Andrew Ashwin

Details

I have various dates/times available. Bookings will fill up fast, so do get in touch!

I am available for both virtual and in-person visits. I'm based in the East Midlands, but can travel across the country.

As a professional musician and teacher, as well as a children's author, I am a confident presenter in public, and have many years of experience in schools. My fun-filled visits, always with a musical twist, can be tailored to your specific needs. I've done sessions with small groups, all the way up to whole-school assemblies - and everything in between! The target age group is Year 3 to Year 7 (8-12 year-olds).

Sessions

My sessions involve a brief introduction, then we go into interactive activities that explore any or all of the following themes, depending on your requirements:

- Writing a song there and then, to be performed by those who wish to have a go (led by me on the keyboard - I have equipment I can bring if needed)

- Doing body percussion activities around a theme such as planets/space/books/school

- Exploring story elements, and what you need to write a story

- Exploring how to create your own planet - landscape/conditions/plants and animals/settlements etc.

- I can provide Drumendus-themed activities, e.g. crosswords, word searches, planet design activities

- Question and answer session

- Chapter reading (with interaction sometimes)

A bit more about me:

I live in a beautiful village in the middle of England with my wife and daughters, in a house full of books and musical instruments. My debut children's novel is Drumendus: Mission to the Drum Planet.

As a child, I loved writing short detective stories, and creative writing was my favourite subject at school. Music has been part of my life for as long as I can remember, and I find there is NOTHING more fun than singing, playing an instrument or listening to amazing songs!

When I'm not tripping over books and violins in the hallway, or daydreaming about Drumendus, I teach singing, conduct choirs and perform in concerts around the country and sometimes abroad too.

I am passionate about music education and believe every child should have the chance to experience the joy of music.

I also love basketball and triathlons, and I somehow managed to do a 100km ultra-marathon a few years ago..!

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