It hasn't been a great year for live music, but that isn't stopping Wirral's latest gig venue from equipping local people to forge a path into the scene.
SOUND CHECK is a brand new training programme from Future Yard, designed to introduce young people to the skills they need to pursue careers in the live music industry.
From sound engineers to festival bookers, lighting designers to concert promoters, this brand new programme will introduce 16-24 year olds from Wirral and Merseyside to a range of job roles and the skills needed to build a live music industry career.
Based at the brand new Future Yard venue on Argyle Street in Birkenhead, SOUND CHECK will support skills and training in a real industry setting. A core programme of workshops runs alongside the opportunity to gain hands-on skills at live events.
The programme focuses on two areas; Technical Production and Live Music Event Management. Participants will then take part in an independent group project, utilising their new skills to deliver a live event.
The programme is delivered by Future Yard’s hugely experienced team of tutors and boasts a broad range of guest speakers from across the industry. After completing the programme, participants will have the opportunity to join Future Yard’s ongoing training programme, further developing skills and experience.
The live music industry is worth £1.1bn each year to the UK economy and is exported around the world. It has been growing at 10% year on year and offers hugely fulfilling creative careers across a range of job roles.
Like many industries, COVID-19 provides a short term challenge. However, the live music industry remains a hugely significant industry within the Liverpool City Region, and also nationally.
Sound Check is open to all local young people aged 16-24 with a passion for live music and an interest in making it their career.
No previous experience is required. The programme is accredited through Arts Award. In completing Sound Check, participants will achieve a Bronze level qualification.
Arts Award is a trusted, UCAS accepted arts sector qualification accredited by Trinity College London and Arts Council England.
For more information and to apply, visit futureyard.org/soundcheck
Applications close on Monday, September 28 at midday.
The first Sound Check session is scheduled for October 6 at Future Yard, 75 Argyle Street, Birkenhead.
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