhanced during the analysis of contracts, financial breakdowns and the percentages of writer contributions.
Any learner with a desire to perform or succeed in the music industry will benefit from working with talented professionals, and for many, the chance to record a professional studio demo of their work on industry standard equipment could be crucial for helping with future ambitions, or just a way of expressing themselves freely and proudly with a tangible finished product.
Reign Free are also working with a new, online record label who specialise in Urban Music. The MD of the label has agreed to listen to any tracks recorded by the learners with a view to potentially sign and release them.
