North East band Knats were among the contenders for this year’s Mercury Prize, for their ‘Geordie jazz’ album A Great Day in Newcastle, and in the summer they were performing at a BBC Proms concert at The Glasshouse.
How did they get to such dizzy heights?
Largely by their own initiative, apparently, with two members, Stan Woodward and King David Ike-Elechi, declaring themselves self-taught.
“When we were starting out in Newcastle we worked a lot of it out for ourselves and there weren’t many places to go to meet other young musicians who just wanted to play,” say the band.
With that in mind they have teamed up with The Glasshouse International Centre for Music (the full title a timely reminder that it’s more than just a venue) to launch The Geordie Music Foundation.
This is a series of free monthly sessions for North East musicians aged 13 to 17, starting on January 24.
Stan, King and fellow band member Ferg (Kilsby) will work with up to 15 of them, helping them to develop skills and meet other musicians.
The idea grew out of the band’s wish to help young people find their way into music, providing a space they themselves never had.
“It’s about getting in a room, having a go and showing that you can do this right here, back home,” they explain.
“It’s great that we get to do it at The Glasshouse where we’ve played and run sessions ourselves.”
The sessions will differ, with participants exploring improvisation, groove, rhythm, harmony, phrasing and listening, and delving into different musical genres. All will end with everyone jamming together.
Knats are looking for youngsters who already feel confident on their instrument, which they’ll need to take along with them, although an ability to read music isn’t necessary.
After the initial January 24 session (5.30-7.30pm), others will take place on February 28, March 21, April 25 and May 23.
Each is limited to 15 people and applications can be made via The Glasshouse website until December 17. Knats will then make a shortlist before the final selection.
Wendy Smith, creative director at The Glasshouse said: “Knats have built a strong relationship with The Glasshouse over the years, from performing on our stages to leading masterclasses for young musicians, so we’re really pleased they want to use that experience to help other young people find their feet.
“There’s no single route into music, and these sessions will give young people in the North East the time and space to play together, try things out and learn from a band who’ve shown that you can build a career in music right here.”
Meanwhile, another reminder that The Glasshouse is as much about education as performance came with Sheku Kanneh-Mason’s recent visit when he was joined by cellists even younger than himself.
Still only 27, he’s a model of what talent allied to opportunity and nurturing can do.
After concerts with Royal Northern Sinfonia in Middlesbrough, Kendal and The Glasshouse, he joined cellists from the Young Sinfonia and the Centre for Advanced Training (CAT) for a rehearsal and a free performance on the concourse.
They were joined by tutors, Royal Northern Sinfonia players and alumni of the education programmes at The Glasshouse, forming an ensemble of 24 cellos as part of the Make Music Young People programme, with the performance part of the venue’s Sunday series of free mini-concerts.
Performing with Sheku, 2016 winner of the BBC Young Musician competition, went down well with musicians keen to follow in his footsteps.
Thirteen-year-old CAT student Thomas said: “It’s not every day you get to play at such a high level with so many other cellists.
“We’ve learned to play as a group more, and it helps generate a really good sound.”
Shuquan, aged 15, Young Sinfonia member and CAT student, said: “It’s my first time playing with a world-class musician and watching him lead the ensembles was really inspiring.
“He listened to us and he really enjoyed it. I’ve never had an experience like that before and I won’t forget it for a long, long time.”
Sheku responded: “The next generation of musicians matters so much and I loved seeing all the enthusiasm and hearing the talent.”
Playing opportunities with visiting artists is something The Glasshouse regularly offers young musicians.
Youth choir Quay Voices recently took part in a workshop with African Soul Rebels while young musicians have also worked with Frankie Archer, The Unthanks and conductor John Wilson.
In November they will have time with jazz pianist and composer Fergus McCreadie.
“Opportunities like this show young musicians what’s possible, said James Craig, principal study leader and RNS sub principal cello.
“Playing alongside Sheku, and next to professional players from Royal Northern Sinfonia, gives them a glimpse of what a career or lifelong love and involvement with music can look like, and the confidence to do it.
“We’re grateful to Sheku for making it such a relaxed and joyful occasion.”
The CAT is part of The Glasshouse’s weekend school which has non-auditioned, inclusive ensembles, bands and choirs for young people of all ages.
Applications are open all year round. Find out more from The Glasshouse website. or email youngmusicians@theglasshouseicm.org.