Free music industry courses help young people tune into career dreams

• Wandsworth Council supports local initiative to help young people succeed
• Free courses available at London's newest community concert venue opened by Wandsworth Mayor
• Local musicians encouraged to explore music careers

Starting this February, the local music charity is providing training sessions, masterclasses, mentoring and paid placements with high profile industry partners to help people aged 14-25 make their first career step. 

The sessions are part of World Heart Beat's Emerge programme which supports diverse London-based talent to gain the skills and experience to build a sustainable career in the music industry. 

Making it fairer

Kemi Akinola, Wandsworth Council's cabinet member for the voluntary sector, business engagement and culture said: "These really are great opportunities to help make it fairer for young people to get into an industry which is notoriously difficult to enter.

"I'd encourage anyone who is interested in a music career to sign up for these free sessions, learn new skills and explore all the options open to you." 

Wandsworth Council's Kemi Akinola at World Heart Beat's opening in November 2022

Participants will learn music production and take part in sessions exploring key topics such as ‘working as an independent artist’ and ‘building your community’ - gaining a strong understanding of career options within the industry and progression pathways. 

Courses offer training in production, working as an independent artist and producer, building community and gaining insights into UK music roles. Sessions are held on evenings during the week to ensure they can run alongside existing college studies or work. 

Masterclasses are led by professional artists and producers who are passionate about nurturing the next generation of talent. 

Emerge is also a youth-led programme, co-designed and delivered by World Heart Beat’s young producers and industry professionals. It allows young people to tailor the training to their interests and explore roles and opportunities that most closely align with their skill set and interests, giving them the strongest chance of developing a sustainable career. 

World Heart Beat's Young Producer Ava Joseph said: "EMERGE brings people together and allows them to explore their creativity and interests in a non-judgemental and comfortable space.”  

World Heart Beat would love to hear from young people interested in taking part, as well as organisations that are already working with young people who would be interested in hosting a taster session in their setting. 

Radio production course

Following the opening of their new state-of-the-art Nine Elms venue in 2022, World Heart Beat are also offering a free Radio Production Course for young people interested in broadcasting their own radio show or podcast. Working with industry professionals in World Heart Beat's brand new broadcasting room the course includes how to design and plan a show, create jingles and show scripts and conduct interviews.

The course runs on Thursdays from 7 February at World Heart Beat Embassy Gardens, 3 Ponton Road, SW11 7BD.

Sign up

Find out more about all these opportunities and apply by visiting World Heart Beat website worldheartbeat.org, call 020 8870 3042 or email info@worldheartbeat.org

Read more about World Heart Beat's new venue in Nine Elms