An exciting new project will give hundreds of Dorset’s young people the chance to learn and develop music skills over the next two years. 

The STEPS Youth Music Project in Weymouth has received a grant of £29,378 over a two year period from the Youth Music ‘Trailblazer’ fund and is now set to offer an array of music workshops, taster days and other events.

The project aims to engage more than 400 young people aged 13-19, which includes both people with and without musical experience.

Principal Youth Worker Tom Lane said: “The Youth Music Project is an exciting opportunity for young people to get involved, to learn and develop their skills and to be creative.

“The project is free to participants and it’s a great opportunity to get expert tuition and to take part in fun workshops.”

Activities will include learning to play instruments, DJ skill workshops, singing and vocal workshops, lyric writing workshops and more.

Lily Jeary, 16, who is a member of the project’s Young People’s Steering Group, said: “I’ve been doing the DJ lessons and am hoping to perform at the Pavilion in April at the Nostalgia event.

“I’ve also bought a bass guitar and want to start learning to play and to form a band with friends.  I also want to be involved with making music videos. I encourage all young people who are interested to come and have fun with us on the project.”

The activities will take place throughout the week using a variety of venues.

 Most activities and workshops will be at STEPS Club for Young People on Chickerell Road in Weymouth, but the project will also utilise space at Weymouth College, Dry Dock and the Antix Music Network studio.

The project is backed by Youth Music, thanks to the National Lottery via Arts Council England. 

Matt Griffiths, Youth Music CEO, says: “It’s crucial we enable more young people to make, learn and earn in music, whatever their background or goal.

"That’s why we’re delighted to invest in STEPS Club for Young People. The team at STEPS lead the way with their work, equalising access to creativity for young people in Weymouth.”

Anyone aged 13-19 interested in taking part in the project is asked to email Tom at stepsclub@yahoo.co.uk.