Oxfordshire County Council’s music service is set to reignite young minds with a fresh wave of creative energy, as it launches new music technology sessions for children and young people. These sessions, held at Rose Hill Junior Youth Club on Thursday, November 6, target two distinct age groups: children in school years 4 to 6 and girls aged 11 to 16. The initiative builds upon the success of a similar project last year, which saw 15 young participants produce an impressive 13 tracks.
The project offers a unique opportunity for young people to explore their musical talents using digital audio workstation (DAW) software on iPads and MacBook Pros. Participants will learn to create original tracks and cover versions, utilizing loops, keyboards, and portable recording studio setups to express themselves through singing or rapping. This blend of technology and music not only fosters creativity but also equips young people with valuable digital skills.
Councillor Sean Gaul, Oxfordshire County Council’s cabinet member for children and young people, emphasized the transformative potential of these sessions. “Blending technology with music is an exciting way to develop interest among young people, unlocking a creative talent they might not even know they possess,” Gaul said. He added that these sessions could potentially spark a future career in music production or performance. Beyond musical learning, the sessions serve as an incentive for young people to attend the youth club, make new friends, and engage in enriching activities outside the school classroom.
The project aligns with the council’s belief that every young person should have access to musical learning. The music service supports a wide range of genres, from contemporary pop to traditional choirs and orchestras. Additionally, parents and guardians of young people from disadvantaged backgrounds can apply for funding to access music tuition or hire instruments, ensuring that financial barriers do not hinder creative expression.
Rose Hill Junior Youth Club, a key partner in this initiative, works with communities in two of the most deprived wards in Oxfordshire. The club’s free sessions provide safe, meaningful, and creative activities designed to improve participants’ self-confidence, social skills, and independence. Aimee Winkfield, interim director at Rose Hill Junior Youth Club, expressed enthusiasm for the music tech sessions. “The music tech sessions are an absolutely fantastic addition to our after school youth clubs,” Winkfield said. She noted that the young people thoroughly enjoyed creating their own tracks and dancing along with the beats they made before the summer holidays. The club looks forward to resuming these sessions at their girls’ club and introducing them to children aged eight to 10 at their junior sessions in November.
This initiative could shape the future of music education in the sector by demonstrating the power of technology in engaging young people. As digital tools become increasingly integral to music production, such programs could inspire a new generation of musicians and producers. Moreover, by providing access to music tuition and instruments for disadvantaged youth, the project promotes equity and inclusion in the arts. The success of these sessions could serve as a model for other communities, encouraging similar initiatives that blend creativity, technology, and social support.
For more information about Oxfordshire County Council’s music service, visit the council’s website.
