Birmingham hits the right notes for UK’s biggest music school 

Rocksteady – the UK’s biggest and fastest-growing music school – has picked Birmingham for its new base, where it plans to create 100 music education jobs in the next three years.

The new facility was officially launched during a special event attended by Jim Simpson, managing director of Big Bear Records and first manager of legendary Birmingham-born rock band, Black Sabbath and Deputy Mayor of the West Midlands, Councillor Sharon Thompson. 

 Rocksteady Music School specialises in providing primary-age children with in-school band lessons, including at 212 schools across the West Midlands.

These help them to find a sense of belonging through new friendships and a shared love for music, whilst boosting social skills, wellbeing and self-belief.

Through the Rocksteady Foundation, the organisation already provides more than £300,000 of free music lessons each year in the West Midlands, giving more than 1,000 disadvantaged children across the region access to music lessons.

Rocksteady is also the country’s largest employer of full-time, permanent salaried musicians. 

During the dedicated launch event, attendees heard from Jim Simpson about some of the highlights of his long and varied career in the music industry.

In addition to bringing Black Sabbath to global recognition, these include founding Big Bear Records, the UK’s longest-running independent record label, serving as Festival Director of Birmingham Jazz & Blues Festival since 1985 and editing award-winning bi-monthly jazz magazine, The Jazz Rag.

As someone whose involvement in music has spanned decades, Jim has seen first-hand the transformative impact that learning music from a young age can have.

Attendees also got a taste of the rockstar experience by creating their own music in a hands-on 'Build a Band' workshop. 

Rocksteady’s new Birmingham base joins its Hampshire location as one of two national offices.

 The West Midlands Growth Company [WMGC] – the region’s official investment promotion agency – supported the investment. 

Scott Monks, CEO at Rocksteady Music School, said: "We’re big believers in the power of music to change lives for the better. Our new Birmingham base will support our mission to help as many children as possible realise the social and wellbeing benefits of music, while creating skilled and rewarding roles for local musicians and music lovers.

“We're looking forward to supporting the West Midlands’ already thriving creative industry as we expand our team here over the coming years.” 

Jim Simpson, managing director of Big Bear Records, said: “What a terrific project. Anything that introduces the joy of playing music to young people has to be welcomed with open arms and this enterprise really does hit the button.” 

 Elise Fry, West Midlands Rocksteady band leader, said: “Teaching music to the amazing children of the West Midlands is an absolute privilege. Each day brings a new opportunity to ignite children’s passion for music - and in return, I’ve been constantly inspired by their determination, spirit and enthusiasm. 

“The next step of my Rocksteady career will be in the new Birmingham office, working directly with schools to ensure they have an amazing experience. I highly recommend anyone who is passionate about music and changing children’s lives to keep an eye out for local roles – you won’t regret it!” 

Pictured: From left - Elise Fry, Scott Monks, Merlin, deputy mayor of the West Midlands Sharon Thompson, Archie, and Jim Simpson