We can't wait to welcome you!
We welcome applications to take part in Youthsayers from all young people who are enthusiastic about playing music in a group setting and developing themselves as musicians.
Currently, we don’t teach instruments from the very beginning, so you will need access to a musical instrument. If you can play a tune, then that’s a great start. If you feel like you may not be experienced or ‘good enough,’ do not let that stop you from applying. We are not trying to find the ‘best young musicians’ for Youthsayers.
We aim to provide an environment where young people can build confidence and develop at their own pace. Therefore, the most important attributes you need are reliability, regular attendance, and determination.
Youthsayers is about working together as a group and listening, rather than focusing on individuals being high-level players.
As Youthsayers is free to take part in, our programme is aimed at young people whose economic backgrounds mean they are not able to access other programmes that charge participants. We take this into consideration when people apply to join. We also believe that diversity is key to making Youthsayers work well and recognise that everyone brings individual attributes to the group.
We currently run three groups on a weekly basis:
1. Youthsayers
When: Wednesdays, 6:00 pm – 7:45 pm
Where: The Portico Gallery, West Norwood, SE27 0HS
For: Ages 13 to 18 (guideline age*)
This main group focuses on working together to build skills and confidence in group playing. There are usually excellent performance opportunities, such as the London Jazz Festival, Music For Youth Festivals, and many more.
2. Younger Youthsayers
When: Tuesdays, 6:15 pm – 7:30 pm
Where: St Margaret’s Hub, SW2 3BH
For: Ages 10 to 13 (guideline age*)
In Younger Youthsayers, we follow a similar model to the main group, playing music that is accessible yet challenging. You will learn about playing in a group setting, developing skills in improvisation, group dynamics, groove/time, and having fun.
3. Younger Youth Vibes
When: Time TBC
Where: TBC
For: Beginners of all ages
An opportunity to settle into groove playing on any instrument and open to absolute beginners, Younger Youth Vibes helps participants become comfortable with the building blocks of groove music: finding and keeping the pulse, learning and playing different rhythms against the pulse, and experiencing how the rhythms interconnect to create a fuller sound.
Using the abilities of the participants, new grooves are created and built upon, often developing into full songs to show that music creation is accessible to everyone.
Additional opportunities to make music:
Holiday Courses
We run special courses during the summer holidays, giving you even more chances to develop your skills. Keep an eye out for announcements.
How to apply:
Complete our Joining Form below
Please note that we have a waiting list, which means that after you complete the joining form, we may not be able to offer you a place in Youthsayers immediately.
When we receive your application, we will email you to confirm that you are on the waiting list. Occasionally, we can accept participants immediately, but spaces become available at different times. When an opportunity arises, we will contact you.
Maybe you have some questions before you fill out our submission form. NO PROBLEM! Simply send us a message with any queries you may have, and we will get back to you very soon.
Collaborate with us
If you are interested in working with Youthsayers on a collaborative project, please email us.
Booking for performances
If you would like to book Youthsayers for a performance,
please email us.
