Introduction

MEL Productions has been providing training to our local communities since 1995. We are always on hand to offer clients (who have successfully completed our courses/programme) information, advice and guidance about opportunities for work, further education and training. We offer high-quality, production-based music training and seek to help clients develop their creative, critical and cultural awareness as well as their music skills, to fill gaps in their education and provide them with a solid foundation for the future.

We provide practical learning and development for young musicians, together with structured job search and support. We deal with many different types of artists, from different backgrounds, with interests covering a wide range of music genres who are actively recording or performing live. Our aim is to help and encourage our clients to become more independent and focused in their career within the music business. We have a wide range of contacts within the music industry and aim to provide work placements for all clients. Sources include recording studios and record companies giving them experiences with which to practice their skills. We can also contact a number of employers seeking potential trainees who we regularly keep in contact with. We will discuss with each client their individual goals and create an action plan providing a music package accordingly.

Our aim is to ensure that clients referred to MEL Productions by other organisations will be supported into a comfortable environment during the IT or music programme. We will provide constructive music activity per week, Monday to Friday including weekends for clients. Our facilities include internet access, telephones, fax and photocopying machine, newspapers and leaflets providing information and advice and guidance for our placements. We run IT Courses i.e. Microsoft Word/Excel/Outlook on a one to one basis or a group session and have 3 recording studios and a rehearsal room with various musical instruments.

We receive clients from many different organisations, including: Job Centre Plus; Work Directions; The Voluntary Centre; TNG; Head2Head; Connexions; Action Acton and Youth Offending Team. Most of our clients are from the local community, some are from disadvantaged backgrounds or are ex-offenders. We train these young people and encourage them to focus their energies into a positive direction so that they are able to realise and achieve their goals.

We provide a wide range of opportunities for young people and adults with an interest in music to develop their knowledge and skills as well achieve long and short term goals, with qualified staff giving them advice and guidance through practical support and training. Over the years we have developed a strong understanding of the needs of potential clients and have taken time to investigate methods of successful job search techniques and motivation.

We will endeavour to assist clients into opportunities within the music business and other sectors of work accordingly on long or short term goals. We will monitor each individual’s progress during their search for opportunities. Once our client has completed the programme, we will be on hand to offer on-going mentoring support and assistance whether they have found employment or are seeking further training.

On the Taster Course, the following topics will be covered, explaining what will take place during the client’s attendance on the full course:

•Client’s folder containing relevant information

•Use of Mac Computers

•The latest Music Software – Logic 8, Cubase, Pro-Tools & Reason

•How to Program and Arrange your own track

•Vocal, Rap and Harmony Training

•How to write Song Lyrics

•Musical Instrument Tuition

•Wiring up a Recording Studio

•Setting up PA system

•Setting up your own Music Business

•Music Lawyers and Contracts

•Management/Publishing/Copywright

•How to Release your own music

•Health & Safety Activity Responsibility.

•Supporting Your Needs.

•How effectively have you been looking for a placement?

•Points which impress interviewers.

•Do you have a CV?

•Do you know what kind of field you want to work in?

•Have you identified your long term goal and is your job search activity leading you towards this goal?

•Do you visit IT and job centres regularly?

•Have you visited any companies on the off-chance that they may have a placement?

•Do you know of any music agencies?

•Do you read daily newspapers (local or national) for job information and adverts?

•Are you confident enough to write a letter?

•Can you fill in an application form easily?

•Are you happy about using a phone and do you have access to a private phone?

•Have you been to an interview?

•Do you feel hopeful about your chances in getting a placement?

MEL Productions is an organisation working with a diverse community. We know that people continue to be discriminated against because of their race, colour, ethnicity, gender, marital status, disability, sexual orientation, age, religion, class and economic status and size. We are totally committed to making sure people are not discriminated against.