Manchester based band, ‘Rolla’ Live at EartH, London.
What is Sound Factory - We are a hybrid within the Music Industry. We promote, film and record live sessions, and are in the early stages of developing our own recording studio and starting an indie record label.
We are starting work in education as of September too, so that we can create a pathway from young people in education all the way up to professional artists in the industry as currently there's a focus on theory and other useful tools that musicians use, but not as big a focus on creating and performing original music as well as recording it. So we are making that happen!
Our Aim
Our long term aim is to create a pathway from aspiring musicians within education, all the way to professional performers/Artists within the music industry. We hope to help build a thriving Music scene here in the South West and to use music as a medium to: challenge stereotypes; to be inclusive of all; have an impact on those living in areas of deprivation; and to change peoples lives for the better.
We are based in Plymouth and currently promote gigs and film live sessions across the country. From UK Number one Artists, to up and coming local Artists, we have worked with a variety of talent, and now wish to work from the grassroots up.
We aim to inspire and create life chances for young people in Devon and Cornwall through the fantastic network; variety of teachable skills and opportunities; decades of experience in education and the music industry; and the wealth of knowledge Sound Factory possesses.
Our Partnerships with Plymouth University, Barbican Theatre and Sound Unlimited; as well as great professional relationships with music venues, record labels, promoters and recording studios across the South West, gives Sound Factory a reputation for exceptional Artist Development and Promotion like no other.
Education
Sound Factory Schools is a music school with an edge. Unlike most music schools that focus solely on learning cover songs, Sound Factory Schools focus on creating and performing original music too. We aim to bridge the gap between skills currently taught in music education and the real life skills needed within the music industry. The focus on learning an instrument and performing cover songs are valuable and taught by most Music Schools. However, Sound Factory aims to do this and much more.
Through accumulating qualitative and quantitative data from students over years of research, Sound Factory owner George Shelton has shifted focus onto students creating original music and recording in a professional studio. Students have expressed their passion for this and it is what the majority enjoy most. Therefore, students get the opportunity to do this at no extra cost!
Sound Factory Schools is the educational sector of the company that facilitates the needs of schools and their students and focuses on learning an instrument(s) of their choice through playing and performing covers. They will then go on to create original music and record this, thus learning an array of skills not offered by other music schools.
Sound Factory Studio space at The Barbican Theatre
Other benefits of using Sound Factory School are:
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Rocksteady currently charge £40.79 per month whilst Sound Factory Schools only charge £31.99 per month (except from August where they take a payment break) making it much more affordable for parents/carers.
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Two out of three Terms will continue with performances to showcase the talent and progress children make.
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One term will now focus on children creating their own music as a band. Here they will get a chance to visit a studio to record their original song ready for parents and children to keep forever! This is at no extra cost and is an incredible opportunity for students to learn about the recording process in a professional environment.
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Students will continue to focus on learning one instrument but will have the chance to learn other instruments too. Sound Factory Schools promote this so that students have a greater understanding of musicianship and teamwork.
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Music sessions will continue to run for 30 minutes but group sizes will be limited to no more than 6 students so that there is more quality 1:1 support for each child. This is to ensure every student makes more progress within the sessions.
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Music games and awards are still part of the sessions Sound Factory Schools deliver, so that children can visibly see the skills they attain and have fun along the way.
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Places are booked on a first come first serve basis. To find out straight away if there is a space available, find out more, or to enrol, please visit: www.soundfactoryschools.com/enrol.
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There's a money back guarantee for the first month, if they decide music isn't their scene.
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Your child will get to celebrate their success with half-termly milestone with certificates of achievements, as well as parents being emailed with updates and photos of the fantastic sessions they’re involved in.
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Lessons can help children make new friends, improve concentration, build resilience, boost wellbeing, overcome challenges, and develop self-belief.
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If your child decides that music isn’t for them, then cancellation is free. We just ask that you email info@soundfactorysw.com with your request to end sessions, naming your child and school. Payments and sessions will be cancelled straight away. It's as easy as that!
As Sound Factory Schools are inclusive of all young people and their circumstances, we have set up a half price-funding scheme so that even more pupils can enjoy the benefits of band sessions. The more students signed up, the larger the discount!
| SCHOOLS FUNDED PLACES | DISCOUNT PLACES | TOTAL PLACES | MONTHLY COST | COST PER CHILD |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| 1 | 1 | 2 | £47.98 | £23.99 |
| 2 | 2 | 4 | £95.97 | £23.99 |
| 3 | 3 | 6 | £143.94 | £23.99 |
| 4 | 4 | 8 | £191.92 | £23.99 |
| 5 | 5 | 10 | £239.90 | £23.99 |
| 6 | 6 | 12 | £263.88 | £21.99 |
| 7 | 7 | 14 | £307.86 | £21.99 |
| 8 | 8 | 16 | £335.84 | £20.99 |
| 9 | 9 | 18 | £377.82 | £20.99 |
| 10 | 10 | 20 | £399.80 | £19.99 |
About the Owner
Building on a passion for music and a career expanding over more than a decade in education, George has taken on a variety of roles within primary and secondary schools working within mainstream and special education. From running music therapeutic interventions, to qualifying and teaching as a secondary school music teacher, George has delivered music lessons taking on various styles and group sizes. From winning music awards, mentoring bands on to win competitions, to mixing and mastering their music, George has experience in many fields.
He has taken on artist development work outside of education working at the Barbican Theatre, with musicians performing at The Millenium’s Awakening nights, and has spent years playing in touring indie rock/pop bands. Songs he has written have seen both TV and Radio play, as well as BBC sessions and festival stages across the UK. He has a wide range of knowledge from working with some of the UK’s best producers and engineers and has recorded in some of the most historic and prestigious studios around.
George started Sound Factory in March 2023 and is driven to make a huge impact on young people. He believes “Music can save lives through giving people a voice. It can give them the outlet they need and give them the feeling of belonging”.
Owner George Shelton with Kyle Staff (The Zeratones) at Cube Recording Studio.
About the Associate Director
John Cornfield has produced and engineered some of the biggest names in music - Muse, Oasis, Robert Plant, Supergrass, Stone Roses, The Verve and many more. You name them, he’s worked with them, mostly at the legendary Sawmills Studio in Cornwall.
From decades working in the music industry and across dozens of studios up and down the country, John brings with him an abundance of experience and knowledge that few could match.
John is an integral part of the Sound Factory team, advising us on the best recording equipment available and informing us of best practice when mixing and mastering the music we record. Our studio will be heavily influenced by John’s guidance over time, so that we can give students the best experience and mixes possible.
Associate Director John Cornfield at The Eden Project.