Be Scene and Heard launches 31 January 2022
in Nottingham and Mansfield
The chance to work with a crack team of music industry professionals on songwriting, production, live performance and music videos is coming up for young people in Nottingham and Mansfield.
More than half the places are now filled for this year’s Be Scene and Heard – a fully inclusive project for young people aged between 18-25 funded by Youth Music – but there’s still time for the next gen of artistic talent to sign up for the free workshops kicking off 31 January 2022.
Applications are welcome from young people of all abilities with d/deaf participants and mentors already on board – including members of the Able Orchestra in Mansfield.
Singer & producer Rudi – who was a mentor last year and is back for round two – feels his role is mainly to instil confidence in the young artists to trust their own creative ideas.
“We’re there to help facilitate and provide the technical skills if needed but last year, they all came up with some really great ideas which was amazing considering lockdown and doing it all over zoom. This year, we have the opportunity to do face to face but we’ll also keep the option of online if people feel more confident with that. We hope this next Be Scene and Heard will let young people explore their creativity and give them a chance to record their own music. It’s a great project so I hope anyone thinking about it now applies, I can’t wait to see you there.”
Opportunities include a showcase performance; filming music videos; songwriting sessions and professionally recording tracks as well as gaining a great insight into how the music industry works with loads of professional advice and insider tips.
Vocal coach Ben Hellings, who is another of the artist mentors back for a second year, said: “We had a signer to help communication but we found that sessions online made it very easy. You could really focus on each artist with no background noise or distractions. Everyone was able to be involved equally.
“I was able to mentor the artists in how to perform, record and mix their music, give tips on singing technique and musicianship and facilitated writing and performance collaborations between different artists with very different backgrounds.I also wrote music for the artists to perform and provided any additional instrumentation they wanted and most importantly, we all had a really good laugh!”
Professionally trained musical theatre performer Molly Gardiner, who has worked on shows such as Dolly Parton’s smash hit 9 to 5 Musical on the West End, as well as choreographing, is looking forward to coaching young adults to sing, create music and videos.
Molly said: “Beyond all of my professional skills in the arts I am a qualified hypnotherapist and so both of these elements means I am able to support the young people to unleash their inner confidence which allows them to create, whilst also assisting their individual needs and helping them achieve their goals.”
Participants from last year’s Be Scene and Heard heard their tracks played on BBC radio; acted as signers with bands; recorded music; created videos and worked as interns with an independent music promoter.
Will Robinson, project leader, said: “This is such a great programme and we had so much fun last time. No previous experience is needed, as we will kick off and find out what everyone hopes to get out of the course and give them the chance to work with their peers, mentors and professionals. All you need is a willingness to get stuck in and enjoy yourself!”
The programme is designed to be flexible with the option of in-person and online delivery and bespoke mentoring sessions scheduled once applicants have signed up.
For more info and to sign up, go to the facebook page Be Scene And Heard – Home | Facebook or email Will at Info@imnotfromlondon.com
