Music

Behind The Noise: The music and business education programme changing lives in Glasgow

I recently got involved with Glasgow-based music and business education programme ‘Behind The Noise’. BTN aims to inspire, encourage and support young people who have an interest in music and want to forge careers in music and the creative industries.

The students involved in the programme take part in various after-school workshops, pre studio rehearsals, recording sessions and venue pre-production days, all culminating in the ‘Gig at the Grand’ – where all the hard work results in the students running the show and performing to a sold out crowd!

‘Behind the Noise’ plan to build on this experience, with further work experience being offered to the students.  And that’s where we decided to get involved!  Through a series of workshops, the aim is for students to create and ticket their events online with us and to work with their account manager to ensure their show sells out.

I was interviewed about my role and working in the live entertainment industry, with the recorded interviews being shown at the student workshops.  The questions asked varied from what our typical day looks like, what high points we’ve experienced and what qualities make us good in our daily role, to what advice we would give to anyone wanting to follow into our business.  All very thought provoking stuff!

As the project enters its 4th year, the facts and figures to date make inspiring reading:

  • Over 200 young people from various social and economic backgrounds taking part
  • 56 participants advancing into higher and further education in music performance, sound production and business
  • 24 participating schools from across Renfrewshire and Glasgow
  • Over 50,000 hits on Soundcloud of student recordings.
  • Work experience scheme with DF Concerts at King Tut’s Wah Wah Hut.
  • 3 sold out live shows at the Classic Grand in Glasgow involving over 100 young performers

For more information on ‘Behind the Noise’ check out their short film about the project: http://behindthenoise.co.uk/education/about-the-course/