Arts & Culture
Opportunities
Discover upcoming music opportunities with Inspire Youth Arts.
Inspire Youth Arts offers an exciting and supportive music programme for young people, with opportunities to explore music making, composition, songwriting, performance, and music production.
Led by a team of skilled, professional artists and focused on creativity, our programme aims to:
- Empower young people to develop and express their own musical ideas
- Encourage experimentation with instruments, songwriting styles, and music-making tools
- Celebrate diversity in music and explore a wide range of genres to help young people find their unique sound
- Champion inclusion, using new technologies and digital instruments to make music accessible to everyone
- Provide real-world experience, from live performances to skill-building workshops that connect with the music industry
Whether you’re dreaming of producing your first track, writing your own songs, or looking for others to jam with - we’ve got a space for you. With weekly groups, creative projects and performance opportunities, there’s always something to get involved in.
Our sessions run weekly during term time, both in-person and online, for a range of experience levels and interests. In-person sessions are held at The Old Library, home to our fully equipped professional recording studio.
Regular Programme
Sessions are held in person and online weekly during term time. Our regular programme delivered during term time from The Old Library/online includes:
What is it? Able Orchestra (AO) is an inclusive music and digital project, open to all, and which supports young people from Nottinghamshire who are aged 11-25 and have a physical and/or learning disability, and/or who are neurodivergent. The project aims to develop skills and confidence in making and performing music and digital art through inclusive and accessible approaches.
Able Orchestra North Ensemble:
When is it? Wednesdays during term-time, 4.30pm - 6pm
Where is it? Portland College, Nottingham Road, Mansfield, NG18 1NG
How much does it cost? FREE
Able Orchestra South Ensemble:
When is it? Mondays during term-time, 4pm - 5.30pm
Where is it? Ash Lea School, Owthorpe Road, Cotgrave, NG12 3PA
How much does it cost? FREE
Contact: Megan Dawes
Email: ao@inspireculture.org.uk
Phone: 01623 644 377
What is it? Work one-on-one with a professional electronic music producer to explore sound design, beat-making, and production techniques - develop your own style and create tracks that reflect your sound
When is it? Tuesdays during term time, 6.30pm - 8.30pm.
Where is it? Online via a Zoom link invitation.
Who’s it for? Any young person aged between 11-18 years old.
How much does it cost? FREE
Contact: Nina Smith
Email: IYA@inspireculture.org.uk
Phone: 01623 644 377.
At eNGine Room, young artists don’t just receive support – they gain a rare opportunity to be mentored by and work alongside music industry professionals who have achieved millions of streams, top iTunes chart positions, and performed on major stages including Nottingham’s very own Rock City and Splendour Festival.
eNGine room is an artist development opportunity – and a launchpad for emerging talent. As part of this non-profit initiative, each artist is provided with a tailored support package designed to elevate both their music and career trajectory. Over the course of a year, participants work closely with:
- Creative directors shaping artistic vision
- Established music producers refining sound and style
- Marketing specialists and PR professionals building artist identity and reach
Support is shaped around every stage of the journey. This includes songwriting and music production, developing and delivering promotional campaigns, ensuring original music connects with audiences online and through live performances. Artists also benefit from networking and showcasing opportunities, helping them break into the industry with confidence and credibility.
eNGine Room exists to empower the next generation of artists – not for profit, but for progress.
When & Where? Opportunities run throughout the year at The Old Library, online, and in professional music spaces across Nottinghamshire.
Who’s It For? Right now, we’re working with three talented young artists from other Inspire Youth Arts music projects. We’re always scouting for fresh new voices but only work with a limited amount of artists each year.
Cost? It’s completely FREE. Each artist gets a set budget to shape their journey.
Contact: Nina Smith
Email: IYA@inspireculture.org.uk
Phone: 01623 644 377
Rock School offers two sessions, Beginner Big Band and Band Builder.
Beginner Big Band:
What is it? A Rock School for beginner musicians. Improve your performance skills and musical knowledge by playing in a rock band!
When is it? Saturdays during term time 9.30am - 11am.
Where is it? The Old Library, Mansfield.
Who’s it for? Young people aged 7+
How much does it cost? £2 per session
Band Builder:
What is it? A development session for young bands and musicians. Write original songs, rehearse, record tracks, and develop performance skills. Take part in opportunities to perform live across the county!
When is it? Saturdays during term time 9:30am - 11am.
Where is it? The Old Library, Mansfield.
Who’s it for? Young people aged 11-18 years old.
How much does it cost? £2 per session
Contact: Megan Dawes
Email: iya@inspireculture.org.uk
Phone: 01623 644 377
What is it? Join forces with our talented, welcoming team of music artists to develop your songwriting skills. Craft lyrics, explore song structures and techniques, with the opportunity to record demo versions in our professional studio.
When is it? Tuesdays during term time 5pm – 7pm
Where is it? The Old Library, Mansfield.
Who’s it for? Young People aged 13-18 with some music experience - maybe you play an instrument or write your own songs. Reach out if you'd like to chat before joining!
How much does it cost? £4 per session
Contact: Nina Smith
Email: IYA@inspireculture.org.uk
Phone: 01623 644 377.
More music opportunities
Additional bespoke projects are developed by our Creative Producers throughout the year. These opportunities often collaborate with young people accessing the dance and digital art programmes. Projects happen online, at The Old Library and at other venues across the Nottinghamshire. Find out more about upcoming opportunities:
