Blake Harrison

Musician, Educator & Forest School Leader. Combining music and nature as therapeutic tools to create transformative experiences for young people and communities across East Anglia.

Blake Harrison

Blake's Journey

Blake Harrison is a professional musician and educator with over 20 years of experience creating meaningful, transformative experiences through music and outdoor learning. His unique practice integrates these two powerful elements - music and nature - as therapeutic tools for vulnerable and disadvantaged young people, students, and communities.

Beginning his career as a professional percussionist and community music tutor in 2000, Blake has worked extensively with people of all ages and abilities, including those with complex needs, SEND (Special Educational Needs and Disabilities), ASD (Autism Spectrum Disorder), EBD (Emotional and Behavioral Difficulties), and other complex emotional and learning needs.

Over the past decade, Blake's practice has evolved to embrace outdoor education and Forest School work. Since completing his Forest School Level 3 qualification (2019-2022) he now specialises in creating nurturing outdoor environments where young people can reconnect with nature, build resilience, and develop practical skills.

This evolution reflects Blake's deep commitment to finding innovative, holistic approaches to support young people's wellbeing, confidence, and personal development. Whether teaching African drumming in schools, performing meditative handpan pieces in therapeutic settings, or leading bushcraft sessions in woodland environments, Blake brings natural rapport, sensitivity, patience, and infectious passion to all his work.

Philosophy & Approach

Music as Therapeutic Tool

Blake believes that music-making is fundamental to being human. Through accessible, joyful musical experiences - from group drumming to individual tuition - he creates safe environments where people build confidence, develop skills, and connect with others.

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Nature as Healer

Time in nature provides profound therapeutic benefits. Through Forest School and bushcraft work, Blake creates and nurtures outdoor spaces that foster awe and wonder in the natural world. This mindfulness-based approach reduces stress and anxiety.

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Blake's approach is fundamentally adaptive and creative, tailored to each individual or group's needs, abilities, and learning styles. His natural rapport with people, coupled with his belief that "Everyone Can," creates inclusive, supportive settings where participants feel respected, valued, and empowered to take supported risks and make their own discoveries.

This holistic approach has proven particularly effective with young people who struggle in traditional educational settings. Blake has successfully engaged disengaged students, helping them re-engage with learning, develop social and communication skills, and discover new interests and capabilities.

Qualifications & Experience

Musical Background

Professional percussionist & performer (20+ years), Community Music Tutor training, Handpan specialist, Recording artist & composer, African drumming & percussion expert.

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Outdoor Education

Forest School Level 3 (2019-2022), Youth Worker Level 2 (2004-2007), Bushcraft & outdoor skills facilitator, Creator of therapeutic outdoor environments, Nature connection & wellbeing programs.

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SEND Specialist

Blake specializes in engaging young people with complex SEND, ASD, EBD, and diverse learning needs. His natural rapport, sensitivity, and patience enable him to connect with young people where others have not succeeded.

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Enhanced DBS

Certified for work with children

Fully Insured

Public Liability Insurance

20+ Years

Professional experience

Miniature Universe

Blake's creative music project with vocalist and musician Rosie Toll. Together they create innovative, genre-blending performances combining handpan, percussion, voice, and electronic processing.

The duo explores sonic landscapes through improvisation and composition, creating immersive musical experiences for audiences at concerts, festivals, arts venues, and special events.

Blake performing on handpan

Work With Blake

Whether you're looking for musical performances, educational workshops, or alternative provision outdoor learning, Blake brings professionalism, passion, and 20+ years of expertise to every engagement.