Stables in Milton Keynes announces summer programme for young people to explore music making

The Stables in Milton Keynes has announced details of a new programme in the summer to invite young people to explore making music.

The Make My Music initiative is a brand-new creative music programme designed for young people aged 12–14, which will take place from Monday 20 to Thursday 23 July.

Make My Music is intended to invite young people to explore music-making through DJing, live beat creation, songwriting and world music workshops in a supportive and inspiring environment.

The Stables said that Make My Music is open to any young person with a keen interest in music, but especially welcomes young people who have not had much chance to take part in practical and creative music-making. The Stables declared that they are also offering bursaries to help more of those young people who face barriers in attending to take part.

Running from 10am-4pm each day, Make My Music gives participants the chance to try new musical experiences, collaborate with others and build confidence through creativity.

Each day focuses on a different aspect of contemporary music-making:

Monday 20 July is Turntablism: Introduction to DJing, where participants will get hands-on with the fundamentals of scratch DJing and learn the basics of mixing and turntablism.

Tuesday 21 July is iPad Live Beats: Perform and Create, where young people will use free iPad music apps to create and perform their own live beats and electronic music.

Wednesday 22 July’s event is Sounds and Instruments From Around the World, which serves as a practical workshop introducing instruments, rhythms and sounds from diverse musical traditions.

Thursday 23 July will be Creative Songwriting, which is an opportunity for aspiring songwriters to collaborate, write lyrics and create original music together.

Young people can book individual days or attend the full four-day programme, with each day affordably priced at £40 per day, including lunch. No previous musical experience or instrument knowledge are required to take part.

The programme reflects The Stables’ ongoing commitment to music education and creative participation for young people across the region. Founded by Sir John Dankworth and Dame Cleo Laine, The Stables has been championing access to music and the arts for more than 50 years.

Graeme Surtees, Head of Learning & Participation at The Stables, said, “Make My Music is all about creativity, curiosity and giving young people the chance to explore music in exciting new ways. Whether they’re interested in DJing, songwriting, beats or discovering instruments from around the world, we want participants to feel inspired, supported and empowered to express themselves through music.”

Places are limited to 30 people per workshop and advance application is required.

Full information is available on the Stables’ website.