Tomorrow is the extended deadline for applications to the new Brent Music Academy:
A new music academy for Brent
Do you know a young person who excels – or has the potential to excel – in music? Or a young person who shows an aptitude or interest in the non-performing side of the industry?
We’re looking for passionate young people playing or making music in any genre or style, or with interests in music production, business or administration, to take part in a pilot programme for a new music academy during May, June and July 2022.
Working with local partners, this new initiative will provide professional-level training across the music industry to young people in Brent regardless of background, prior achievement, financial or other barriers.
Who is it for?
We are looking for passionate young people who have an aptitude for music performance in any genre, or an interest in any aspect of the non-performing side of the music industry.
The Performance Pathway is designed for young people who sing, play an instrument or compose their own music, working in any genre or style, with a passion for collaborating and performing with others.
The Industry Pathway will explore non-performance elements of the music industry, which might include audio engineering, music production, marketing, talent promotion, event management, programming, or any other related fields.
There are no formal entry requirements, though young people should consider their skills and interests against the criteria listed in the referral form below to see if the academy will be a good fit for them. While the academy is open to all young people regardless of genre, background, or prior experience, it will cater for participants expressing a commitment and keen interest in the music industry.
Eventually, the Academy will cater for young people aged 4 – 19 years old, grouped based on skills and experience.
During the Pilot Phase, we will work with reduced numbers of young people in order to trial the model. Cohorts we are looking to work with during the Pilot Phase are:
- Performance Pathway – 3x cohorts based on experience:
- Young people not yet learning/practicing an instrument but demonstrating good musical foundations (Suggested ages: school years 5 – 7)
- Early career players, learning/practicing an instrument for 1 – 2 years, demonstrating commitment and keenness to learn. Roughly equivalent to ABRSM grades 1 – 2 if relevant. (Suggested ages: school years 5 – 8)
- Advanced players, with good technical proficiency and an interest in developing further. Roughly equivalent to ABRSM grades 5+ if relevant. (Suggested ages: school years 7 – 11)
- Industry Pathway – 1x cohort for young people aged 14 – 18 years old with an interest in, and desire to explore one or more aspects of the music business, production or administration.
What does the pilot scheme look like?
Pilot activity will depend on whether you are participating in the Performance or Industry pathways.
Performance Pathway students will attend weekend sessions in June and July 2022. Times and Brent locations will be confirmed once students are registered.
Industry Pathway students will attend some weekend sessions during the period, and may also take part in project-based work outside of school time, including during the first week of summer holidays. Project work will allow students to put specific skills into practice. Times and Brent locations for activities will be confirmed once students are registered.
Participants will need to commit to attending as many sessions as possible to take part.
The sessions will be led by professional musicians and industry workers and facilitated by highly skilled educationalists from diverse backgrounds.
What does it cost?
There is no cost for attending the music academy during the pilot phase.
To apply
Young people interested in the academy need to be referred by a teacher, music professional, youth club or group worker, faith leader, social worker or other educational professional using the form below by 6th May 2022. We are not currently accepting applications from parents or young people themselves; if you are a parent or young person interested in the programme, please speak to a trusted professional and ask them to complete the form on your behalf.
The academy team will be in touch by 13 May 2022 to confirm whether your referral has been successful and with further details. Successful referrals will be invited to take part in ‘taster sessions’ in late May, before joining the Pilot in June and July.
