New music pilot breaking down barriers
Young people in Stoke-on-Trent showing musical talent from low income families are to be supported through music.
Young Sounds UK, a music education charity, are leading a £5.8 million Music Opportunities pilot programme with backing from the Department for Education (DfE). The local programme will be managed and led by Stoke-on-Trent City Music Service.
The programme will focus on 12 key regions, including Stoke-on-Trent, in giving children targeted support to progress their musical talent and interests. Up to 1000 young people will benefit from the programme nationally with 60 of those places being offered in Stoke-on-Trent.
This pilot is part of a new phase of Young Sounds: Connect, which has been running for 15 years and will now broaden its reach with the help of £2 million from the DfE.
Children with musical potential will receive intensive support, free weekly lessons, personal bursaries and access to mentors. Those participating will also be able to attend termly Get Together events, meet aspiring and professional musicians and develop their skills.
Councillor Sarah Jane Colclough, Cabinet member for Education and Anti-Poverty, said: “I am delighted that Stoke-on-Trent has been identified as a key region for this pilot programme Young Sounds UK are doing, supported by the Department for Education.
“Being from a low-income family should never be a barrier to pursuing your talents and interests. Being a child is all about expressing yourself and music is a great way of doing this.
“I cannot wait to see children in Stoke-on-Trent realising their potential through this pilot.”
Over the next four years, Young Sounds UK is aiming to create a scalable model that will reach more young people, drive innovation in the creative industries and secure the UK’s global reputation in the arts.
For more information about Young Sounds UK and Stoke-on-Trent City Music Service visit www.youngsounds.org.uk and www.stokecms.org.uk
