Kat has worked in music education since 2005. During that time she has worked for Southampton Music Service, Hampshire Music Service and as a freelance singing and instrumental teacher. She is currently in her 5th year as music curriculum lead at Abbotswood Junior School in Totton. During her career ,she has also run a wide variety of choirs, music groups, bands, baby and toddler music groups and songwriting courses. She has also specialised working with children with anxiety and low self-esteem.
Kat has a particular interest in Mental Health amongst children and young people. She achieved her Level 2 Understanding Mental Health in Children and Young People and sees the positive benefit that music has on children’s mental and emotional wellbeing daily. She has run several songwriting clubs over the years for children and she is always amazed at how beneficial it is for children to freely express themselves via song form.
As an educational songwriter, Kat focuses predominantly on writing songs about mental and emotional wellbeing. Mental ill health is a huge issue in schools at the moment. These type of songs allow children not only to have fun whilst singing, but to learn about topics such as Growth Mindset, The 5 Steps To Mental Well Being and the power that smiling and laughter has on our wellbeing. Early intervention and education is vital to help children learn about this important area. Kats songs have been performed by several schools in the local area, predominantly during Children's Mental Health Week.
Kat believes that music has unique qualities. For her, it’s an invaluable emotional education tool, essential in these complicated times, when mental health and wellbeing have become increasingly important topics within schools. Through her songwriting and her music, Kat aims to empower children to express themselves and explore their feelings. By providing a fun, safe space for them to learn and perform, she helps them develop self-confidence, embrace their individuality and better understand their feelings and emotions, as well as the feelings and emotions of others.