OPEN CALL for research and case studies exploring access to participatory music-making opportunities across rural England!

NYMAZ is embarking on a follow-up report to our research project, Gone in the Air, exploring the impact of rural isolation on engagement with participatory music-making opportunities for children and young people.

Working to develop non-formal, inclusive music activities with children in North Yorkshire for many years, NYMAZ’s work and the way it is delivered has always been characterised by the rural nature of the county.

Eight years ago, we investigated the challenges and looked at how to overcome the barriers to accessing music in rural areas. A lot has happened since then. We want to measure progress since 2015, and consider the impact that the pandemic and our adjustment to life afterwards has had in improving access for children and young people, and impeding it.

We want gather evidence from a variety of sources including young people, rural communities and organisations working the sector. We need to understand what works well and what needs to change.

Would your organisation be willing to answer questions for our research or volunteer as a case study?

Would you be happy to share with us any evaluation reports or statistics from your own music projects in rurally isolated areas? Please get in touch!

We would be very grateful to hear from you if you are interested in being part of our research. Please email NYMAZ Director, Sarah McWatt, at sarah@nymaz.org.uk, by Friday 23 June.