The Stockport CP live music-making session happens twice a week in Heaton Moor, Stockport. Using a combination of live instruments, keyboards, switches, microphones, Ableton and Soundbeams, the group jam out exciting new versions of pop, funk and soul classics. Three Drake Music associates supply a foundation of bass, keys and manipulated rhythm tracks, whilst group members trigger samples, play synths, sing, play guitar and use Soundbeams to add their part to the song. Group members take it in turn to 'solo' at certain points and the live sessions are recorded and developed over time.

Jigsaw is a social and sports group for young disabled people living in Bury. The group caters for around 30 disabled people aged between 13 and 30 years of age with a range of physical, learning and behavioral impairments. Following a four-week project, the Jigsaw group delivered a live performance in conjunction with Bury Met - an independent performing arts organisation based in an impressive Victorian building in Bury, just north of Manchester. 

Since I began working for Drake in 2005, I can't remember a period of time where the musical needs of SEN/disabled students was so firmly on the agenda. We seem to have reached a 'tipping point' of sorts whereby conversations at every level around the future of music education feature this group as a matter of course.

Last week Gemma Nash (NW regional programme manager) and I attended the Decibel Performing Arts Showcase in Manchester http://www.decibelpas.com/.  The wee