Guest blogger Maria Spadafora of South Asian Arts-uk posts a feature about music classes being run in Leeds 11. She is looking to recruit young people to take part in free workshops exploring the City Varieties Music Hall as part of the Breeze International Youth Festival…
South Leeds is brimming with opportunities to enjoy arts and culture. SAA-uk (South Asian Arts-uk) are a Leeds-based charity who promote and deliver opportunities for people to engage with South Asian arts, both as participants and audiences.
Last year they established a Sunday music club in the Punjabi School at the GNNSJ on Lady Pit Lane. Here participants are offered a chance to learn to play instruments and practice vocal styles heard in the great Royal Palaces of the Indian sub-continent and popularised by sitarist Pt. Ravi Shankar, and Western artists such as The Beatles and Missy Elliot.
New participants are always welcome, regardless of age, background or musical experience, and SAA-uk are inviting people in South Leeds to come along and see what’s on offer.
You can learn to sing like the great song birds of Asia, or try your hand at percussion or stringed instruments such as the tabla and sitar. In addition you’ll become part of a great family, have fun, develop motor skills, stamina, concentration, self-discipline and unlock creative power through the fine art of classical South Asian music.
The new term starts on April 15th, but we’d like to encourage newcomers to come along to observe some sessions this term – perhaps you’ve always wanted to learn South Asian music, or maybe have no clue what it’s about, but are curious to come and see?! The last sessions for this term will take place on 25th March.
Just give Maria a ring on 0113 2445523 or email education@saa-uk.org.uk and we’d love to meet you and show you what’s on offer. You may even end up joining us on stage at the Leeds City Varieties Music Hall for our family concert in July!
It is possible to buy or hire instruments from SAA-uk if you do not have your own. Fees range from £60-£90 per term, but if you or your child would like to participate and are unable to afford the fees please contact us so we can discuss subsidies.
Classes take place between 11am and 4pm every Sunday during term time at The Punjabi School 2nd Floor, GNNSJ,78 Lady Pit Lane, Leeds, LS11 6DP
