Lifelong learning - Music for young adults

The Midi Music Company (MMC) delivers music, technology and media education and training programmes for children and young people, primarily aged five to thirty, writes Wozzy Brewster. It provides access to: industry-standard equipment, professional practitioners and a range of creative opportunities; instrumental tuition; part-time and evening courses; outreach projects; creative industry careers advice and international youth arts initiatives. Situated in Deptford, south-east London, it services a culturally and socially diverse community. The children and young people targeted are those who are socially excluded: unemployed, young offenders, those in care and individuals on low incomes.

MMC celebrates its tenth anniversary this year with an event at The Albany in November that will platform some of its artists, producers and DJs, along with creative enterprises and young entrepreneurs, established and supported by its pioneering careers advice service, CATS. MMC?s approach to music education has been holistic, recognising that a progressive programme is required to ensure that children and young people have access to a range of experiences that enable them to consider career pathways in the music industry and other creative sectors.

It is important to consider the educational requirements of young adults over the age of nineteen. Having only just come out of mainstream education, they are really at the start of their career development. Along their journey, they will need to build on the foundation skills developed at school by attending formal or higher education, participating in non-formal education/training organisations or engaging in volunteering/work placements. These experiences will assist them in deciding which career path most inspires them, as well as in identifying the employment options available.

There is a growing network of consortia addressing the development of the youth arts/music sector: Artswork, Sound Sense, London Youth Arts Network (LYAN), Supporting Talent into Enterprise Leadership Board, Sound Connections (London Youth Music Action Zone), Arts & the Learning Partnership and Creative London/London Development Agency. Metier has recently commissioned research into workforce development in youth arts, working in partnership with LYAN. The results of this research will be published in October. The work of the non-formal music education sector provides innovative training opportunities, accredited courses, links to industry and opportunities to explore different aspects of the music business. It has a ?joined-up? approach to learning, considering its limited resources. Its relationship with key players in the music industry is invaluable for young adults wanting to develop their networks. The sector creates pathways both into employment and education, encouraging entrepreneurial skills and the development of enterprise.

Since central government?s recognition of the economic contribution of the creative industries, there has been a shift in perception of the importance of the music industry. It cannot flourish without ?new blood?. New technologies continue to challenge traditional processes and the industry is currently re-assessing its organisational structures, particularly record labels and distribution companies. Their future development will necessitate employees with vision, creativity, technical skills and the ability to multi-task. The non-formal music education sector has an important role in the future of the music industry ? inspiring, educating and supplying fresh talent!