Eddie came to us on February 28th 2023, arriving in good time to set up and was fully organised for a days workshop and performance with KS2 pupils. Eddie had great comms prior to the workshop in helping me organise the groups and session logistics. Eddie worked with two groups, Years 3/4 and then 5/6. Both workshops were tailored to suit the ages/needs/abilities of the pupils. The workshop itself was fantastic, fully engaged all pupils. It started with a warm-up which allowed pupils to understand what was required then building up to practising a variety of beats/rhythms culminating in a performance to the rest of the school in the afternoon. Eddie built a great rapport with children who respected the seriousness of needing to listen as well as enjoying the fun of being in a samba band! One staff member said the performance gave her goosebumps. All staff enjoyed the sessions and all children were engaged and learned many new skills. There were two performances to younger pupils who absolutely loved the big drums and were clapping along! 

As Eddie was visiting North Wales from London, he also worked in a few other local schools who also reported fantastic, fun sessions. We would all definitely recommend these workshops! 

Hannah Parkinson (Class Teacher) Ysgol Cynddelw, New Road, Glyn Ceiriog, Wrexham

Eddie the Samba King, what a super musical experience the children at Lunt’s Heath Primary school have had over many years. 

Eddie has provided excellent sessions in Samba music from basic rhythms’, musical notation to creating a Samba band performance, which includes all children from all backgrounds and abilities. The Spring term Samba Assembly was a must see by all the parents.  “I have been waiting for this performance all term, it’s all Harry goes on about.” Year 5 Parent.

Eddie’s amazing drumming skills, his enthusiasm and wealth of knowledge about the Samba traditions and instruments captivates the children and the teachers, who also join in. The sessions build children’s listening, collaboration, musical skills, confidence to perform, an enjoyment of music and experience of another culture. Samba links in really well with the national curriculum not only covering the music curriculum but also Geography (South America) and in finding out about Easter traditions in Rio.

“Is it Samba today?”, “When is Eddie coming?” “Can I play the big drum?” “Fish ‘n’chips, fish ‘n’chips, that’s what you have to remember, we can practise at play time.” Year 5 children.

Jill Irlam, Key stage 2 teacher, Lunts Heath School, May 2020.

Eddie has worked with our school for a number of years and we can honestly say that he is the best music teacher that we have ever come across. He is highly skilled at delivering percussion and his passion motivates and drives our children to learn musical skills beyond age related expectations. He is flexible and reliable and adapts to school routines and changes on a weekly basis. Eddie's lessons are always well planned and well structured, engaging all learners of different abilities. He is able to communicate well with the children and encourages them to reflect on their learning throughout the sessions. Through his exciting sessions, Eddie promotes a love for music and enstils a message that every child can be musical and can achieve. With the children he has been teaching, Eddie delivers a percussion performance at our Christmas Fair, which is always the highlight of the event. We are so very grateful for the skills and attitudes towards music that Eddie has developed in our children. 

 Laura MacCrory, Grappenhall Heys School, May 2020.

Eddie is an accomplished and talented workshop facilitator, performer and musical director. As an educator he always puts the young people's needs and requirements first offering personalised support with differentiated planning for children with special educational needs. His tuition style is fun and friendly ensuring that young people are continually engaged skilfully weaving into his delivery cross curricular learning and key life skills.  As a musician he is an experienced performer with years of professional touring under his belt, and this is clearly demonstrated within his electrifying stagecraft and ability to work even the most reserved audiences. I can highly recommend Eddie as a music leader, performer and director . 

Leon Patel – CEO – Global Grooves and Bangdrum CIC, April 2020