Inverurie-based music school and studio Kingfisher Music decided to sponsor the Taste Of Grampian entertainment stage to continue its mission of supporting talented local musicians.
In addition to fabulous food and drink, Taste Of Grampian – the north-east’s biggest food and drink festival – will also serve up some of Aberdeen’s best music acts.
“Food and drink is usually enjoyed better with music – and that’s where we come in,” said mobile music teacher and owner of Kingfisher Music Davis Gonnella.
“If you were to sit in a restaurant that’s really nice, even Michelin star… what is it without any music? Music can really influence diners and people who attend a venue like a pub – there’s a lot of psychology behind it.
“And the acts that are performing at Taste Of Grampian are great.”
Kingfisher Music sponsors Taste of Grampian’s entertainment stage
Aberdeen-based singer-songwriter Daniel Ferguson, who’s better known by his stage name JOYFUL; Katie McMullan, The Funky Red Pandas, Spiralmind, and The Kymatiks will all take to the festival’s entertainment stage on June 4.
Kingfisher Music, located in Inverurie’s Lethenty Mill, offers a range of lessons for people of all ages.
Davis said: “We’ve been working quite closely with groups of vulnerable adults who have additional learning needs to get them involved with music and we’ve also been running a group for children aged 2-5 to introduce them to more grown-up music.
“We’re covering north-east, Tayside, and we also have a student in Spain!
“They’re originally from Aberdeenshire but they relocated to Spain.”
Kingfisher Music still offers online lessons because they appreciate not everyone feels completely comfortable “jumping back into face-to-face group lessons”.
“We always move at our students’ pace – we always cater to their needs,” added Davis.
Kingfisher Music is also a “centre of excellence” for RSL Awards, providing innovative, academically rigorous and industry-relevant qualifications for music and the arts.
Modern studio and coaching service for budding musicians
In addition, the Inverurie business also has a modern studio space where budding north-east musicians can record and rehearse their songs.
Davis is thrilled four to five bands now use Kingfisher Music studio on a weekly basis.
He added: “Wedding bands and other bands that make a living from being professional musicians come to our studio. About 20 bands visit us at least twice a month.
“The bands really get a one-to-one treatment.
“We also offer masterplan sessions, covering everything ‘off stage’ – we’re teaching these kids how to be in a band to make a living.
“Anything from arranging gigs to organising tours and even how to load your tour bus correctly. We teach them everything it’ll take to become paid musicians.”
David thought there was a gap in the market for this kind of service.
“There are so many bands around this area that just need a little bit of coaching. Certainly, if I had this kind of coaching when I was in a band, it wouldn’t have broken up.”
Taste of Grampian to return next month
Taste of Grampian – which will be held on June 4 – is designed to be a fun day out for all of the family. Attendees can look forward to celebrity chef demos, masterclasses from local chefs, wine and gin tastings, workshops and more.
This will be the first time the festival will take place at P&J Live, moving from Thainstone Exchange and The Mart in Inverurie.
Ticket prices start from £12 for general admission and children under the age of 12 go free.
Click here if you wish to purchase tickets.
Do you want to be involved? To sponsor the event email carole.bruce@ajl.co.uk or to become an exhibitor contact Jillian Burns at jillian.burns@ajl.co.uk
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