About Kate Hext and MiniMusic

Kate studied orchestral percussion and timpani for four years at Trinity College of Music in London. At the end of her studies she attained a Graduate Degree and a Diploma in Music Teaching.

She secured a job as Principal Timpanist of English Ballet Orchestra at the age of 21 and still holds the position to this day. She is also Music Coordinator in the Education Department of the company.

Apart from her varied orchestral career she also taught in many different education establishments for over ten years in London before moving up to Cheshire in 1999 to settle down with her husband Dave, who is the Principal Percussionist of the Halle Orchestra in Manchester.

In 2001 Kate formed upBeat Education with Dave in order to encourage playing percussion instruments in Primary Schools in this area. Kate also promotes music for youth within the local community.

Since having her children Amy in 2002 and Charlie in 2005, Kate has seen the benefit of incorporating musical activities in childrens' upbringing from a very early age, and wishes to share her experiences with other parents in the area.

MiniMusic was created in 2004 with the encouragement of many of Kate's friends. Demand was such that new classes had to be started each year and there are currently four classes running for different age groups. Kate has designed a class specifically for babies up to the age of one which incorporates the different stages of development with music and movement.

MiniMusic is currently working with Puddle Ducks Swimming to create a Compact Disc of all the music used in their classes. Work will shortly begin on producing a similar CD of all MiniMusic songs and dance music.