Tullochan Trust
Music Makers
Music-making
The impact of Music Makers
Music Makers - the future
The Tullochan Trust is a charity working with disadvantaged young people across West Dunbartonshire. The Trust works with around 500 young people aged between 8 and 20, running clubs, projects and a wide range of activities from sport, to art and craft, to health and life skills advice. The Trust has provided a permanent and ongoing service since 1996 and many of the young people remain involved for several years.
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Many of the young people involved with the Tullochan Trust expressed an interest in music-making, but lack of local provision and financial barriers meant they could not take their interest further. |
This all changed in April 2006 when the Tullochan Trust received a grant from the Youth Music Initiative for their first ever music-specific project, Music Makers. Music Makers was designed using ideas from young people, and is a large-scale project involving 120 participants.
Two main strands of Music Makers have taken place so far. First, 'ejay' sessions used computer software to allow young people to create their own Dance and Hip Hop albums.
The second part of Music Makers began in September 2006, when six groups from across West Dunbartonshire began a programme of song writing and band development. Participants were able to learn an instrument or develop existing skills, write their own material and then join with other young people to form ensembles and bands.
On 25 January 2007 all six groups came together to perform songs they had written themselves before an audience of 250. Despite nerves the concert was a huge success and the applause and cheering of the audience will be an experience the performers will never forget! Fiona Stuart, Chair of the Tullochan Trust, said: 'It was clear how much enthusiasm, hard work and talent they have put into the project'.
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There have been many benefits to the Music Makers programme: learning new skills; development of existing skills and talent; teamwork and communication skills through being part of a band. |
The opportunity to perform has increased young people's confidence in themselves - one parent commented: 'The concert has given my little girl so much confidence'.
The young people have also had experience of working with professional musicians including music leader Carol Laula and Mick Slaven, guitarist with Scottish band Deacon Blue.
What does the future hold for the young people involved in Music Makers? The next strand of the project is a programme of African and samba drumming sessions, which will take place in February and March 2007.
The Youth Music Initiative wants to encourage sustainability, and the Tullochan Trust have appointed one of their staff as a Trainee on the Music Makers project to make sure they can lead future groups and music programmes. The young people are themselves regularly involved in fundraising events, and the Trust hopes that music-making activities will continue as long as there is interest in music.
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For more information about Music Makers, please email the Senior Project Co-ordinator David McLean. Visit the Youth Music Initiative funding page for additional information on awards available for informal sector organisations. | |