“It’s has helped me grow up, kept me straight and sensible. Now I want to use what I’ve learnt to get other kids off the streets."  Richard Tipple, YMAZ Participant

Project Background
Humber YMAZ (Youth Music Action Zone) works across the region helping young people from various backgrounds to gain access to music opportunities that they would not otherwise have had access to.  The work is as diverse as the music genres explored: percussion, rock/pop/ music technology, DJing, jazz and singing.

Project Details
Here we are going to look at some of the DJ projects run by Humber YMAZ, where young people learn from professionals not only how to scratch and mix but also get some real world experience, DJing in clubs and venues in their area.

What Happened?
Music 4U ran various DJ workshops across the Action Zone.  The locations for the work shops were selected on the recommendation of North East Lincolnshire Regeneration Officer who identified the areas most in need.
 
DJ APB, a professional DJ who also works for the drum and bass label Formation Records, and a young scratch DJ gave DJ workshops in the selected venues.  The workshops were for up to six participants and covered a range of skills. 

Participants could choose which workshops to attend in order to streamline their interest.  If they particularly enjoyed the workshops they were offered the opportunity to work towards an Open College Network qualification; expanding the remit of the project away from simply a musical experience into an educational one too.

What Was Achieved?
Probably the best way to demonstrate the achievements of the Music 4U project is by focusing on the achievements of one the previous participants.  Richard Tipple from Grimsby is looking at a bright future after his experience with the Music 4U project in his area.  When he joined he was on a Young Offenders Scheme with no clue what the future might hold for him.  Today Richard runs workshops in his own right and has a blossoming DJ career ahead of him.

 “I love getting a crowd going”, Richard explains, who using his stage name DJ Tipzstar, has also played gigs around the Humber region including appearing at the Grassroots and Urbanize Festivals as well as Grimsby nightspot Pier 39 and on BBC Radio Humberside.

What Next?
The future looks promising for Richard. With the help of the Princes Trust he has secured grant funding for decks and other equipment to set him up as a DJ. He is aiming to run regular workshops soon in local Youth Clubs and is also planning to start a three-year Access to Music Creative Sound Production Course which runs in the region.
The YMAZ is also keeping up the good work and continues to reach at risk individuals by empowering them with skills they are proud to use.

Words:  Lizzy King

find out more about Music4U, contact
T: 01904 632220
E: delma.tomlin@ncem.co.uk
www.humber-music4u.com