This summer, Wiltshire Music Centre is launching 'Press Play', a new music programme for young people aged 15–18 (and up to 25 for those with SEND and additional needs).
Press Play is a new co-design initiative giving young people more voice and opportunity at WMC, from early consultation through to decision-making. The programme responds to overwhelming feedback that young people struggle to meet other musicians their age, with too few spaces to form bands or access the instrumental and music production workshops they want most, outside of school.
Over the last few weeks, Press Play Project Facilitator Becky Stothart has run consultation sessions with young people from schools and colleges across Wiltshire, including Wiltshire College, St Laurence School, Corsham School and John of Gaunt, exploring the barriers to engaging with music, finding out their ideal music events/workshops, and how best to promote these events to reach their age group. This was backed by a Wiltshire-wide survey of schools, youth groups and music organisations, plus two Year 10 work experience weeks in which students helped shape the programme’s content, marketing and branding.
The new Press Play programme includes workshops and courses in music production, songwriting and instrumental skills. They are open to young musicians looking to play with other people and develop their musicianship – all with guidance from some incredible workshop leaders. Rehearsal space is also being opened up for two weeks. There is also a multi-day music course for young people to meet other musicians their age, make connections and develop their musical skills with expert support, culminating in performance opportunities at the end of the course.
“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,” says Becky Stothart, Press Play Project Facilitator. “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.”
Cassie Tait, Head of Creative Learning, says: “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!”
As part of the programme, the Centre is also offering FREE sessions specifically for young people with SEND and additional needs who would like extra support, in partnership with Inclusive Wiltshire.
Young people will continue to inform activities going on at Wiltshire Music Centre. The co-design process has also identified other needs and opportunities that will be developed later this year.
Details and how to book can be found here: https://www.wiltshiremusic.org.uk/project/press-play/
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PRESS PLAY this summer:
Mon 3 Aug, 10:30 – 12:30* / 1 – 3pm
Intro to Music Production: Turn musical ideas into recorded tracks, using Logic Pro, Ableton Live, and other free digital audio tools £5
Tue 4 Aug, 10:30 – 12:30* / 1 – 3pm
Songwriting Workshop: Write your own songs and lyrics, build confidence and collaborate £5
Fri 7 Aug, 10:30 – 11:30* / 12:00 – 1:00pm
Pick up and Play: this relaxed session gives you the chance to try a wide range of instruments, learn some basics, and play some tunes FREE
Wed 12 Aug, 10:30 – 3pm*
SEND Press Play Music Course: Create music together, develop your skills, try something new and work with professional musicians. Includes an optional performance opportunity. For young people with SEND and additional needs. FREE
Thur 13 & Fri 14 Aug, 10.30 – 4pm
Press Play Music Course: Two days of songwriting, instrumental and music production workshops, plus open jam sessions. Develop your skills, meet other musicians and work with professional music leaders. Includes an optional performance opportunity. £20
Mon 3 – Fri 14 Aug , 10-5pm (depending on availability) FREE
Free rehearsal space for young musicians throughout the programme. Email us to book a slot. creativelearning@wiltshiremusic.org.uk
For more details contact Cassie Tait, Head of Creative Learning cassie.tait@wiltshiremusic.org.uk
*SEND workshops indicated by an asterisk
