Performing Arts and Music

Beth trained in London in Movement Performance at Trinity Laban Conservatoire of Music and Dance, where she trained full time in movement practice, physical theatre and contemporary performance. She then moved onto train at Northern School of Contemporary Dance in Leeds gaining her Masters in Performance as part of VERVE Company 2017 working with industry professionals such as James Cousins and Carlos Pons Guerra. During this time she toured within the UK and EU. After VERVE Beth worked in the industry for 2 years as a freelance performer touring with performance companies and featuring in commercial work such as advertisements. Beth has worked with a number of professionals in the industry such as Balbir Singh Company, Kenrick Sandy, Chhaya Collective and others. Within this time Beth also taught workshops for youth companies, schools and colleges and HE. After training and industry Beth completed her PGCE teacher training and came to teach full time at New College Bradford in 2020. “My favourite thing about teaching is seeing the talent and passion that students have for the industry and introducing them to inspirational opportunities, broadening their horizons on the endless possibilities within arts industry is and how important it is to our society and cultures.”

I’m Mark Abbott, and my journey in education spans 24 years. My deep-seated love for music led me to the Royal Northern College of Music, where I honed my skills with a Bachelor of Music (Hons) degree in brass. My educational journey didn’t stop there; I pursued a Master of Education (M.Ed) with a focus on Educational Leadership. I am immensely passionate about teaching, particularly in the domains of A-Level music, BTEC Music Performance, and BTEC Sound Engineering. These subjects allow me to nurture and inspire the next generation of musicians and sound engineers. As an experienced Head of Music and Director of Expressive Arts, I have guided countless students in their musical pursuits, watching them blossom into talented individuals. I firmly believe in the power of education to drive social mobility and in the holistic development of every student. But it’s more than that. It’s about recognizing that everyone is unique and has the potential to succeed. I am passionate about unleashing the unique talents and potential within each student I teach, allowing them to thrive and become confident, capable individuals who can conquer any challenge that comes their way. I wholeheartedly believe in the potential for success in each and every student I encounter, and I’m dedicated to helping them realise their dreams and reach their full potential.

Joe has a deep passion for the ability to share every aspect of the performing arts and music industries and to help enrich the students experience here at the trust. In doing this he wants to show students the work that goes on behind the scenes and the careers that can be made from it. Whether it be lighting or live sound, he is eager to help students experience the hidden work that goes on. He graduated from the University of Huddersfield with a degree in ‘Music and Sound for Screen’ and has an extended diploma in ‘Music Performance and Production’. In his free time Joe has a passion for music composition and would like to explore becoming a freelance composer in the future. Joe has played the trombone since he was 10 and understands the importance of performing and the passion that goes behind it and wants to be able to bring his knowledge and passion for these areas into his work here at the trust.