Music Industry Insights Worldwide - Equality & Diversity In The Music & Entertainment Industries
"Harmonizing Voices: Global Perspectives on Equality & Diversity in the Music and Entertainment Industries with Saskhia Menendez & Special Guests"
Music is a universal language that transcends boundaries, connects cultures, and touches our deepest emotions. It has the power to change lives, challenge norms, and inspire social change. However, as we celebrate the incredible diversity of voices and talents within the music industry, it's essential to acknowledge that the path to equality, diversity, and inclusion has not always been harmonious.
In this podcast, we aim to spotlight the stories, struggles, and successes of those working tirelessly to make the music industry a more inclusive and equitable space for all. We will delve into the experiences of artists, producers, managers, and industry professionals who are breaking barriers, pushing boundaries, and reshaping the landscape of the music world.
Join us as we engage in thought-provoking conversations, explore ground-breaking initiatives, and celebrate the music that moves us. Together, we will amplify the voices of change and work towards creating a more vibrant, just, and diverse music industry. So, whether you're a music enthusiast, an industry insider, or someone looking to be inspired, "Harmonizing Voices" is your guide to the evolving and ever-inspiring world of music industry equality, diversity, and inclusion.
Music Industry Insights Worldwide - Equality & Diversity In The Music & Entertainment Industries
Nurturing Talent: Inside the East London School of Music
The East London School of Music (ELSOM) was formed to provide an affordable, stimulating musical training platform of the highest standard to music students of all levels and all ages. We cater for ages from 5 years all the way to adult. Our relaxing and supportive environment allow Students and Tutors to flourish and work together to develop and enhance everyone’s musical abilities, including composition and performance. We aim to ensure that children, young people and adults are given the opportunity to be creative whilst learning the proper way to play an instrument, become a singer and/or become composers in their own right.
At ELSOM we ensure that all students receive high quality classical music tuition. Our school is a non-profit musical organization, therefore you will not be paying huge amounts of money, we keep our fees low and affordable for anyone wanting to learn a musical skill. Our primary aim is to give students quality musical training that is both affordable and enjoyable.
Myself and my team at the East London School of Music are on a mission to raise funds so that we can put musical instruments in the hands of disadvantaged children, young people and senior adults. Most of our students are from the black and ethnic minorities who cannot otherwise afford classical music training and we just want to make classical music more accessible for them. Talent is everywhere, opportunity is not, and I'm on a mission to address that. Our main challenge at the moment is funding. I am looking to connect with people to who can help us, and I am so glad to have connected with Mark and ACN – without this connection, I would not have had the opportunity to connect with you guys 😊
We were involved in a really exciting project from Jan-May 2024 – Community Orchestra Project involving 53 BAME children and young people aged 8-19 years.
The Arts Council England sponsored a 17-week orchestra training programme at our site which involved 6 teachers. The end result – 2 concert performances at our school site and at the Royal College of Music, May 2024.
Here are a few short performances from the Royal College of Music Concert:. It was an absolutely amazing experience for the children and youth! Enjoy 😃
Isaac and Jalon, Shostakovich Violin duet
https://youtu.be/skMrTElBIM4?si=O8HuspG_mUo-o9lO
“Sailing By”- Community Orchestra Project, ELSOM, supported by the HACS Philharmonic Orchestra
https://youtu.be/UTCODrzFPvk?si=35Iawa5-UPmdba3M
God Who Spoke In The Beginning
https://youtu.be/rIYLggZ6mx0?si=WOf2ASs71pPr9mca
You Are The Deliverer
https://youtu.be/xePJYoZjxDU?si=xcyiXfkTDw37HdFp
After their experience at the Royal College of Music, the players turned their eyes towards the Royal Albert Hall. They asked me “will we get to perform at the Royal Albert Hall one day”? I answer, yes you will, nothing is impossible!” I would love to make this opportunity happen for them with help from professionals in the industry, like yourself 😊
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