Music opportunities, musical communities

Music is at the heart of every culture on the planet and fuels our connection with each other, whether that’s the rush of singing in a choir or the intimacy of listening to radio while washing up.

As part of Brent Cross Town’s holistic music strategy, this new town will recognise the positive benefits of sound: like amplifying birdsong and providing venues to bring people together.

Whether you’re an aspiring local radio presenter, a music enthusiast or simply curious about the sounds all around us, there’s already much to discover in North West London, and opportunities to hone your skills. 

Learn the art of writing songs 

Do you ever sit and wonder how your favourite song came to be? Or how a singer manages to voice your emotions so perfectly? Writing a song is by no means an easy task, and often people find it difficult to find the right words to say. 

For 26 years, Brent Music Service has provided programmes for young people in the borough. This also includes evening centres and weekend workshops offering opportunities for young musicians to grow within an orchestra, choir, ensemble, band and even individually. 

Their ensembles return for face-to-face rehearsals this summer. There are also courses, including a songwriting and composition course taking place during the summer term. Head over to their website for more information.

Become a local radio presenter  

Barnet Community Radio was created in 2015 by King RebSka and Carl Young. What began as an idea by two friends has emerged into a 24/7 radio station, featuring local presenters with a genuine passion for their craft and the art form. This radio station invites listeners on a trip to the past with 60s funk, 50s rock ‘n’ roll, reggae, ska and even 90s hip-hop classics. 

If you’re an aspiring presenter, the station is always on the hunt for volunteers and new voices to join their team. The radio is also committed to unearthing local talent through music discovery, specifically through their dedication to promoting the work of local musicians on their website. Whether you’re keen for your music to be heard by wider audiences or simply a lover of the craft, here’s how you can get involved.

Discover the role of music for people living with dementia

Did you know that there are 15 Dementia Cafes in Brent that support the local elderly community? These Dementia Cafes, also known as De-cafes, aim to encourage a wider conversation about dementia in the borough. 

The first of these De-cafes has been running for four years and is located in Ashford Place, a community charity in Cricklewood. It all started in 2017, when staff working at Ashford Place “got together with other people from different charities, statutory agencies and people living with dementia… for a series of dementia conversations,” says Danny Maher, CEO at Ashford Place. This laid the blueprint for plans for a “dementia friendly borough”.

Now, music, rhythm and dance are central to the activities offered by these De-cafes, whether it’s singing, dancing or even learning an instrument. Each plays a vital role in coordination, problem solving, memory and conversation. “We as a community charity are trying to encourage a wider conversation about dementia and how best we can support those who are living with it,” says Maher. Head over to their website to learn how Ashford Place is raising awareness about dementia.

Explore music and sound in a virtual space

Barnet Council has been running a range of free online events during lockdown for young people and people with disabilities or autism. These workshops have included sessions teaching the art of running your own radio show, tips for aspiring journalists and dance classes fusing jazz, street and commercial styles. Each of these virtual spaces have provided an avenue for young people to find their rhythm and keep their creativity alive, all while adapting to the constraints of the pandemic. 

As lockdown has eased, there are creative workshops being delivered face-to-face following government guidelines. Head over to Barnet Council’s website to view the timetable of events and workshops. For example, on Mondays at 5pm-7pm young people aged 11-19 year-old can join the Rithmik Music Production and Recording drop-in session. No previous music experience is required, just a passion for making music.