VOCALIZED
Vocalized is a youth music programme for 11–19-year-olds that offers weekly workshops for 12 weeks in band development, musical theatre and singing, each run by experienced tutors.
Vocalized 2024 took place in three locations in Kensington and Chelsea borough; Kensington Aldridge Academy, Holland Park School and St Charles Catholic College. We led weekly afterschool sessions at each school and the young people worked with professional music tutors to learn or develop their musical skills. The programme culminated in a Vocalized Showcase at local professional music venue The Tabernacle Theatre. The showcase was a celebration of the learnings and progress of each young person and was a brilliant performance to a sold out audience of family and friends.
Vocalized makes a difference by providing training and support, building skills, confidence, well-being, and self-esteem, through musical development, creativity, expression and career pathways that young people need to get a start in the music industry whilst also providing a platform to showcase their talents to family, friends and community.
Participants are tutored by industry professionals in three key disciplines; musical theatre, band development and vocal coaching.
The importance of this work:
Music is a cornerstone of the broad and balanced education that every child and young person should receive. It touches hearts and minds, it celebrates and challenges, and it connects us and moves us.
In the same way that we teach children literacy and numeracy to prepare them for adult life, we must also give them the musical tools they need for a lifetime of music-making and enjoyment.
For some, music will be the foundation of a career in one of the country’s most important and globally-recognised industries. For others, it will provide experiences and skills which develop their creativity. For many, music will simply be a source of joy, comfort and companionship throughout their lives.
Read The power of music to change lives: A National Plan for Music Education
“Vocalised Xtra was a great experience as it gave me the opportunity to record in a studio, which is something I have always wanted to do. It gave me an amazing insight into what the recording process is like. I also met and worked with new people who are now friends of mine and the staff were great!”
Key objectives:
This programme aims to encourage participants to:
learn and develop new musical skills
improve emotional wellbeing
increase confidence both in their chosen field and generally
learn a music piece and perform to family and friends at the end of the programme
overcome stage fright and anxiety
develop natural vocal abilities and sense of rhythm
learn about stage presence and storytelling in performing
Impact
75 young people
participated in 2024
29 sessions delivered
91%
learnt new skills
87%
increased confidence
78%
improved relationships with others
270
audience members
Vocalized xtra
Vocalized Xtra - ‘be an artist in a week’ is delivered during the half-term holidays and is designed to extend the core Vocalized experience.
17 participants explore careers in the music industry while writing and recording their original songs. Through collaboration, creativity, and expert guidance, the programme builds confidence, self-esteem, and a deeper sense of wellbeing.
Vocalized Xtra partnered with Roundhouse, which provided access to their professional rehearsal and production spaces. This environment allowed participants to work in high-quality, creative settings that many reported not having access to elsewhere. The space not only elevated the standard of work produced but also empowered young people to push their creative boundaries, with many expressing they felt "more inspired and creative" as a result.
Over the week, young people worked in small groups to write, develop, and record 9 original tracks as bands or music production projects, culminating in a final studio session with a professional sound engineer.
We were also joined by Oroh Angiama, a seasoned music industry professional currently performing in the West End’s Tina Turner Musical. Oroh shared insights from his career, offered one-to-one advice, and returned at the end of the week to hear each young person’s work, providing individual feedback and encouragement. He also spoke passionately about the value of programmes like Vocalized Xtra.
This programme proved the power of accessible, high-quality music education in unlocking talent and ambition in young people who might not otherwise have the opportunity.
“‘It was really beneficial and helpful as well as fun. I learnt new skills about production and working in teams as well as volunteers inspiring me. The staff were very helpful and nice. they have helped me a lot in confidence and skill.’ ”
Case Study
EE, 18 year old girl
EE wanted to attend the project as she was interested in singing and she chose to join independently. EE had always wanted to develop her singing but she lacked a lot of confidence and had never sung publicly before. She also had family issues that had been affecting her attendance and stability at school.
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EE wanted to ‘Get more confident singing in front of people'. She said that she felt that her ’voice was different and didn't fit with the others’. EE experienced some issues within her family during the programme which meant she occasionally had low mood which resulted in some altercations with staff at her school.
However, in the sessions she was always polite and professional. Her confidence was her biggest barrier as she lacked self-belief in her abilities. When EE had a good session and received encouraging feedback she would noticeably be lifted and happier. We provided tools and techniques to help her manage her emotions and feelings. The more she felt supported, the more her confident she grew. We regularly checked in with EE to ensure she could continue managing her daily life in and out of school and provided a safe space for her to discuss any issues.
Despite being very nervous and shy before the performance at the Tabernacle, when she got on stage she came to life, had so much stage presence and sang an amazing solo.
After her performance at the tabernacle, EE said: “I can’t believe I just did that. I actually believe in myself now, that was so much fun!”
CONTACT
Lorna Capewell
Programme Assistant
vocalized@youthactionalliance.org
Previous Vocalized
To see previous Vocalized click here.