Project Background
Plymouth Music Zone (PMZ) is part of the national network of YMAZs (Youth Music Action Zones) which aim to bring music making opportunities to areas that would not otherwise have them.  As well as providing young people with unique music making opportunities they also help by developing a stronger network of music leaders and trainees to ensure that the good work will continue well into the future.

Project Details
Since 2004 Plymouth Music Zone has been running workshops for all of those involved in instilling music into the lives of young people.  Plymouth Music Zone usually works with upwards of 40 Music Leaders and 5 or 6 trainees per year as well as teachers and other music practitioners. 

What Happened?
Various workshops and seminars are held throughout the year.  Under the name of ‘Soundskills’ 2 workshop-based training initiatives are held:
• ‘Soundskills – The Musician’ is a 12 month practical course giving students the opportunity to learn a range of skills and techniques useful to any community music amateur.  Participants leave the course with knowledge of songs, warm up methods and teaching skills.  This Soundskills course is accredited by the National Open College Network.
•  ‘Soundskills – The Music Teacher’ is aimed at music coordinators from primary and special schools.  Run over 3 days it leaves participants with a range of new and innovative methods by which to deliver music in schools.

As well as the Soundskills courses Plymouth Music Zone’s Workforce development strand run one-off training days and seminars.  To date these have included:

• Early Years Training Day – open to parents and music leaders the day covered issues such as, involvement of parents, physical contact with a child, ratios of workers to children and Sure Start objectives.
• Come and Play Training – for play workers seeking a new and accessible repertoire of music activities.
• Creative Training Opportunities – a networking opportunity for creative organisations across Plymouth and a chance to unite creative training in the area.
• INSET training for teacher in primary schools.
• Accredited training for 16-19 year olds.
• Annual training provision for trainee teachers at Exeter University and SCIIT students (School-centred initial teacher training).

Not content with the high number of trainees and Music Leaders already in the area, Plymouth Music Zone has set up a Music Leader Apprentice Scheme for 16 – 25 year olds, ensuring strong music leadership for the future.
 
What Was Achieved?
PMZ have succeeded in uniting workforce development, an area which is traditionally fragmented, into a network of amateurs and professionals all striving for excellence.  By working in partnership with other organisations PMZ now provides high quality and relevant training opportunities through regular and accessible courses and seminars which are well delivered across a growing network.

What Next?
With programmes like the work experience scheme and the improving network of music leaders and trainees PMZ hope to see the impact of their work spread across the region.  Sharing good practice is also essential; as a part of a national body of Youth Music Action Zones, Plymouth can share its good work with other areas and the benefits can be felt nationwide.

Words:  Lizzy King