We’re commissioning original songs for a new Early Years Songbook
In order to create a brand new resource for the NYMAZ Early Years Music Network, NYMAZ is commissioning up to 12 original songs for a new Early Years Songbook, to be released in 2017, and is now inviting proposals from composers/songwriters who would be interested in writing a song for the collection. Proposals should be submitted by 5 December 2016, and commissions will be agreed before Christmas.
NYMAZ is a youth music development charity championing the transformative potential of music for children and young people. Working with our trusted partners, we deliver high quality music-making activities across North Yorkshire to those in challenging circumstances, including three Early Years projects in Whitby, Harrogate and Catterick Garrison.
As part of our commitment to strengthening the sector in North Yorkshire we run professional networks which enable musicians and practitioners to develop their skills, share best practice and network with peers. The largest of these networks is the NYMAZ Early Years Music Network.
In order to create a brand new resource for the Network, NYMAZ is commissioning up to 12 original songs for a new Early Years Songbook, to be released in 2017, and is now inviting proposals from composers/songwriters who would be interested in writing a song for the collection. NYMAZ will pay a fee of £250 for each song commissioned. We will prioritise proposals submitted by composers/songwriters based in or working in North Yorkshire.
The songbook will aim to reflect and represent contemporary childhoods as experienced by children today, providing an alternative to some traditional Early Years repertoire that reflects experiences of childhood from past generations. We are particularly looking for songs that aim to enhance wellbeing and support emotional literacy in young children, as well as representing the diverse lifestyles of children in Britain, from varied family units, to different cultures, ethnicities and social backgrounds.
The songbook will be published online and printed, and recordings will be made of each song for an accompanying CD. We plan to distribute the songbook to members of the NYMAZ Early Years Music Network, and also further afield to colleagues in the wider Early Years music and education sectors in the UK.
If you would be interested in writing a song for the NYMAZ Early Years Songbook, please download the attached guidance and proposal form, and return it to heidi@nymaz.org.uk by 10am Monday 5 December 2016.