Youth Voice
At ArtsTrain, we champion opportunities for young people to get fully involved in our projects and events. From planning and co-producing our projects to giving feedback, evaluating and making suggestions for improvement, we encourage their input throughout their journey with ArtsTrain.
You can hear from some of our young people below, through the feedback they’ve given us, plus examples of their work including audioclips, videos and interviews. We think they’re amazing, we hope you agree…
“I’m grateful for having the opportunity to perform my own music. I could make music in my own room, but I wouldn’t be able to just go perform it. We have the opportunities to make our own music and also show it to other people which is a really special thing.”
~ Evie, 15
“I had gone through a lot I thought ‘how can I help myself?’ and music was it.”
“Before joining ArtsTrain, I couldn’t play without sheet music, without being given a key, or I couldn’t improvise. And now I play by ear, and it encourages me to stop waiting for things to be taught to me and to try and figure it out myself.”
~ Firdaus, 15
ArtsTrain inspired me to find, embrace and express my creative self through music. Throughout my time in the Academy I gained valuable industry knowledge and performance skills, as well as self-confidence and a better understanding of my own creative identity.
~ Anoushka, Alumni and Assistant Music Leader
“Before ArtsTrain, I had never played live or played in a band before. But now, I think I think my confidence has grown so much.”
~ Tegan, 15
“It’s nice to work with people who are better than me and who have a better skillset - you learn from other people.”
~ Mica, 14
I have recently become a mentor for young people, teaching them about the art of music and songwriting, which is very enjoyable. Seeing how much they improve and how confident they become after just a few days is always emotional and rewarding.
~ Dan, Alumni and Assistant Music Leader