Here is a snapshot of the many questions we are routinely asked -
 

Q: Why Squeaky Gate?

A: Ah the million dollar question! No one is very sure how this name came about but there are three main theories –

1. Some believe the name came about as an infra dig to the belief that contemporary music is all about wails and screams, known as ‘squeaky gate music’.
2. Others see Squeaky Gate as a metaphor for personal development. A gate is a threshold to something new, yet the resistance of a gate that squeaks suggests that the path to personal development is not necessarily easy or straightforward.
3. And some less charitable people have suggested that Simon's trombone skills are now so rusty given that he now spends all his time supporting others' skills that when he does pick it up it sounds rather squeaky!

Q: How do arts benefit health?

A: There is an ever increasing body of research that demonstrates the benefits of involvement with the arts on our mental, physical and spiritual health. Here are some of the major contributors:
 

Department of Health

Arts Council

Squeaky Gate is currently undertaking research with leading neuro-scientists to explore and define 'Wellbeing' through the arts.

In our own experience, we see people from all backgrounds and of all ages engaging with the arts on a daily basis, and they themselves tell us how their health and wellbeing is improved by taking part in our workshops. Squeaky Gate is founded on the belief in the transformative nature of music and the arts, and giving everyone the opportunity to express themselves creatively in a supportive and open environment.

Q. What are the benefits of Squeaky Gate?
Each and every learner will leave our courses with transferable skills, experience and a qualification. We offer the qualification in Progression at Levels one, two and three, in stages of Award, Certificate and Diploma. Learners can build up credits over weeks, months and years, allowing them to work at their own level and pace.

Q: How do I join a course?
A: Just get in touch with us and tell us where you live and which course you're interested in joining. You can come along and take part, and there's just one form to complete when you get there.
For courses in Cambridge, contact This e-mail address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it   or call 01223 361 164, for courses in London, contact This e-mail address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it   or call 020 7247 0251 and for courses in Birmingham, contact  This e-mail address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it or call 020 7247 0251.

Q: How much does it cost?

A: Many of our workshops contain accredited courses, and for those on means-tested benefits these courses can be free!

There is a £25 enrolment fee for all students, but this can be paid in installments or, in some cases, funded by one of our partners.

For those not in receipt of benefits, the cost is £100 per term, but please get in touch to talk about how we can fund your course.
 

Q: Do I need to have good music/arts skills to be able to join in?

A: Squeaky Gate works with anybody, regardless of their level of skills. All contributions are encouraged and valued. While we often attract creative artists with strong skills, we have many examples of professionally staged productions that have grown from the smallest contribution. The creativity that so often comes from the untrained or instinctive artist transcends formal techniques and traditional approaches.

Q: I'm from an organisation which refers clients. How do I refer someone to you?
A: Just contact us with the name of your client, their location and an idea of which course they'd like to take part in. We'll discuss which venue and time to attend and your client can come along and try out the session.

Call us on 020 7247 0251 (for London and Birmingham) or 01223 361 164 (for Cambridge).
 

Q: What do the terms Social Exclusion and Social inclusion really mean?

A: Social exclusion is what can happen when people or areas suffer from a combination of linked problems such as unemployment, poor skills, low incomes, poor housing, high crime, poor health and family breakdown:
 

social inclusion n

(Sociology) the provision of certain rights to all individuals and groups in society, such as employment, adequate housing, health care, education and training, etc.