BBC Radio 1’s DJ Jaguar and in-school music education platform Future DJ’s have joined forces to launch a new training programme that aims to help young women kickstart their careers in the music industry.
Led by Jaguar and her experiences as an emerging female POC DJ, the Future1000 initiative will offer young women and gender minority students across the UK a summer-long course covering a variety of career paths; from radio presenting and DJing to music production and management.
The 12-part online course doesn’t require any equipment or previous knowledge and will give participants the opportunity to learn via artist-led sessions and online modules developed in line with London College of Music Education [LMCE] accredited course tutors. Schools that struggle to equip classrooms with modern technology will also be able to apply for free practice equipment.
The launch of the programme comes after a recent UK Music Diversity Survey found that women make up only 16% of all artists in the industry.
Future1000 looks to redress this genre imbalance at a grassroots level by equipping 1,000 girls and gender minorities with the training, tools and mentorship needed to get their careers in the music biz started.
Jaguar, co-founder of the Future1000, commented: “Our hope for equality lies in the next generation and that’s why Future1000 will help improve gender diversity and representation at the very start of young people’s journeys into music, at a time when access to opportunities and inclusivity is most critical.
“My own experience of coming up in the industry, and often being the only girl in the room, has motivated me to make a change for others from similar backgrounds, and I hope that Future1000 helps to show young girls, trans and non-binary people what they’re capable of.”
Those invited to take part will be enrolled in the course, which will run across the summer holidays and until the end of 2021. Participants will and also receive free access to the educational tools they need to participate, including a license for online music production software, Soundtrap (worth £125).
To apply, schools and students should click here to register their interest.