Southbank is running free course for young people pursuing a career in music

With its smorgasbord of cultural venues and events, the Southbank Centre is like an Odeon multiplex for the arts.

Its latest initiative, EMP (Emerging Music Professionals), is looking to mould and inspire a new generation of Lambeth creatives who will one day perform there.

In collaboration with Ninja Tune and Big Dada labels, who are responsible for some of the most exciting work by Roots Manuva and Kae Tempest, the Southbank is running a free course for young people pursuing a career in music.

Designed with the Southbank Centre’s Creative Learning and Contemporary Music teams, and supported by Lambeth council’s ELEVATE Careers fund, the idea is to train 18-24-year-olds from backgrounds under-represented in the industry.

This encompasses a broad demographic of black, Asian or ethnically diverse, LGBTQI+, disabled or neurodivergent people, and those from working class communities.

Ten applicants will embark on a 10-month course of workshops, mentorships and placements.

At the end of it all they’ll be a live performance, accompanied by a digital release, featuring everyone who takes part.

The chosen few will be provided with the skills and contacts to progress in the notoriously cut throat music industry.

Applications are open to budding producers, promoters and programmers, who will be paid the London Living Wage.

They will be treated to talks from an array of industry insiders, with experience in management, as well as the acts themselves.

Beginning with a week-long, intensive foundational course, much of the timetable is skewed towards interactive learning in the form of practical workshops.

Each participant will be assigned a mentor who will help them build contacts in the business beyond graduation day.

Members of the Southbank Centre’s Creative Learning and Contemporary Music Programming teams will also provide one-to-one follow-up sessions focused on employment.

In a saturated industry, those lucky enough to be selected for the EMP course will no doubt have a clearer shot at a career in music than your average bedroom beat maker or aspirational entrepreneur.

Copeland Gallery Peckham, from September 7-11.

 

Pictured: The South Bank Centre Picture: Victor Frankowski