Arts & Culture
Opportunities
Discover upcoming music opportunities with Inspire Youth Arts.
Photo credit: Pictured by Lamar
Inspire Youth Arts have friendly and creative music classes for young people. If you are interested in exploring music making, composition, songwriting, performance and music production – join us!
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 classes 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.
We work with a brilliant team of professional artists who can teach you skills while encouraging your best ideas. Our classes and projects:
- Empower you to try new ideas.
- Encourage experimentation with instruments, songwriting styles, and music-making tools.
- Celebrate diversity in music and explore a wide range of genres to help you find your unique sound
- Champion inclusion, using new technologies and digital instruments to make music accessible to everyone.
- Provide real-world experience, from live performances to professional industry opportunities.
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
Contact: Megan Dawes
Email: ao@inspireculture.org.uk
Phone: 01623 644 377
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 with a professional music producer to explore sound design, beat-making, and production techniques in a recording studio environment. Develop your own style and create tracks that reflect your sound. Suitable for complete beginners or those just starting out.
When is it? Tuesdays during term time, 7-8pm
Where is it? The Old Library, Leeming Street, Mansfield, NG18 1NG.
Who’s it for? Any young person aged between 11-18 years old. (Up to 25 with a disability/neurodivergent)
How much does it cost? £2
What do I need? We provide FREE access to music production software called Soundtrap. It is helpful if you have access to your own laptop and to bring it along to sessions. This means you can carry on with your work at home! Please let us know if this is a barrier.
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! Suitable for beginner guitarists, bassists, drummers, keyboard players, and/or vocalists.
When is it? Saturdays during term time 9.30am - 11am.
Where is it? The Old Library, Mansfield.
Who’s it for? Young people aged 9+ who are starting out singing/playing their instrument.
How much does it cost? £3 per session
Contact: Megan Dawes
Email: iya@inspireculture.org.uk
Phone: 01623 644 377
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. 1 hour time slots are provided for bands, between 11am-1pm.
Where is it? The Old Library, Mansfield.
Who’s it for? Young bands aged 11-18 years old. (Up to 25 with a disability/neurodivergent)
How much does it cost? £2 per session
Contact: Megan Dawes
Email: iya@inspireculture.org.uk
Phone: 01623 644 377
What is it? Work alongside our talented, welcoming team of music artists. Craft lyrics, explore song structures and techniques, with the opportunity to record demo versions in our professional studio. Any genre and interest goes – rappers, music producers, DJs. Whatever your interest, we will support you.
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. Some experience is helpful, but not essential. 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.
Starting Wednesday 11 November - register your interest!
What is it? Work alongside our talented, welcoming team of music artists. Craft lyrics, explore song structures and techniques, with the opportunity to record demo versions with our professional equipment. Any genre and interest goes – rappers, music producers, DJs. Whatever your interest, we will support you.
When is it? Wednesdays during term time, 5pm – 7pm
Where is it? Beeston Library
Who’s it for? Young people aged 13-18. Some experience is helpful, but not essential. 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
We run loads of different projects across the year – performances, gigs and collaborations! These projects happen across Nottinghamshire and are created by our fantastic team of creative producers. Find out more about upcoming opportunities:
