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A new site has been launched by Southend’s YMCA to assist young people in the Southend and surrounding areas and they are asking local musicians to get involved. 

The Y-SHARE music portal will  list organisations and individuals providing music services to young people in the Southend and surrounding areas. The site also provides listings for young person looking for music related activities, a parent looking for a tutor or an organisation seeking a specialist music service , we hope you will find this site useful.

There are also specific programmes as follows:

Y-FLOW is a programme for aspiring young musicians aged 11 – 18 who’d like an opportunity to develop your talent in an industry standard studio for free, work in small groups to gain or improve upon any existing music skills or interests they may have, in a variety of genres from hip hop, grime and dubstep to rock, dance and acoustic.

This is an 18-week program of over 3 hours a week. Priority will be given to young people from the following groups: not in employment education or training, young people leaving care and young offenders. For more information, contact janedolby@southendymca.org.uk or call 01702 301301.

VIRTUOSO is for a singer/songwriter or in a band aged 13 – 18 who can’t afford the cost of rehearsal room hire.Virtuoso gives young people the chance to perform, rehearse and record their music at our fantastic ‘Switch Studio’ facility totally FREE of charge. VIRTUOSO also offers the opportunity to receive expert feedback and guidance so young artists can increase in confidence and improve their performance.
Contact: virtuoso@southendymca.org.uk or call 01702 301301

Y-CONNECT is a project that provides feedback and offer one to one mentoring, encouragement, support and musical development to give young people an appropriate outlet to effectively express their opinions and beliefs via music so they feel ‘listened to’ and better understood. Whether it’s a powerful rap, a metal guitar solo or hard hitting lyrics, mentors will help young people find their ‘musical’ voice and use it to share how they feel.
Contact: janedolby@southendymca.org.uk or call 01702 301301

Y-HARMONY is to assist with making a music video raising awareness about the issue that matter to young people. Young people often have concerns and worries about big issues but limited opportunity to explore and express their feelings about them. The video may raise awareness about animal cruelty, pollution or environment problems or any other subject the young people care about. Sessions will include listening to music, creating a DVD sleeve, photography and exploring various issues connected to poverty and deprivation.
This project will take place for a few hours a week over the summer holidays and result in a professional DVD of their music video, with a sleeve they have designed themselves and attend a special celebration and screening event.
Contact janedolby@southendymca.org.uk or call 01702 301301

YMCA is also looking for volunteers: Are you a musician who could spare a few hours a month to help a disadvantaged young person benefit from your musical skills and experience? – click here for more info.

Y-SHARE can be found here.