SOUND CHECK is a new training programme from Birkenhead based Future Yard, designed to introduce young people to the skills they need to pursue careers in the live music industry.
From sound engineers to event managers, lighting designers to box office, this new programme will introduce you to the range of job roles and skills you need to make your career in the live music industry.
Based at the new Future Yard community music venue on Argyle Street in Birkenhead, SOUND CHECK will support you to build your skills and knowledge in a real industry setting. A core programme of workshops runs alongside the opportunity to gain hands-on skills at live events.
The programme focuses on two areas; Technical Production and Live Music Event Management. These are then followed by an independent group project, in which you will utilise your new skills to deliver your own live event.
The programme is delivered by Future Yard’s hugely experienced team of tutors and boasts a broad range of guest speakers from across the industry.
After completing the programme, you will have the opportunity to join Future Yard’s ongoing training programme, further developing your skills and experience. There will also be a number of follow-on employment opportunities available, including through the Government’s Kickstart scheme.
For this round of Sound Check, 14-15-year-olds will be able to take part in a specific programme on Saturday mornings. This is thanks to a new partnership with Edsential 
Musical Routes Music Education Hub.
The live music industry is worth £1.1bn each year to the UK economy and is exported around the world. It has been growing at 10% year on year and offers hugely fulfilling creative careers across a range of job roles.
The programme is accredited through Arts Award. In completing the entry level Sound Check programme, you will achieve a Bronze level qualification. Arts Award is a trusted, UCAS accepted arts sector qualification accredited by Trinity College London and Arts Council England.
Like many industries, COVID-19 provides a short term challenge. But, the live music industry remains a hugely significant industry locally, within the Liverpool City Region, and nationally. It will return, and Sound Check is an opportunity to develop the skills required to flourish within it as it does.
Sound Check is free to access and is open to all local young people aged 14-24 with a passion for live music and an interest in making it their career. No previous experience is required.
For more information and to apply, visit futureyard.org/soundcheck
Applications close on Monday 30th August at midday (16-24 year-olds) / Saturday 25th September at 5pm (14-15 year-olds). Applicants for both courses use the same application form.
14-15 year-olds
Sessions take place on Saturday mornings, 10am-12pm, within our new music centre at Future Yard. There will also be occasional additional sessions outside of these times when working on live events. The programme begins on 2nd October. The deadline for applications is 25th September.
16-24 year-olds
Sessions take place on Monday evenings at Future Yard, 5.30pm-8.30pm. There will also be occasional additional sessions outside of these times when working on live events. The programme begins on 13th September. The deadline for applications is 30th August.
“Gaining the skills involved in sound and light engineering was difficult, which made it all the more rewarding when I found myself able to successfully do the tech for a set of live performances from a local band ‘Denio’.”
Ellie Collier, Sound Check participant
Future Yard would like to thank their partners Youth Music for supporting the Sound Check programme, enabling music-making for young people. Future Yard would also like to thank their partners at Edsential , WEA and Magenta Living for supporting this programme. AdLib are Future Yard’s Production Partner on the Sound Check programme.
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