Pop Pioneers
Ground-breaking experiential music learning
Pop Pioneers is a ground-breaking experiential music learning programme, building strong links between craft development and industry partners.
We are looking for up to 30 promising students to work together over five days at Pirate Studios - a professional rehearsal, DJ and podcasting venue. They will be led by an experienced team of music educators and industry professionals and the week will culminate in a performance at legendary jazz club Ronnie Scott's.
Aimed at key stage 4 students who have limited access to wider opportunities and are keen to explore pathways into the music industry. Selected students will get opportunities to:
- Perform - they could be singers, instrumentalists, DJs.
- Compose - working as music producers, songwriters, film/media Composers.
- Explore behind the scenes music industry roles - including Sound Engineers, Stage Managers, Curators, Podcaster, Lighting and Décor Coordinators.
Activities take place 14-18 July, 9am-3pm. The performance takes place on Friday 18 July, 12pm at Ronnie Scott's (doors open 11.30am).
There are also taster sessions for up to seven students at a time a whistle- to enjoy a whistlestop activity trail covering performance, composition and podcasting at Pirate Studios taking place week commencing 7 July at Pirate Studios.
Please note that Pop Pioneers is a pilot this year, we're looking to making this an annual project and broadening the reach to different age groups in the future.
Three actions
We're looking for year 10 students who are keen musicians with a high aptitude in performance, composition, but also interested in behind the scenes skills in the wider industry: podcasting, videography, project management and even aspects of hospitality.
The teaching content is designed to support music GCSE and music tech students.
The core of the programme is an activity week for promising musicians with an high aptitude and self-motivation. We ask you to share the information of the programme, using the material available – video, online link, flyer. Please encourage students to sign up, the deadline is Friday 6 June.
Bring a group of up to seven promising and enthusiastic musicians to our taster sessions, a whistle-stop activity-trail covering performance, composition and podcasting in the professional environment of Pirate Studios.
Prioritise students who are keen and also available to join us for the activity week that commences on 14 July (see above).
Taster sessions available:
- Monday 7 July, morning session, 10am-1pm
- Monday 7 July, afternoon session, 12-3pm
- Thursday 10 July, morning session, 10am-1pm
- Thursday 10 July, afternoon session, 12-3pm
You are year 10? Music is your passion? This week is for you!
Working in the professional environment of Pirate Studios and with the support of a wide range of experienced music educators and industry professionals, you will be able to develop skills in three different areas, preparing you for your next steps into the music industry. The week will culminate in a performance at the legendary London Jazz club Ronnie Scott’s.
Three pathways throughout the week:
Pathway 1: Performance
You want to excel as a performer, making songs and tunes your own, develop your stage presence and improve working collaboratively in a group using your instrument or voice, with a range of fellow musicians? You are a keen DJ wanting to progress your art? This pathway is for you.
Pathway 2: Composition
Your head is full of new musical sounds and tunes? You enjoy spending time experimenting with new material on your instrument or on the computer? The composition pathway will help you to turn your ideas into the best piece possible.
Pathway 3: Behind the Scenes
You love the hustle and bustle behind the scenes, want to know more about how to:
- set up a stage
- get the best sound out of an ensemble
- plan and develop an event so it becomes the amazing experience we enjoy
- create a hype around an event or product through media using podcasting or videography
Then the Behind the Scenes pathway is for you!
As places are limited, don’t miss out and sign up today!
Key dates and information
Summary of actions
For schools:
- Promote Pop Pioneer’s activity week (14-18 July) and encourage students to sign up by Friday 6 June.
- Sign up for a taster session on either 7 or 10 July for up to seven of your most engaging and enthusiastic young people. Deadline: 6 June.
- Send us a list of your students by 2 June, who have signed up for the activity week and help us identify the most appropriate students, prioritising those who have a high aptitude but won’t have a multitude of access to additional opportunities. Please prioritise these students to come along to the taster day.
- Join us at Pirate Studios for your taster session.
- Remind registered students to attend activity week.
- Join us on 18 July, 12pm for the Pop Pioneer’s performance at Ronnie Scott’s!
For young people
Sign up for Pop Pioneers activity week!
Dates
Friday 6 June - deadline for applications to the activity week and taster sessions.
Tuesday 10 June - we'll notify applicants as to whether they have been successful in gaining a place on the activity week.
7 and 10 July - taster sessions.
14-18 July - Pop Pioneers activity week at Pirate Studios.
Friday 18 July - listening party at Ronnie Scott's - doors open 11.30am, performance starts at 12pm.
