Following the staggering success of last year’s debut Circle of Light project, new Youth Music funding has been secured to give more young people the chance to get hands-on experience in the music industry - even during the current climate. Read on to learn how it will work, the mentors leading the way, and how you can apply for a place at the workshops this August…
Youth music project Circle of Light has announced that it will be returning this summer for its second edition, giving 25 young people the chance to build confidence and develop professional skills in the music and events sector.
The free-to-attend workshops will run from 10 - 28 August, with limited spaces to enable the work to be carried out safely with appropriate social distancing measures. No previous experience is necessary, but anyone aged 18-25 years old can now apply for their place via the Circle of Light website.
Project leader Tricia Gardiner, who has secured the new funding, said: “Last year’s Circle of Light was widely regarded as an overwhelmingly positive experience for all involved. Many have used the experience to continue their creative journey and we’re delighted to be working with a number of the original cohort to further develop their employability skills for the sector.
“In these uncertain times, it’s fantastic to be able to offer this invaluable experience to another 25 young people this summer. Whether they are set on performing on stage or are interested in learning the ropes working behind the scenes, the project gives them the scope to explore their options in a safe and welcoming environment. We can’t wait to see who walks through our door and what they will go on to create during our time with us.”
Taking place at its new city centre home, Fisher Gate Point, the space will also act as a venue for the participants to run a series of live-streamed events at the end of the project, giving them the opportunity to get involved in the planning, programming and delivery of their own event.
Award-winning rapper Scorz-zay-zee, West End performer Molly-May Gardiner and DJ, music producer and events organiser Lukas Wigflex make up the trio of professionals recruited as lead mentors; participants interested in any part of the music and live event industry are encouraged to apply, from songwriting and stagecraft to producing and live streaming. 10 participants from last year’s project will also be supporting the training.
In 2019, a full album was written, recorded, and released following the summer workshops. Read our interview with Tricia, Scorz-zay-zee and some previous participants to learn about the process here, and you can read our review of the record here.
Past participant and singer-songwriter Mae Monypenny, who went from struggling to write songs to winning the Youth Music Live Performance Award, also performed for us during lockdown as part of our ‘Sofa Sessions’, which you can watch again here.
Circle of Light 2020 takes place from 10 - 28 August, with applications now open.
Young people can apply by answering a few questions online or submitting a media file (video, audio, written piece etc) that describes why they would like to be part of the project via the website
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