ILKLEY teenagers interested in a career in the music business will learn how to get a first foot on the ladder though an innovative new project.

Sound of Bradford will help students from across the district gain a foothold on the local music circuit and equip them for future creative arts careers in the industry.

The initiative is being set up at the home of the city’s renowned recording and rehearsal facility Factory St. Studios, with support and funding from Bradford Music Education Hub.

It will be launched under the umbrella of Piece Project CIC, a social enterprise that runs music and arts-related activities supporting social, creative and economic development in the community.

Sound of Bradford will see local mentors with experience in the music industry visiting schools and colleges across the district to engage with students. The focus is not just on the glamorous world onstage but also backstage careers. That includes managers and technicians, venue, event and artist management, music production, PR, sales and marketing, sound and lighting, promotion, education and other aspects of the business.

There will be performance opportunities arranged in conventional and unconventional spaces, and the more senior students will eventually shadow music professionals at work, in preparation for later enrolment on accredited apprenticeship schemes.

The first step towards getting on board will be a free summer school taking place in August, and young people are now being invited to enrol.

Running from August 15 to 19, it promises to be a fun-packed week, but will also offer a serious introduction to the courses that Sound Of Bradford will provide when it launches next year. Summer School will give an insight into the world of diplomas, internships and apprenticeships leading to jobs in the exciting world of modern music, both behind the mic and backstage.

It will include rehearsal and performance sessions, plus hands-on tuition in stage sound and lighting, stage management, stagecraft and studio recording. Other workshops will cover how to get started on the local music circuit, training and study options and the professional music business.

Piece Project creative director, Amy Eden, said: “Of course, a career in music can be extremely exciting and rewarding.

"But for the majority it’s not about becoming an overnight sensation on a TV talent show – it’s about putting in a lot of hard work, dedication and determination to get a proper grounding in the business, to establish a long-term, successful career.

“We’re here to help young people do just that and we are delighted to be able to offer them this valuable opportunity."

Summer school is free to attend. Participants must be aged 13 to 17 and attend school or college in the Bradford Metropolitan District Council area.

Places are limited. Contact Sound Of Bradford at summerschool@soundofbradford.co.uk or via social media at soundofbradford to register, or visit soundofbradford.co.uk for more details.