Wiltshire Music Centre is launching a new summer programme designed to help young people meet other musicians, develop their skills and have a greater say in the centre’s future activities.
Press Play is open to young people aged 15 to 18, with sessions available for those aged up to 25 with special educational needs and disabilities (SEND) and additional needs.
The programme has been created in response to feedback from young people who said they often struggle to meet musicians of a similar age, find suitable places to form bands or access music production and instrumental workshops outside school.
Press Play Project Facilitator Becky Stothart has been working with students from schools and colleges across Wiltshire, including Wiltshire College, St Laurence School, Corsham School and John of Gaunt School. The consultation explored the barriers preventing young people from engaging with music, the workshops and events they would like to attend and the best ways for Wiltshire Music Centre to connect with their age group.
Students taking part in two Year 10 work experience weeks have also helped develop the programme’s content, marketing and branding. Their work has been supported by a Wiltshire-wide survey of schools, youth groups and music organisations.
“Capturing the voices of young people across Wiltshire ensures they feel able to build a relationship with music in a way that feels relevant to them,” said Becky. “The clear message from this consultation is that young people in Wiltshire struggle to meet other people their age to make music together.
“We want to overcome that barrier by offering not just a venue space, but a bespoke course for young musicians to make those connections. Hopefully, the experience will kickstart new musical journeys and address social isolation at the same time.”
The Press Play summer programme includes affordable workshops in music production, songwriting and instrumental skills, as well as free sessions and rehearsal space. Young musicians can learn how to turn their ideas into recorded tracks using programmes including Logic Pro and Ableton Live, work together to write songs and lyrics or try a range of instruments during a relaxed Pick up and Play session.
A two-day Press Play Music Course will combine songwriting, instrumental and music production workshops with open jam sessions. Participants will be able to meet other musicians, work with professional music leaders and take part in an optional performance.
Wiltshire Music Centre is also working with Inclusive Wiltshire to provide free sessions for young people with SEND and additional needs who would benefit from extra support.
Cassie Tait, Head of Creative Learning at Wiltshire Music Centre, said, “Press Play launches with a brand-new programme of summer sessions, designed through consultation with young people.
“It’s the beginning of our journey to welcome, listen to and work with more young musicians at the Centre and embed their voice more deeply across our organisation. We’re excited to see what’s next!”
Press Play summer programme
Monday 3 August, 10.30am–12.30pm and 1–3pm
Introduction to Music Production: Turn musical ideas into recorded tracks using Logic Pro, Ableton Live and free digital audio tools. £5. The morning session is suitable for young people with SEND and additional needs.
Tuesday 4 August, 10.30am–12.30pm and 1–3pm
Songwriting Workshop: Write songs and lyrics, build confidence and collaborate with other young musicians. £5. The morning session is suitable for young people with SEND and additional needs.
Friday 7 August, 10.30–11.30am and noon–1pm
Pick up and Play: Try a range of instruments, learn the basics and play some tunes. Free. The morning session is suitable for young people with SEND and additional needs.
Wednesday 12 August, 10.30am–3pm
SEND Press Play Music Course: Create music, develop new skills and work with professional musicians. Includes an optional performance opportunity. Free.
Thursday 13 and Friday 14 August, 10.30am–4pm
Press Play Music Course: Two days of songwriting, instrumental and music production workshops, open jam sessions and an optional performance. £20.
Free rehearsal space will also be available from Monday 3 to Friday 14 August, subject to availability. Email email hidden; JavaScript is required to book a slot.
Find details and book at www.wiltshiremusic.org.uk/project/press-play/
