A talented singer-songwriter has hit all the right notes as she has shared her passion for music with young people at a Derby school.
Derby-based Jemma Johnson paid a visit to the Castle School in Cedar Street, which is part of The Kingsmead School, to sing some of her own songs including Story Of Our Lives, Sing With Me and Love Rush.
It comes ahead of her appearance at Y Not Festival next month. During the one-off session, Jemma also shared some of her techniques such as how important posture is for performers and moving away from the mic when belting out the high notes, as well as equipment placement.
Jemma said it was a new thing for her to go into schools to hold these sessions but she hoped to be able to go in to more.
She said: “I think it’s great to be able to come into schools to encourage kids a little bit more to show they can do this. Music is also a way of expressing yourself – I got through my childhood by writing music.
“I’m hoping to get through to the kids and inspire them a little bit. It is terrifying performing like this as I can feel more vulnerable than I do at large gigs.
“It feels completely raw and open.”
Jemma told the pupils how she started writing at the age of 12 or 13 in her bedroom with a guitar, then working her way up to open mic nights. She later posted some of her cover versions online and they were viewed thousands of times, then posting her own music as she built up a following.
Lia Copestake, Head of School at the Castle School, said: “It’s been an inspirational afternoon for the pupils and the staff, especially in the wake of Glastonbury.
“The pupils were engaged and asked thought-provoking and respectful questions. This will hopefully encourage them to explore their individual creativity further.”
Castle School is a specialist school for children with a variety of needs including those with medical needs which prevent them from accessing mainstream education.
