Testimonials from Jon’s World Rhythm Workshops & Drumscapes Workshops:
University of Plymouth.
“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.
University of Plymouth.
“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.
Tabla & Indian Music workshop – Pate’s Grammar School, Cheltenham.
“Outstanding – engaging & in depth workshop. Great follow up too – made us want to find out even more.” Ellie Lane, Head of Music, Pate’s Grammar School, Cheltenham.
“The talk was absolutely fantastic! I feel I have a much greater understanding of Taals and Indian Classical music in general and I have been practising the bols ever since!” Student comment.
“The tabla experience was unlike anything I’ve ever seen before. It opened my eyes to new cultures & world music.” Student comment.
“It was fascinating to learn about a completely different style of music and to see how the tabla were played” Student comment.
World Rhythm Workshop – Planet Drum, Camden.
“Jon Sterckx is a talented and versatile percussionist. His communication skills are excellent, and our students benefited very much from his Planet Drum masterclass on Indian percussion. Jon is also a commited educator whose knowledge of world percussion subjects and sound technology make him a “must have clinician” for any organization dealing with drums education or rhythm musicianship.” Alain Maurel – Planet Drum Centre, Camden.
World Rhythm Workshop – U.H.I. Scotland.
“Jon led a really successful workshop which exposed a wide range of students to the complex and fascinating possibilities of Indian drumming and rhythms.
He demonstrated a passion and skill which inspired some really interesting responses in the workshop participants. A unique and fascinating experience for those involved.” Peter Noble – Curriculum Leader for Creative Arts, North Highland College UHI, Scotland.
World Rhythm Workshop – DBS, Plymouth.
“We’ve been trying to get Jon down now for a couple years and finally managed to arrange a time where Jon’s schedule coincided with our World Music Project. Jon delivered an interactive workshop and performance for our students encompassing Southern Indian vocal techniques, Northern Indian Tabla techniques and Middle Eastern Percussion. Jon is an experienced educator and tailored his workshop to suit our music tech learners by incorporating Live Sampling using Ableton Live. I couldn’t think of anyone more suitable to run a workshop when approaching the vast subject of world music composition and performance. Highly recommend” – Matt Ward – dBs Music, Plymouth, Devon.
World Rhythm workshop – Actiontrack Studio, Taunton:
“Extremely professional, very generous and totally engaging” – Nick Brace, Actiontrack Performance Company.
“Jon’s knowledge excited and bent my brain in wonderful ways. I throughly enjoyed the authenticity of the music and the teaching.” – Molly-Rose, Vocalist for See Through Trees.
World Rhythm Workshop at Hestercombe Centre for Young Musicians: (emails from students parents).
“She loved it, she thought it was a unique session. Liked how she got to try out new words and rhythm and learn something different from playing instruments. She came out beat boxing tak then takka and so on…many thanks.
“He enjoyed the workshop, he demonstrated to me the sounds they had to make to the beat of the drum. I’m guessing he liked the interactive nature of the workshop.”
“He liked the tutor and he found it is interesting. He said the speed was hard, as he found the words tricky but he liked the rhythms. He would happily do it again.”
“He really enjoyed this session, particularly the polyrthythms, and found it very worthwhile.”
“The workshop was amazing, I really enjoyed learning about the middle eastern percussion! Jon Sterckx really made it a fun experience. My favourite part being when we got to learn the vocal rhythms and the different terminology. It also helped me with my GCSE as one of our topics is world music which I will be covering very soon.”
“I thought it went brilliantly and I believe the students got a lot out of it. Thanks again for an excellent workshop last Saturday.” Mrs Rachael Parvin, Head of Centre – Hestercombe Centre for Young Musicians
World Rhythm Workshop at Crowdys Hill School, Swindon:
“Jon came to Crowdys Hill, a school for special needs pupils, to give a series of World Rhythm workshops to our year 7 and 8 students and since we have had only positive comments from both students and staff about the experience. Jon was engaging, motivating and professional and was able to adapt his workshops continuously throughout the day to meet the needs of the students. The workshops gave the students the opportunity to listen to and play on instruments from India, Africa and Egypt – they all particularly enjoyed the kashakas! It was particularly delightful to see individuals who normally struggle to engage in group activities really come to life and feel a part of the workshops. As another staff member recognised, Jon was perfect for the SEN setting and all students were able to join in on an equal level;
“Jon was able to engage all the students and was very calm with them. He encouraged them all to participate – quite difficult for the TLC [Thematic Learning Centre] classes! I particularly loved the way he got *Steve to have a go on the drums – Steve had been finding it difficult to begin with but was immediately engaged and enjoyed himself. The students thoroughly enjoyed themselves and afterwards were talking about drumming – Steve is now very interested in drumming lessons.” Science teacher.
An incredibly positive experience for our students and we look forward to welcoming Jon back to Crowdys in the future.” Hannah Brown, Music Coordinator, Crowdys Hill School.
*Students name has been changed
Kashaka Workshop at Pate’s Grammar School, Cheltenham: (students feedback)
“Didn’t realise such a simple instrument could do such complex things.”
“More complex than it looks, but very fun!”
“Really fun! It was hard but I learnt a lot!”
“Brilliant fun! Complex, satisfying and enjoyable! Loved it!”
World Rhythm Workshop at Gloucester College:
“Fun and interesting to learn new ways to make music” – Student.
“It was inspiring” – Student.
“It was interesting because you learn a new culture through music” – Student.
“All learners were involved, and gained knowledge while enjoying the ‘hands on’ workshop” – Tim Murray, Teacher.
World Rhythm Workshop at Denmark Road School, Gloucester:
“Thank you for delivering the world rhythm workshop to all our Year 8 students. They all learnt something new, and especially enjoyed the kashaka!” Debbie Day, Head of Music.
“We all had a brilliant time on Wednesday and learnt so much from you. Thank you for becoming part of our class family and inspiring enthusiasm in us all in such a calm way.” Oakridge School, Stroud, Gloucestershire.