BackBeat is rapidly developing a reputation as one of the UK’s leading groups in the field of music education. The education programme includes giving concerts to schools and leading workshops that cover everything from composition to world music.

Highlights of past projects have included the world premiers of two compositions by Damien Harron, Carnival of Rhythms and Gear Train. Carnival of Rhythms was performed at the Royal Albert Hall with 60 members of Islington Music Centre, the BBC Philharmonic, and BackBeat. As part of the BBC proms series, this concert was broadcast on national television and radio in September 2002. Gear Train was made for 80 school children and percussion and received its first performance at the Hull International Jazz Festival. BackBeat has also appeared on Blue Peter as part of its involvement with the BBC’s Music Live project.