Individuals' Journeys Through Music-Based Mentoring: Theo's Story Of Peer Mentoring

We asked individuals involved in Music-based mentoring to tell us a bit about their experience.Theo is a mentee...

This page is part of a resource pack on Music-based mentoring.

Theo now has his own fortnightly show on Bradford Community Broadcasting. The focus is for him to play his own music that he produces. Each show gets a local MC or creative person locally to guest. They have ties to a local record label set up for young people. Theo is a now confident on air and has confidence to invite people down himself. He books and organizes content . He now does the whole process . Dan(mentor) is now only listening editor .

In the last couple of months I started my own radio show.The first couple of weeks were a struggle. We promote the music side of Bradford, mainly mc’s, hip-hop and grime, from all over Bradford. It shows a different side. I promote it on facebook and bring them in to do recording.

Editing is a pain. It takes 4 hours. They do a lot of swearing. Danny helps, we both edit. I say as it’s promoting Bradford you need to think of something that has no swearing. I wouldn’t say it is negative – that is how I used to live my life. 

I hadn’t been in a radio studio before autumn. I now have skills and confidence; knowing I can adjust my voice to people hearing it, using equipment, arranging playlists, loading music, making sure levels are all right, editing, timing. You're not supposed to have gaps inbetween things. It makes me feel I have gained experience. I am hoping I can use it to go on a bigger station. I am in college on a music tech course so I hope to go on [to a bigger station]. Coming here has helped me gain a sense of rhythm. [What is great is] hands on experience in using radio equipment and for it actually to be broadcast out there – colleges don’t have the resources to give you the skills and experience like this .

I suppose I look forward to coming down here – Knowing I can listen to it and thinks that’s good – that’s me.  You can have a laugh with your mates when they come down. Now I can talk to people when I’m out, rather than sit there not knowing what to say. If I was in this room [studio] a few months ago I probably wouldn’t have said much. It’s a good feeling saying "I can do that" and not many other people have that about radio. A few months ago I never thought I d be sat here doing what I am doing.

Danny [mentor] is really supportive. He is the first to help with problems. We had an instant bond.  Communication is good. He usually emails me if something is up. Bradford has problems, mostly around what postcode you are from. I don’t pay attention to this. We bring anyone in.

Music plays a big role in my life. I love loud music at home. It has got to inspire you. You have to love it to get into a job like this. This place plays a big role in my life – I look forward to it all during the week.

I like loud music and Dan has shown me what skills I need to broadcast. I am hoping to get a job in radio when I get older so it is getting me started with that.

[NB Names have been changed to protect the anonymity of this person]