Kids That Rock provides an exciting and highly engaging learning experience where pupils discover the joy of making music together. Using real guitars and carefully structured teaching, the workshops guide whole classes through the fundamentals of rhythm, chords and song structure in a way that is accessible to complete beginners.Pupils quickly move from learning simple techniques to playing recognisable songs as a group, creating a powerful sense of achievement within a short period of time. The sessions are energetic and inclusive, designed to ensure every child feels involved and supported regardless of their musical background or confidence level.
Alongside musical skills, the workshops support personal development. Pupils practise listening, teamwork and resilience as they learn new skills together. Teachers often find the experience boosts confidence, wellbeing and engagement, particularly for children who may not normally see themselves as musical.
The focus on participation and enjoyment creates a supportive learning environment where pupils feel encouraged to take part and succeed. By the end of the session, classes are often performing songs together with enthusiasm and pride.
Where we travel to
We can visit your school in: All UK Regions
What activities are available during this school workshop?
What Activities Are Available During the Educational Workshop?
This whole-class guitar workshop for schools introduces pupils to the excitement of playing music together using real instruments. The sessions are designed so that complete beginners can quickly start playing, while also challenging pupils who may already have some musical experience.
During the workshop pupils take part in a range of engaging musical activities, including:
• Learning the basics of guitar playing such as strumming patterns, rhythm and simple chord shapes
• Playing together as a class to create a band-style music experience
• Exploring different musical styles including pop, rock, blues, folk and classic guitar songs
• Performing simplified versions of well-known songs from 80s classics through to modern pop
• Rhythm and timing games that help develop coordination and listening skills
• Call-and-response musical activities that build confidence and encourage participation
• Working towards a short group performance where the whole class plays together
These music workshops for primary schools are designed to be energetic, inclusive and highly engaging, helping pupils build confidence, teamwork and a sense of achievement while experiencing the joy of making music together.
All guitars and equipment are provided, making the workshop simple for schools to host.
This whole-class guitar workshop for schools introduces pupils to the excitement of playing music together using real instruments. The sessions are designed so that complete beginners can quickly start playing, while also challenging pupils who may already have some musical experience.
During the workshop pupils take part in a range of engaging musical activities, including:
• Learning the basics of guitar playing such as strumming patterns, rhythm and simple chord shapes
• Playing together as a class to create a band-style music experience
• Exploring different musical styles including pop, rock, blues, folk and classic guitar songs
• Performing simplified versions of well-known songs from 80s classics through to modern pop
• Rhythm and timing games that help develop coordination and listening skills
• Call-and-response musical activities that build confidence and encourage participation
• Working towards a short group performance where the whole class plays together
These music workshops for primary schools are designed to be energetic, inclusive and highly engaging, helping pupils build confidence, teamwork and a sense of achievement while experiencing the joy of making music together.
All guitars and equipment are provided, making the workshop simple for schools to host.
What size groups do we cater for?
Kids That Rock workshops typically work with whole classes of up to 40 pupils, allowing large groups to experience the excitement of learning guitar together.
The programme also adapts well to smaller groups, including SEN schools where classes may be around 4-5 pupils.
Matt has 18 years of experience teaching guitar, delivering everything from large whole-class workshops to small group and one-to-one lessons, ensuring sessions are adapted to suit different abilities and learning needs.
The programme also adapts well to smaller groups, including SEN schools where classes may be around 4-5 pupils.
Matt has 18 years of experience teaching guitar, delivering everything from large whole-class workshops to small group and one-to-one lessons, ensuring sessions are adapted to suit different abilities and learning needs.
Access for visitors with disabilities
Yes. Kids That Rock workshops take place within schools, using accessible spaces such as halls, classrooms, or music rooms.
The sessions are designed to be inclusive and adaptable, and Matt has extensive experience working with SEN schools and pupils with a wide range of additional needs, ensuring everyone can take part and enjoy making music together.
The sessions are designed to be inclusive and adaptable, and Matt has extensive experience working with SEN schools and pupils with a wide range of additional needs, ensuring everyone can take part and enjoy making music together.
Visitors with Special Educational Needs (SEN)
Kids That Rock workshops work very well in SEN settings and can be adapted to suit a wide range of needs and abilities. Sessions are delivered in a clear, structured and supportive way, helping pupils quickly experience success while learning simple guitar parts together.
Matt has experience working with SEN schools and smaller class groups, allowing sessions to move at a comfortable pace with additional support where needed.
The workshops focus on participation, confidence, listening skills, coordination and teamwork, while creating a fun and encouraging environment where pupils can experience the joy of making music together.
Who are Kids That Rock?
We're Kids That Rock, we turn an ordinary school day into an unforgettable musical experience!
Workshops are led by Matt Tidswell, a full-time peripatetic guitar tutor since 2007, with many years of experience delivering engaging music sessions in primary, secondary and SEN schools across The Midlands, The North West and beyond.
Our aim is simple: to inspire young people through hands-on music making.
Kids That Rock blends National Curriculum music learning with high-energy participation, helping KS1 and KS2 pupils (sometimes KS3) build confidence, creativity and wellbeing. Pupils often play their first songs together within a single session, creating those memorable moments where every child feels like a rock star.
No previous experience required.
? What Teachers Love About Kids That Rock
• Whole-class workshops - up to 40 pupils learning together
• 100% participation - ideal for beginners and mixed abilities
• Inclusive sessions that work well with SEN pupils
• Pupils quickly learn real guitar parts and rhythms
• Covers rock, pop and classic guitar styles
• Develops confidence, teamwork, listening and coordination
• Creates a memorable school enrichment experience
? Curriculum & Learning Links
Kids That Rock workshops support the Primary Music Curriculum, helping pupils to:
• Perform and play musical instruments with confidence
• Understand rhythm, pulse and musical patterns
• Perform together as a group ensemble
Workshops also complement Times Tables Rock Stars (TTRS) enrichment events by combining music, rhythm and maths engagement in a fun and memorable way.
? Everything Provided
• Up to 40 quality classical guitars provided
• All equipment and teaching resources included
• Delivered in school halls or classrooms
• Schools simply provide the space - we handle the rest
✔ Safeguarding & Professional Standards
• Enhanced DBS (Update Service)
• £5 Million Public Liability Insurance
• Risk Assessments available for schools
• Delivered in line with school safeguarding procedures
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