Testimonials, feedback and comments from workshops.

(for information about music workshops for schools, colleges and universities, please see Tuition & Workshops page.) Workshops are available throughout The South West UK - Devon, Cornwall, Gloucestershire, Wiltshire, Bristol, Cardiff and South Wales. Please contact for more information and booking.

Testimonials from Indian Music Workshops:

Primary Schools:

"A tremendous session judged absolutely spot on for a bright mix of KS2 children.The children were treated respectfully and joined in with relish. (I understand the session with KS1 children was equally well targeted).
This is an invaluable introduction to a musical format unfamiliar to the children in a small country village school - and as part of a cultural blitz, it was a superb starter."
Nigel Gann. School Governor, West Chinnock Primary School, Somerset.

"The children in years 1 & 2 (class 1) enjoyed listening & seeing the instruments at close quarters & watching the instrumentalists - they quickly grasped the 16 beat pattern and scale.
The older children had fun working out their own musical composition having picked up the rhythm / melody structure + patterns. A wonderful experience for them all."
Mrs Caswell. Music teacher, West Chinnock Primary School, Somerset.

"The day of workshops on Indian music was a great addition to our topic on India. The children were able to listen to and participate in making authentic Indian music.They were able to draw upon the expertise and enthusiasm of Jon and Ricky, who were able to answer all their questions in an informative and interesting way. The children particularly enjoyed being able to create their own melodies, then directing Jon and Ricky to play their compositions.We were able to follow up this session in class and really got a feel for traditionally inspired music. The workshops were mellow and a pleasure to take part in,as well as being very educational! I would recommend these workshops to anyone wanting to get an insight into traditional tabla and sitar music. Thank you again for a great day!" The Staff and Children of Eden Park Primary School, Brixham.

"The children had an enjoyable day and gained a lot" - Michelle Norman - Stokenham School, Kingsbridge, Devon.

"Thank you so much for all your hard work with the students last week at our Indian Culture theme day. A combination of the morning workshops along with the presentation in the afternoon proved to be very successful. The feedback from the students was very positive and it was very beneficial to attempt to widen the horizons of young people who live in a rural community. Thank you once again." Mrs. K. Seib. Head of Performing and Visual Arts, Holyrood Community School, Somerset.

"The children really enjoyed themselves and found they were proud that they could remember the notes to sing and actually compose their own song, The infant teachers commented on the fact that some of the more "fidgety" children were sitting fascinated and drumming their hands in time with you!
The staff were pleased to see something different happening, I am a great believer of playing live music to children and it was lovely to see visitors coming in to do just that and so skillfully. I'd like to add that I personally liked the fact that a number of classes benefited from a workshop yet everyone in the school benefited from something too - a performance that was very enjoyable for all and a chance for some children to perform to their peers." - Maindee Primary School, Newport, Gwent, South Wales.

Secondary Schools:

"Fantastic all-encompassing introduction to Indian music. Virtuoso performers - highly recommended to other schools."
Mr. John Shooter, Head of Music, Colston's School, Bristol.

Feedback from staff of Balcarras Secondary School, Cheltenham, Gloucestershire:

"Incredibly informative and a wealth of information provided."

"This would provide excellent specialist INSET for teachers."

"Very interesting and related well to the course."

Feedback from students of Balcarras Secondary School, Cheltenham, Gloucestershire:

"It definitely increased my understanding of Rag Desh."

"Very enjoyable and interesting."

"Really enjoyable and interesting. It opened my mind into the physical depths of North Indian Classical music."

"The workshop was very interesting, useful information and good to hear the music."

"I loved hearing the music live and to learn about the different instruments."

"It was a very good experience that helped me with understanding some of the aspects of Indian Music."

"Throughout the Indian workshop was very useful because I could see how the sitar and tabla were played and I learnt a lot about the instruments and culture."

"The workshop was interesting; it gives us a better understanding of Indian Music. It was awesome that we got to see the instruments too!"

"It was helpful to consolidate our learning and understanding of Indian music."

"Jon and Ricky were highly inspiring to get into Indian Music."

"It was highly educational and informative about the complexity of Indian raga."

"One very enjoyable aspect of the workshop was the way Jon and Ricky showed how the instrument was made and played."

"I enjoyed the Indian Workshop a lot. It was very informative and interesting, and the leader, Jon and Ricky were clearly passionate and knowledgeable in the Indian style of music. It helped me to have a deeper understanding of the way that Indian music works and is played."

"Good fun. Very interesting. Good interaction."

Testimonials from Drumscapes Live Sampling Workshops:

"The session was fantastic, hearing and seeing the pieces evolve before us and then being able to unpick and understand the techniques involved afterwards was really exciting! Jon was very informative and communicative - he managed to enthuse the whole group and challenge them to progress in their own ideas and work." Andy Prior - Programme Leader - BA (Hons) Sound & Music Production, University of Plymouth, Devon.

"Jon Sterckx has been an inspiring and highly popular associate lecturer in the University of Plymouth Music department for a number of years. His inputs range from workshop/recitals in classical Indian music, the exploration of Middle Eastern percussion via a more world music dynamic, through to exciting demonstrations involving live sampling and music technology¦.
Jon is sensitive to the leanings of the contemporary music student and also understands the requirements of the university system, having directed sizeable elements of taught modules, individually and with a sitarist.
He is 100% reliable and we always look forward to his various inputs." - Phil Hull, Head of Music, University of Plymouth, Devon.