In conjunction with Barnsley Civic in 2020 I curated a folk music workshop suitable for Key Stage 2 children which I have been facilitating in schools all over Yorkshire.

The workshop itself is a fully interactive, singing focused session that introduces children to the concept of folk music and more specifically folk music from the North of England. The workshop also brings to life the social and economic context in which work songs, sea shanties etc were sung and their meaning to those that sung them. During the session participants will learn about the way in which many people's working lives were shaped by the industrial revolution with a focus on the textile, coal, fishing and farming industries. Industrial history of the North and Northern culture is brought to life through the songs which  are chorus or call-and-response based so children can participate throughout.

As well as having given the workshop across many schools across North and West Yorkshire, I have also performed it at music festivals and various social events such as regional music centres and "Deer Shed" festival.

The workshop is endorsed by Artforms Leeds and the Richard Shepherd Music Foundation.

Here are some testimonials from teachers who have been present at the workshops:

“Sam was an absolute pleasure to work with. Our students loved taking part in his folk music workshop. They learnt so much about the history of Yorkshire and how songs were used to strengthen communities. Sam has a fantastic approach when working with young people, he was able to adapt on the spot to suit their needs and students got involved in every element of the session. We are really looking forward to working with Sam again.” 

"Sam's interaction with the children kept them fascinated and absorbed in a type of music that many had never experienced before. His lovely nature compelled them to respond and follow his lead."

"The children loved finding out a bit more about the songs they were going to sing."

"Sam was obviously well prepared and able to respond to children of a variety of ages."

"Sam's warm nature with the children enables the children to lose any inhibitions they may have had and they relaxed into and responded well to the songs and a different musical style."

Background photo taken during a workshop session for IntoUniversity in Leeds 2023