Free music sessions have been made available to young people from Solihull either involved in or at risk of falling into violence, to help reduce violent behaviour.
The sessions are based in their local community and equip young people with the skills and equipment needed to create and record their own music. They focus on improving their overall wellbeing as well as employability prospects.
The young people are provided with one to one support from music coaches who also act as mentors to discuss issues and concerns they may have outside of the studio. They are supported to write their own music, learn how to play instruments like the guitar and drums, and even use state of the art recording studios and equipment at the Midlands Arts Centre to record their own tracks and music videos.
The programme is delivered by MAC Makes Music in partnership with Solihull Music, work closely with the Youth Justice Service (YJS) to identify young people at risk of being exploited or falling into violence.
Regan, 19, joined the music production programme in 2022 after being referred in by his officer from the Youth Justice Team. He is now pursuing his passion and working as an assistant producer on the programme, supporting other young people. He has also enrolled onto a music course at University with hopes of becoming a full-time music producer.
The Police and Crime Commissioner, Simon Foster said: “It is fantastic to see young people so passionate about music and the arts.
“The programme gives our young people a place and medium through which to express themselves, their worries, their joys and their feelings.
“I am delighted we are investing and working with our young people.
“These are exactly the kind of opportunities we need to be offering to help them flourish.”
Julia Thomson-Smith, Producer for MAC Makes Music said: “The impact that this programme has cannot be overstated.
“The journey we see these young people go on in terms of their skills, confidence and most importantly, their self-belief that they can aspire and work towards brilliant things, is so wonderful to see.
“Music is consistently surveyed to be one of the most popular pastimes for young people; the ability to recognise this and use music as a vehicle for change, engagement and employment is so powerful.”
Claire Batty from Solihull Music said: “The Youth Justice programme is an excellent example of partnership working at its very best.
“Since the launch of the Programme in 2019 we have supported over 70 young people to make, create and record their own music. We are grateful to the ongoing support of this programme from Arts Council, England, Dfe, Youth Music, Music for all and West Midlands Violence Reduction Partnership.”
The programme has been funded by Solihull Music, the Turnaround Fund, West Midlands Violence Reduction Partnership, Youth Music and Music for all.
MAC Makes Music is an award-winning programme offering inclusive music-making opportunities for children and young people, supported by Youth Music. MAC Makes Music supports workforce development and advocates for equality in music education in partnership with Music Education Hubs.
Solihull Music provides a wide range of opportunities for children and young people to learn to sing, play, make, create music and enjoy music both in and out of school. The Hub provides a wide range of Inclusion programmes across Solihull, removing barriers for young people to ensure equitable access to music in a wide range of genres and styles.
