Alison Blunt
Alison Blunt
(Early Years advisor, Author of activities in the storybook panels and co-author of Getting Started parents’ booklet.)
Alison played on the tracks 'Introduction', 'Bat Dance' and 'Shy Pandas' on the Music Start CD. "My family have sung together on long road trips ever since I can remember", says Alison Blunt. "These occasions are my earliest musical memories. When we moved from Kenya to England my mother taught me how to play the recorder and to read music - I loved spending time playing duets with my mum. My first introduction to the violin was a televised classical concert and listening to Beethoven's violin concerto - I remember deciding then and there that I was going to play the violin! There were free instrumental lessons offered at my new primary school in Cumbria and I nagged my class teacher about when I could start violin lessons until she got really cross with me. Fortunately for me (and for her) my name was pulled out of the hat, which was full of wannabe fiddlers in my class! Since studying at Birmingham Conservatoire and Guildhall School of Music and Drama I have enjoyed performing, composing and recording as both an individual and collaborative artist. I especially draw great inspiration for life from improvising; making music is a continuous adventure!"
Alison has worked internationally across a diverse range of locations including train stations, boats, deserts, children's centres, forests and libraries. She plays in many styles (including rock, improvisation and Turkish folk) and has much experience of working in film, theatre and dance. Making use of improvisation and world music, and integrating various pedagogic approaches, her community and education work focuses on developing creativity and communication through voice, movement, story and instrumental activities. Recent early years work includes Community in Music (First Steps project and CD), Romeo et Juliette training project with L'Orchestre National (France), music and storytelling workshops (nationwide) and devising and recording resources including Cherry Pie, 1,2,3, Sing and Move with Me!, and Pathways DVD.
For more information about Alison Blunt, visit http://www.alisonblunt.com
Youth Music
Youth Music exists to facilitate and fund high quality and diverse musical experiences for young people up to the age of 18, particularly those living in areas of social and economic need.