What is the Key Changers Programme?

The Key Changers Programme offers support and training for anyone looking to develop their leadership and artistic skills. You will learn workshop development – how to lead a creative process with a group. By the end of the programme, you’ll be able to lead music workshops in various community settings like homeless shelters or refugee centres.

The programme takes a person-centred approach to help you grow personally, socially and creatively. Everyone has their own career goals and aspirations, and you’ll have access to various workshops designed to nurture your unique artistic path.

Who is this programme for?

This programme is aimed at under-represented musicians who want to improve their musical and leadership skills. We’re especially interested in hearing from musicians who have experienced addiction, trauma, displacement or mental health challenges. Applicants should be proficient in at least one instrument.

Programme Details

•Launch Date: September 2024

•Training Days: 10 days between January and June 2025

•Location: Central Brighton

•Participants: 12 musicians

What will you gain from the Key Changers Programme?

•Guidance on starting a career in community music

•A toolkit of musical exercises you can use in various settings

•Leadership skills to run music workshops for different groups

•An overview of community music in the UK

•Creative development to nurture your own artistry

•Skills to engage people new to making music

What is a community musician?

A community musician helps groups make music together, often with people who have little or no musical experience. They are different from traditional music teachers or therapists, although some community musicians develop those skills over time. Music in community settings can have a hugely positive impact on wellbeing, social skills and confidence, and so community musicians play a really important role.

Key Changers Programme Dates 2025

•Day 1: Thursday 16th January 2025

•Day 2: Friday 17th January 2025

•Day 3: Friday 14th February 2025

•Day 4: Saturday 15th February 2025

•Day 5: Thursday 13th March 2025

•Day 6: Friday 14th March 2025

•Day 7: Thursday 24th April 2025

•Day 8: Friday 25th April 2025

•Day 9: Friday 16th May 2025

•Day 10: Friday 6th June 2025

CLICK HERE FOR THE COURSE OUTLINE

BEFORE YOU APPLY

To apply, you need to be able to answer “YES” to these four questions:

1) Are you an ‘under-represented’ musician?
For example, you may be in recovery from addiction; living with a mental health condition or have refugee status.

2) Can you confidently play at least one instrument in a group setting?
You don’t need to be able to read music, but should be skilled in at least one instrument. Some examples might be: playing in a band, busking or jamming at home with friends. You will need to submit a short video of yourself playing an instrument.

3) Do you have a supportive network around you?
For example, attending 12-Step meetings, having access to a therapist or support from close friends or family. This is important as the programme cannot provide therapeutic support.

4) Can you attend all 10 training days of the programme?

Please check the dates carefully before applying.

Our expectations if you are accepted onto the Key Changers programme:

* You must have been sober for at least a year. If you are applying because you have someone close to you who has been affected by addiction, then we want to know how you are managing this and what support you have in place.

* We will want to know whether you are engaging with other support services.

* We expect you to be able to work well in a group and engage respectfully with others.

* You need to attend all of the training days.

Important Dates

Applications open: 23rd September 2024

Application deadline: 15th November 2024

Application Review: After the closing date, we will review applications. We may contact you if we need more information to support your application.

Applicants to be notified: All applicants will be contacted during December 2024 to confirm whether they have a place on the programme.

HOW TO APPLY

We will need two things from you:

1. Submit a video of up to 5 minutes of you playing your instrument or demonstrating your vocal skills. For example a recording on your mobile phone or via Zoom. If you already have a video uploaded onto a platform, please include a link so we can view the video. You do not need to read music to apply.
2. Fill out the application form which has four questions. The application form questions are below.

Question 1: Why do you want to be on the Key Changers Programme 2025? Give us an overview of who you are and why you want this opportunity.

Question 2:  What can you bring to the Key Changers Programme? We would like to get to know you better, so tell us about your skills and experience. We need to know why we should offer you a place.

Question 3:  What would you like to get out of being on the programme?
Tell us about your ambition for being trained as a community music leader. How would you benefit if we offered you a place?

Question 4: We want to hear from individuals from under-represented groups. What barriers have you faced, or how have you been marginalised?
(This might include, for example, experiences such as recovery from addiction, managing a mental health condition, or having refugee status). We would also like to know what kind of support you currently have to help you on your journey. For example, mutual support groups and/or a trained therapist.

STEPS TO APPLY

• Look at the four questions and prepare your answers.
• Record your video of up to 5 minutes, demonstrating your musical skills. Or include a link to a video of you online.
• Fill out the form and answer all four questions
• Upload your video or link to the form
• Submit your application – button at the end of the form

Note: Uploading speeds can vary depending on your internet connection.

If you have any questions or you experience any barriers in the application process, please let us know and we will make any reasonable adjustments. You can contact us at Keychangersprog@gmail.com

Ready to apply?

Click on the button below to access the application form. You can access the form from any device.  

The form will open in a new window and cannot be saved, so it’s best to complete it in one go.