Musical Experiences for Young People
OmniExperiences help to connect young people with music industry professionals in professional settings.
About a year ago as I was writing my first book about the processes young people go through when learning an instrument, I was inspired by a TED talk that Victor Wooton gave entitled 'Music as a Language'. It got me thinking; there are many organisations which encourage young people to make music, GCSE and A-Level programs and private tutors, but what of the support young people need when thinking about turning professional? My first experience of a soundcheck was the first time I had to do one. I wasn't aware of many concerts in London that could have had a profound impact on me and even if I was aware, could my parents afford to take or send me? Like many parents, mine weren't frequent concert goers, so my experiences of attending concerts was very limited until I became an adult, meaning that I had very limited knowledge of what it takes not only to play a show, but setting up, soundchecking and waiting. Now as a professional musician, waiting 4-5 hours in between soundchecks is normal, the glamourous attractions and dreams of screaming fans and signing autographs replaced by the mundane and often tedious line checks, feedback and hot stagelighting. On the other hand, I've realised the amount of people it takes to allow a single musician to play a single note is unreal. From stage engineers, tour managers, drivers, soundtechs and repair men, all resembling electrons encircling the stage where atomic bomb sized mistakes are carefully managed and the integrity of the performance is kept.
All this to say that I have set up OmniMusic (and specifically OmniExperiences) to give young people the experience of learning from professional musicians in professional settings. Not just for young musicians, but for all young people who may feel they have no musical talent, but after attending a soundcheck and concert, that they too can be involved in the industry without picking up an instrument or worrying about stagefright.
We have been fortunate so far to have worked with international artists such as Frank McComb, The Real Thing, The African Salsa Orchestra and Snow Owl, all of whom have been gracious and understanding enough to open their doors and reveal what goes on behind the stage to our young people. Frank McComb even allowed one of our young people to perform with him at the Jazz Cafe last month; I don't need to say what an amazing experience that was! Click here for more
I'd be interested to know your thoughts as we try and give more experiences to people who need them. We are also aiming to provide some experiences to the victims of Grenfell as a way of support. Please get in contact with me with any suggestions, comments or help!