Throughout 2021 we will be working with young people to help them develop their composition and song writing skills. This course will include 1-2-1 mentorship with professional composers and song writers of their choice, as well as group workshops where they can discuss their progress and support each other. They will each write a song on a theme that they have chosen together, such as the environment. At the end of the project these young composers will have the opportunity to perform their works together in a final concert.

Next stages of this Song Book project will include the arrangement of the songs for ensembles and group choirs. We will develop a resource pack of the arrangements including sheet music and accompaniment CDs for schools to be able to engage more young people in music-making in a style that is created by their peers.

Self-expression through music-making has been shown to help with improved resilience and well-being, especially for young people. This project will provide support for their voices to be heard, while also building their self-belief and personal development skills.

Music has the unique power to engage young people in a way that is meaningful and valuable to them. Through this project we are harnessing that power to help them be more aware of how they can contribute to a more positive future for themselves and their communities.