A new national music programme to tackle antisocial behaviour and raise aspiration and respect was launched on November 1 by Culture Secretary Tessa Jowell and Youth Music.

The £666,000 two year programme will get young people involved in making music and provide one to one and group mentoring sessions with peers, musicians and the music industry.

It will run across 14 English regions:   Birmingham; Bradford; Bristol; Camden; Hackney; Kingston-upon-Hull; Leeds; Liverpool; Manchester; Newham; Nottingham; Sandwell; Southwark; Tower Hamlets.

The Music Mentoring Programme will include:

• 1:1 mentoring of young people by local adults (including a diverse range of musicians involved in different types of music making)
• Small group tutoring sessions on specific topics relating to music making, progression routes in music industry etc.
• 1:1 tuition for children and young people by older teens, and
• Specialist input by established, well known musicians and others successfully employed in creative and cultural industries

The launch showcased the work and achievements of young participants from Pie Factory Music and Sound Connections, the Youth Music Action Zones for Thanet and London respectively. Pie Factory Music also launched their debut album ‘Piece of Pie’ showcasing some of the young participants’ work.

Speaking at the launch in East London, Tessa Jowell said:
“Youth Music gives young people the chance to shape and create their own work, and provides them with a platform to share ideas and talent. This is why I have asked them to deliver a mentoring programme across 14 areas of England with respect and the young person at the centre. I look forward to seeing - and hearing - the impact of the programme on the lives of young people across the country.

“The creativity of making and performing music can have such a powerful impact in raising ambition, giving a sense of purpose, confidence and self-respect, and for young people who lack this sense of themselves, I know that Youth Music’s mentoring will make a real difference.“

Christina Coker OBE, Youth Music Chief Executive, commented:
“There is a view that individuals and groups of young people are perceived to be a particular problem, and for some a threat, in communities up and down the country. However, the incredible work that Youth Music Action Zones are achieving in 24 areas of social and economic need across England and Wales indicates just how much young people can accomplish when provided with quality activities and progression routes.

I am delighted that the DCMS have provided Youth Music with the support necessary to develop a national mentoring programme that will allow young people to define and reclaim respect for themselves, other people and the environment in which they live. Youth Music wants these participants to raise aspirations and turn some of the perceived negatives about young people into positives.”

Louise Casey, the Government Co-ordinator for Respect, said:
 "This mentoring programme is an excellent example of how we can work together across Government and with the voluntary sector to provide young people with interesting and exciting activities that benefit not only themselves but also the wider community. 

For more information about Respect visit
www.respect.gov.uk
www.culture.gov.uk