BIO
Sophie Thiruchelvam
Bee Sharp has existed for 20 years, 18 of which I have been a part of. It was created by a wonderful Leeds teacher, Heather Pawley, who I had the pleasure of working for for ten years. I then took over the business and have been leading it ever since. I truly believe that we all get a deeper level of learning when we are enjoying ourselves and what may seem like playing often results in the most memorable experiences.
Education
2000-2003 BA ( hons) Music and Arts Education
Bretton hall, Leeds University.
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2007- 2017 Dalcroze Eurhythmics training and Certificate level qualification
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Teaching experience
Singing teacher 2004 - present day
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I was trained as a classical singer and have taught singing in Leeds since 2004. I have taught in primary, secondary, SILC schools and adult community settings. I teach individuals, small groups, whole class and choral groups. I try to teach a wide range of repertoire, including classical, pop, rock, jazz and songs from around the world.
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Dalcroze teacher 2017- present day
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I teach Dalcroze eurhythmics at Yorkshire Young Musicians as part of their musicianship strand. Eurhythmics is a way of learning about music and its elements, by moving and experiencing the music. The aim is for the whole body to learn the particular skill, not just the brain. This methodology informs how I teach the Bee Sharp sessions. I want the children to experience what the music is doing and how it feels to them.
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Additional Needs teaching 2004- present day
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I have had the privilege of teaching both young people and adults with a variety of additional needs throughout my career. I work for the Leeds music charity YAMSEN ( Yorkshire Association of Music for Special Educational Needs), as one of their choral conductors for their children's choirs and have taught at several of the Specialist Inclusive Learning Centres with both primary and secondary children. I also work with Leeds Playhouse on both their Buzz young person's project and the Beautiful Octopus club for adults with additional needs. Music has the ability to connect when perhaps words or movement cannot, the deep rooted place it has in our brain is very primal and powerful.