The MusicWorks
The MusicWorks is honoured to receive The Queen’s Award for Enterprise for promoting opportunity through social mobility. Founded in 2004, it’s since supported over 2,500 children and young people each year – engaging them through music in order to help them build confidence, self-belief and motivation, and empower them to reach their full potential. Deborah Potts, CEO, says: “Most of the young people we work with come from challenging circumstances, from living with domestic abuse to being a young offender to having mental health challenges, and the heights they can reach through our programmes are incredible. We are thrilled to be recognised by the Queen’s Award scheme and very excited about what the future holds for these talented young people.” A PASSION FOR MUSIC “Music has always been a big love of mine,” says The Music Works’ Creative Director Malaki Patterson. “Growing up in Gloucestershire, I wasn’t all that engaged in school, and there weren’t any opportunities for musical expression nearby, so I ended up finding ways to collaborate locally with other artists and musicians. When something like that is front and centre on your radar, in time you end up chancing upon some really interesting opportunities. “In my mid-20s I happened upon the Forest of Dean Music Makers (later becoming The Music Works), which pretty much changed my life. At that time I had no idea that community music organisations existed, so I was excited to become a part of that scene. “Other organisations eventually got involved, and it then started to really take off when Deborah Potts came onboard five years ago. I benefited so much from the community music scene; I was determined to help open up similar opportunities for people like me.” ACCESSIBLE AND INCLUSIVE “Helping people access music sits at the heart of everything we do,” continues Malaki. “Music needs to be as accessible and inclusive as possible. Anyone can do it, and everyone should have music in their lives – in particular those referred from the youth justice system, where young people can often get into the vicious cycle of demotivation, law perpetration, lack of opportunities and then around again. “A few years back, one boy came to us from a youth justice programme, and due to the way many people viewed and treated him, he continuously felt judged and demoralised, and didn’t feel life could offer him much in the way of opportunity and positivity. In working with us he opened up, found his voice and turned his life around. “He later opened a pop-up shop in the city
Education Workshop
centre. Yes, it’s not music, however music does more than teach someone to play notes on an instrument, or make weird and wonderful sounds: it opens up the mind, gives you a new way of thinking about life, a new language even, and adds so much more to the perception of what the world can offer. In his case, he found his new life skills through music. One of the standout aspects of my job is seeing those from challenging backgrounds thrive through music, life and learning. “There is so much promise on the horizon, especially with our newest project, The Hub. This will be a place where people can express themselves, cultivate their music and hang out. It’s
Drop in session
a massive opportunity for us, and one that will enable us to offer more to the young musicians in the county. As well as being a fantastic creative space to hang out, there will also be a live event space, fully equipped recording studio and a lot of high-end music equipment. “The Queen’s Award is such an amazing recognition of all we’ve worked and strived for. I have no doubt it will help get us out there as an organisation, and I think it will also help put the community music scene as a whole on the map.” THE MUSICWORKS Kings House, 27 St Aldate Street, Gloucester GL1 1RP www.themusicworks.org.uk
Music leader Workshop
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