Young people from Amplify, Lancashire Music Hub’s Youth Board traveled to Birmingham for the second national Young People’s Citizens Assembly hosted by Music for Youth on 5 July 2024.

Joined by More Music’s youth voice ambassadors, the event saw young people from across the county to join together with the shared aim of influencing the future of music within the UK.

Over 6 months, members of Amplify met regularly with young people from Wolverhampton Music Hub and members of the Music Mark, Music for Youth and Sound Connections teams to co-produce this year’s Citizens Assembly. The team chose the theme of music, mental health and resilience after discussion about peoples lived experiences of mental health and how well-being and music are intrinsically interwoven into people’s lives.

The event itself was an inspirational day, bringing young people from diverse backgrounds round the table to discuss issues that matter to them alongside music and health professionals.

Hosted by Amplify’s Cieran and Aaron, the day began with a key note from London based spoken word artist Milli Rose. Milli shared her story of resilience growing up and how she used spoken word and creativity to cope with the challenges she faced in her life.

Next up was Ciaran O’Donnell (Head of Wolverhampton Music Service) who spoke about music, the myths, the truths, the opportunities and shared his approach to music education with the room.

Then the room split for round table discussions about music, mental health and resilience. Each group was facilitated by panelists,

• Dr Kate Blackstone – Music Psychology Researcher,
• Dr Lisa Jayne Wilson – Senior Lecturer in Musical Theatre Choreography & School of Creative Arts Ethics Lead, University of Lincoln,
• Chris Walters – National Organiser, Education and Health & Wellbeing at Musicians Union,
• Claire Cordeaux – CEO of BAPAM,
• Grace Meadows, Head of Music Minds Matter.

The conversations raised some key points about the importance of music and access to musical opportunities in developing positive social connections, building lifelong friendships and communities, being able to express emotions and the development of self and identity through performance. There were discussions about how perceptions success can impact negatively on mental health and act as a barrier for progression. The challenges of gaps in music provision were highlighted and questions over the lack of post 18 opportunities for those with a passion for music but who don’t necessarily follow traditional pathways were raised.

The potential negative effects of music were also shared, for example the pressure of expectation to succeed and lack of parental support given to pursuing a career in music because of misconceptions about financial reward.

The need to challenge the idea that resilience is necessary was also mentioned. Working environments could be improved to mean resilience isn’t as essential and we should be identifying the obstacles and working around them rather than expecting people to continuously bounce back.

We were reminded that keeping healthy is as important to your career. Get help when you notice- you are valuable, get the help you need when you need it.

One of the key takeaways from the event though was everyone’s passion and love for music and the enrichment that it provides to all areas of life. From playing for pure enjoyment through to a career in composition; from making new friends to boosting your mood, music makes life better.

Here is some feedback from the young people who attended and helped to co-produce the event from Lancashire Music Hub.

Casey, member of Amplify
“I enjoyed it first off, everyone spoke really well and it was nice to talk about these issues. Its was also nice to know that I wasn’t alone in my feelings and that its was comforting talking to others about my experiences.”

Jack, a young mentee at More Music
“It was amazing to meet peers at similar stages in their career as myself. I voiced my experiences with industry professionals who shared my values. The conference was insightful, empowering and in a very welcoming setting.”

Cieran, member of Amplify and co-host

“Being asked to host and present at a National Conference such as the Youth Citizens Assembly was a privilege as it offered the opportunity to present ideas that young people have regarding music education to a national level. As a group we went in with the target of learning more about young people’s mental health and resilience to music education and to understand both good moments and bad moments that they had experienced during their time in schools, college, or even university. It was great to hear about not only just issues around music education across the country such as funding in facilities not being up to scratch, but also hearing positives on how Music Teachers can be a great form of motivation of when life has a few hurdles in the way and engaging with music can create a form of escapism. I look forward to what next year holds and the amount of progress we can make to making music education available to everyone a bigger possibility.”

Aaron, member of Amplfiy and co-host:
“Well worth the early start. It was great to meet and speak with some of the unsung heroes of the industry and I came away feeling enlightened and inspired.”

Lancashire Music Education Hub set up the Amplify programme in 2018 to ensure young people have a voice and can influence change at a strategic level. They have been working with Hub partners More Music for 6 years and have engaged young people across the county, including those who are not taking part in any formal music making activities.