Children team up with star singer on music project

Musician Corinne Bailey Rae has been working with children in Gateshead

Grammy and MOBO award-winning artist Corinne Bailey Rae says she has seen children's confidence grow throughout her music project at a primary school.

Youngsters at Brighton Avenue School in Gateshead have worked with the star in dance and music improvisation workshops, that will culminate in a live performance later this month.

The singer said similar school visits from musicians when she was a child made her feel like she could "do anything". She said: "It gave me so much confidence, so I'm hoping that the young people feel that in this event."

The project is being run as part of the musician's partnership with the Glasshouse International Centre for Music.

Bailey Rae said: "Seeing the young people growing in confidence, they're choreographing their own dances, they're making up their own lyrics, it's just amazing to see them express themselves.

"It feels already like a win."

Glasshouse music lead Phil Davids said young people needed inspiration more than ever

Students are also working with professional dancers and a live band on the project.

One of those taking part, Matina, said: "I'm looking forward to expressing myself to my audience and showing what I can do."

Another child taking part said: "I've enjoyed the whole thing, but I've enjoyed mostly how the music makes me flow.

"And making the music and the dancing."

Music lead Phil Davids said the project hoped to encourage the next generation of musicians.

"[It is] inspiration more than anything and I think young people need that more than ever," he said.

The students will perform for friends and family on 16 October.