About Me
Laura Loft
The Laura Loft Band
2010 saw the release of my debut EP titled "J'aime La Vie" meaning "I Like Life" which included 5 original tracks as well as the Mercedes-Benz Mixed Tape featured track "Gone”. The next release following on was 'Cardigans and Woollen Things', 'Laura Loft Band Live at Birley Centre’ . Oh the early days, that makes me feel a little old thinking about how many years ago this was now but highlights included performing on BBC Radio Devon, touring in the South West including supporting Nick Harper, Polly & The Billet Doux and Ellen & the Escapades.
Life was calling so after getting married I spent time travelling with my Husband on a Songwriting Trip around Central & North America, travelling through Costa Rica, Nicaragua, El Salvador, Guatemala, Mexico & Canada culminating in a gig at the renowned Ski Resort, Whistler.
We then started a family when we returned but all of this meant life changed pace including the welcoming of a chronic illness. This created many challenges and sparked much inspiration and so I shifted from singer-songwriter-performer into the world of commissions, educational and creative projects based around wellbeing. I then created 'Hush Now' EP - a collection of songs based on motherhood and wellbeing.
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About Me
Early Days
I grew up in Hampshire within a musical family (we would be the family all sing different harmony parts on long journeys to ‘When The Saints Come Marching In’) and my first instrument was of course the recorder (that classic rite of passage instrument), followed by piano, cello and then guitar and singing. I loved rocking out my cello bass parts in Primary School Orchestra to classics like ‘cauliflowers fluffy and cabbages green’ and imagining I was in a girl group as me and my mates formed our band ‘The Jelly Babes’ with playground hits such as ‘As She Laid In Bed’ and ‘ Does He Love Me?’ Secondary school didn’t fail in providing opportunities for musical embarrassment I mean development and I would literally volunteer for ANY opportunity to perform on stage with classical cello pieces, popular piano chart songs plus my first attempts at songwriting with ‘Colours of Hatred’ and ‘The Monkey Stole My Banana’….what was that you say? You’ve never heard of these amazing classic songs. Trust me, they were hits!
I LOVED my college where I studied Music A -Level and BTEC and we were so spoilt with such beautiful grand pianos. I would play for hours in my breaks and after college. I then studyed for BA Hons Music Performance at Dartington College of Arts where I ‘unlearnt’ all of the music rules. It was a new world to me and I found freedom in writing my songs and developing interdisciplinary practices. Leaving University with wide sparkly eyes I went to London (briefly) working as a session singer and cellist and trying to get discovered! That didn’t happen and I found myself drawn back to Devon and pursued a Singer -Songwriter Career writing and performing in an acoustic folk trio ‘The Laura Dugmore Band’ in many a pubs, clubs, venues and fields. Oh and one gig we got paid in noodles - fun times!
Music Commissions - lyricist, composer, author, performer
I create Music Commissions for Children's Music including Projects, Music Lesson Ideas, Books & Resources and Children’s Music. I am currently working with Moonbug Entertainment as a Lyricist where I have written songs for Cocomelon, Little Baby Bum & Blippi.
I enjoy writing commissions for a variety of projects such as Associate Artist Exeter Phoenix: #4TheLove project; EXE project with Tania Kovats and Beauty Unseen. I have also recored an EP 'Hush Now' based upon the challenges of becoming a parent with an invisible illness.
In 2020 I wrote and self published 'Big Emotions: Mindful Music For Little People'; a creative music wellbeing resource for EYFS/KS1 3-7yr olds. This is accompanied by an audio book, instrumental soundtrack plus a schools activity pack which includes 5 originally composed songs. I have recently finished writing my next book and educational resource called Big Dreams about growth mindset aimed at Upper KS1/Lower KS2.
Music Educator - children & young people
Alongside my music I started to build up my Music Educational Projects under the name of Lofts Music Shed, working as a music workshop leader on a variety of projects for young people including Young Singer Songwriter Club, Plymouth Music Zone, DAISI, South West Music School to name a few. I gained my Certificate for Music Educators and Arts Award Advisor and have worked with many schools and organisations delivering music making.
I have now been working as a Musician & Singer-Songwriter for 14 years and a Music Workshop Leader & Educator for 8 years. I have gained a wide experience of facilitating and delivering arts projects and absolutely LOVE to work with children making music and developing their creative talents and wellbeing.
Recent work has been creating BIG MUSIC COLLECTIVE where all my music wellbeing for children educational projects run from. Check it out >>>
Mental Health Advocate
I’ve had my own mental health journey but ‘often difficult paths lead to beautiful destinations’ and I am loving the view.
That's why I try to be honest and open to normalise these emotions and try to show you that MUSIC MAKES THE WORLD GO AROUND, well it does for me.
I am so proud of my recent work creating Music Wellbeing Resources for children with a key message of
‘It’s OK To Have BIG Emotions’.
Thanks for reading my story and I’d love you to come on my journey with me. @lauraloftmusic
All my creative projects are now based around two things; creativity and wellbeing.
