"Working with Carl Smith has been an extraordinary experience that elevated our performance to a level we never imagined possible. As co founder and performer of STOMP, Carl brought not only world class expertise, but also an infectious enthusiasm, positivity, and professionalism that inspired every one of us.
His ability to push us beyond our comfort zones—while making the process feel exciting, energizing, and fun—allowed us to create a “STOMP like” performance during the Night of Military Music that we are truly proud of. Carl encouraged us to do things we would never have dared to attempt on our own, and the result was unforgettable.
On a personal note, performing alongside Carl was nothing short of a dream come true. Sharing the stage with someone of his talent, creativity, and generosity is an experience I will carry with me forever.
CARL DOESN'T JUST RAISE THE BAR - HE LIFTS THE ENTIRE TEAM WITH HIM".
"For many years, I had wanted to bring the musicians from Stomp to our festival to offer percussion workshops to schools and the public. When we learned that Carl was now offering his services, we were delighted to invite him for a week to our music school and the festival to share his extensive experience with rhythm with as many people as possible. More than 500 children from grades 3 to 8 were introduced to the Body Percussion rhythms created by Carl. A fun and interactive approach combining rhythmic rigor with a lighthearted atmosphere. A delightful mix that all the children enjoyed and which was unanimously praised by the teachers.
In parallel, a Junk Percussion workshop was offered to the general public to create a mini-concert, which was performed at the end of the week. To prepare for this workshop, we went with Carl to buy the "instruments": frying pans, cake tins, bin lids, suction cups, buckets, spatulas... all transformed into real percussion instruments! Carl quickly grasped the personality of each participant in order to rapidly create a real sense of group cohesion. The quality of the work, Carl's experience, and his high standards meant that everyone, musician or not, was able to make his approach their own. The result was a collective energy, an original approach to rhythm, and an exceptional performance in a very short time.
"This junk percussion workshop was truly fantastic, and Carl Smith is both very professional and very approachable. These are wonderful memories. Thank you for putting this project together!" Audrey (participant)
The final performance was a reflection of the past week with Carl: energetic, of exceptional rhythmic and musical quality, and above all, unforgettable for everyone.
The festival is delighted to have hosted this great artist and teacher, capable of energizing a group to bring out their best, and whose qualities shine through in his rhythms.”
“Dear Carl, Thank you so much for everything you brought to us on Saturday.
Your warmth, your generosity of spirit, and your passion for music came across in abundance, and they truly inspired the whole group. Several members came up to me afterwards to say what a fantastic day they had had, and how energised and motivated they felt - which speaks volumes.
I was honestly surprised (and delighted!) by how much the chorus managed to achieve in a single day. They certainly exceeded my expectations.”
“Dear Carl, Just wanted to write and thank you for the brilliant workshop and guided performance last week – it was a total triumph – staff and parents were blown away and I think even the boys were quite surprised with what they achieved in such a short timeframe!”
“Carl ran two fantastic days for children in years 1-6 at St Joseph’s In The Park. The children explored body and junk percussion, and had the opportunity to perform to their parents at the end of both days. Carl’s demonstrations, and step by step teaching were inspirational and ensured that all children were included and made to feel successful. I would highly recommend Carl’s workshops for any school - primary or secondary - who want their pupils to be inspired and have fun. “
“I thought the workshops were excellent and provided such a wide range of opportunity – for both well-being and skills development. I personally had an absolute ball and the men have been telling other prisoners and staff that they too had a good time so it seems to have hit some sort of mark for them!
It was all definitely a hit with the men – I heard they were doing a bit of clapping/stomping on the spur yesterday morning, and I’ve had the men randomly clapping or clicking their fingers at me 😊”
“When we heard that Carl Smith from STOMP was going to be near us running workshops, we couldn't believe our luck and jumped at the chance. From the get-go Carl was extremely accommodating. We are a small arts centre in the Scottish Borders who work in the community and at the time were running an arts project with a group of about 20 children aged from 10 to 18 of varying abilities, who for whatever reason were finding school a challenge. We had online meetings with Carl and decided on a day long workshop of body and junk percussion with a fully formed performance at the end for parents, carers, and teachers to see what their children had been up to. From the moment he arrived Carl gained the full attention of our group, some of whom found concentration a huge difficulty. He was very respectful of the various difficulties and skill levels of our mixed group but kept them fully engaged - for a whole day! The group he was working with were not natural performers, but he turned them into confident performers with many of them performing solo sections in the final show. We had parents telling us that they couldn’t believe that their child had stepped forward on their own, in front of an audience, on a stage! We all had, adults and children, the most wonderful creative, fun, energetic, confidence building and bonding day with Carl and will definitely be asking him back to run more workshops for us in the future. Thanks so much Carl, you really were inspiring!”
"Arriving on site with some brooms, bins and baking trays, Carl already had the attention of most staff and students at the school before he'd even started his workshops. In no time at all he had engaged every boy in some body percussion and then onto the junk percussion. Who knew that sliding plastic pots on concrete could make such an awesome noise? Who knew that whacking a baking tray at full pelt above your head could be so satisfying? Carl led and showed the way; demonstrating, enabling, and then allowing the students to deliver. Final performance was fantastic to watch and exhilarating to perform – smiles all round."
The Perse School, Cambridge
"A huge thank you for coming and delivering such fantastic workshops to our children on Thursday. You were remarkable and had them captivated from the very first moment on stage.
Your assembly was pitched perfectly and oozed passion and positivity with such important messages about what is good for one's mental health.
The children loved the workshops, and it all came together so well for the final performance, no mean feat for 90 children on minimal rehearsal time!! The atmosphere was brilliant, and it was so good for them to feel part of something big and fun."
Elmhurst Ballet School (In Association with Birmingham Royal Ballet)
"Fantastic workshop with Carl, full of energy and enthusiasm. Explored and expanded on the sense of musicality, rhythm and coordination with our dancers. Hugely successful, well received and super feedback from the students."
"Carl delivered an interactive and engaging session to 50 of my sixth form students. It was the highlight of their week, and they are still talking about it two weeks on. Many thanks for your professionalism and patience with the group. The end performance was amazing!"
"We were privileged to have Carl come to deliver his outstanding STOMP workshop to a group of our sixth form performing arts students. At a time of huge uncertainty for students, with heightened restrictions because of the Covid-19 pandemic, this was an experience that allowed the students to return briefly to a sense of relative normality, developing their performance skills and enjoying a once in a lifetime experience. They were wowed and in awe of Carl as he spoke about his experience at the Oscars and the Grammys as they learned about his experiences in being an original member of the STOMP company. They were even more excited to be able to perform some of the original routines from the production with him. His teaching methods made it very easy for them to pick up some very tricky rhythms. One student remarked how he "was totally inspired" by meeting and working with Carl, and how he had changed some of his career goals as a result. It was extremely easy to maintain social distancing guidelines during the day as Carl was respectful in keeping a distance from the students, wearing a visor, and thoroughly following school guidance. We highly recommend Carl and the workshops he provides."
"From the moment Carl arrived at our school last week, we knew that it was going to be a great day! There were buckets, brooms, dustpans and brushes, balloons, and flowerpots, all waiting to be used by our children. The workshops were amazing, and the children were fully engaged throughout. Carl started with year 4 and within less than an hour, they were creating incredible rhythms and sounds, and you could see their confidence visibly growing. He then provided a workshop for year 5, then year 6 and ended with the session for years 7 and 8 children. He adapted the style for each age group, and it was relevant and engaging for all ages. At the end of the day, they all performed to their parents in a 3-minute demonstration for each group. Everyone was smiling and happy and parents were amazed at how much had got done in such a short space of time. I can highly recommend Carl to come and run a workshop in your school. You will not regret it!"
"Many thanks again for the wonderful workshop you gave us just before half-term. Everyone was raving about it, and we would love you to come back again in the future."
"We’ve just done our year 5 assembly and so the hall was filled with parents, many of whom came up to me to say how fantastic if was to see their children STOMP on Wednesday!! Thanks so much, Carl."
"Carl delivered an inspirational workshop to Artis' arts educators as part of our summer training programme 2019. His enthusiasm and passion were infectious, and everyone was drawn into creative music-making processes through using everyday objects, room furniture and their own bodies as percussion instruments. His approach was inclusive and allowed everyone to participate and feel proud of their achievements. The workshop led to an amazing performance which brought joy to all whether a participant or audience. Wow, what fun!"
"All the pupils thoroughly enjoyed the workshop with Carl, who presented an engaging, challenging yet fun filled experience for even the timidest of participants, including some of the teachers present! The workshop offered the children an experience which encouraged them to work as a team whilst also promoting individual expression in a solo spot! The highlight of the day was a final performance for the rest of the school in which the children showed what they had achieved over the course of the day."
"Carl was part of a term long music and percussion project with children in year 6 at Whitehawk Primary School Brighton. Throughout that time, he played a key role in coordinating the end of year production and leading rehearsals for the Kids’ Parade. Carl was always sensitive towards the needs of the children and encouraged even the most challenging children to participate in sessions. The children warmed to his inherently warm and fun personality, and he was an excellent role model for them. They thoroughly enjoyed the experience and looked forward to the sessions every week."
"Our scholars had a great day with Carl. A fun, interactive and multi-disciplinary workshop that challenged the pupils and kept them engaged throughout! It was wonderful to bring the whole thing together as a STOMP performance for friends and family at the end of the day and a great bonding experience for children of varied ages and abilities."
"In all of my 25 years of teaching I have never seen anything like this!"
"Thank you so much for your offering to our afternoon of music-making. The children clearly had a great time, and you pitched the material just right for the age and size of the group."
For enquiries and to book a Carl Smith STOMP workshop, please contact us.
Telephone: +44 7843 608892 Email: info@carlsmithmusic.com