Sarah Taylor-Shaw

My name is Sarah Taylor-Shaw. I am a self-employed workshop facilitator, musician, tutor and musical director for Bloco Vale Samba Performance and Workshops based in Swansea. 

Whilst growing up in Birmingham during the 70s my drumming journey first began at the age of 7 years. I joined a Girl's Brigade marching band during the 80s and by the 90s I was gigging as a drummer in an all girl band, musically influenced by Prince and other 'New Romantic' styles. The 90s also saw my first steps into college and university life where I studied music and Theatre in Education at Kidderminster College and Worcester University. Here I was introduced to the world of Samba drumming and joined the then Gloucester School of Samba. I moved to Wales, Swansea in 2000 and joined a Swansea Samba band where I continued to expand on my Samba drumming skills and eventually took on the role of musical director for a number of years. To further my skills, in 2015 I embarked upon a 1 year residential modular course with One Voice Music to study the rhythms of Brazil being taught by 3 of the uk's top percussion tutors. After the closure of Swansea Samba band around 2017, I formed Bloco Vale Samba. I was already running Samba drumming workshops for schools, youth groups, community groups and so on during this time and the need for a performance band in the area was crucial.

Now having a huge portfolio of over 170 Samba drumming workshops under my belt I have considerable experience in this field. My workshops for schools cover all ages and abilities and can greatly improve musical appreciation and cultural awareness. From reception to school leaver age the workshop content can cover all curriculum activities and topics at all Key Stages, extending to performance and out of school activities. It ticks all the boxes!

Workshops start with some rhythmic ice-breaker exercises where participants learn the difference between beat and rhythm. Participants will also gain knowledge and understanding of Carnival and rhythms from a different culture with an opportunity to learn the Portuguese names of the different percussion instruments and drums. They will also have the opportunity to use authentic Brazilian Samba instruments, which, when played together, make up the sound of a Brazilian Samba band.

When children work within a drumming group, it gives them the opportunity to develop various skills. These can include working as part of a team, improve concentratioon, focus and listening skills. Participants will work as part of a group and interact on an equal level. Drumming helps with decision-making skills, impulse control, increases memory and helps builds confidence. Samba drumming workshops bring people together increasing social interaction.

Drumming as part of a group can improve mental and physical health and promote well being and, most of all are fun!

I offer a bespoke service ranging from 1 hour workshops to half days/full days, weekly or long term.

Current enhanced DBS and member of 'Sound Sense.'