Opportunities

We are looking for music artists and producers to join our pool of freelance practitioners.  

Are you ready to inspire the next generation of music artists? We are searching for community practitioners who are brimming with passion, bursting with charisma and full of musical knowledge. 

You might not have taught in schools or youth settings before – that doesn’t matter! We are looking for natural leaders who can capture the attention and imagination of young people.  

At IYA, creativity is at the centre of our work. We equip young people with the tools and confidence to create brilliant art. Our artists harness their professional experience to develop young people’s ideas into something they are truly proud of.   

We are looking for approachable, reliable and enthusiastic music artists who can connect with young people and empower them to explore, experiment and of course, have fun.  

What is Inspire Youth Arts (IYA)? 

IYA delivers term-time sessions, bespoke school holiday projects, and unique experiences in music, dance, and digital art with 9-25 year olds. 

We are based at The Old Library, Mansfield and deliver work across schools, colleges, youth settings and professional arts venues in Nottingham/shire.  

Access and inclusion are at the centre of everything we do. We are committed to providing equitable opportunities and creative agency for all young people.  

What we do 

Our music programme empowers young people to develop musical skills, knowledge and confidence in songwriting, production and performance. Our programme includes: 

• Music Makers and Rock School sessions at The Old Library, utilising the recording studio space. 
• Music production sessions 
• Songwriting sessions in schools 
• Able Orchestra - inclusive music and digital groups. 
• ENGINE ROOM: Artist Development Programme with music industry events. 
• DJ sessions 
• Performance opportunities at professional venues and festivals. 

We are looking for music artists with experience in: 

• Songwriting and composition 
• Music production 
• Sound design 
• Sound installations 
• Recording 
• Mixing and mastering 
• Performing  

Maybe you have experience as an instrumental teacher – but also skills in mixing and mastering, we’d love to hear from you.  

We work across Nottinghamshire, so are looking for people who can work in various locations. You might be willing to travel County-wide, or you may prefer to work in a particular area.  

We understand that freelance availability changes regularly. Joining our pool does not mean you will need to c0mmit to regular weekly sessions. An IYA Freelance Artist might: 

• Deliver a one-off taster workshop  
• Speak on a panel or share knowledge at a masterclass targeting young people 
• Provide music producing services 
• Work intensively on a collaborative project delivered during school holidays 
• Deliver weekly music sessions as part of our core programme

So, if you have...

• Professional experience as a music artist and/or producer 
• Experience of facilitating or teaching sessions 
• The ability to plan, structure and deliver sessions for young people – keeping them flexible, open and responsive to the group or individual 
• The vision and the skills to create amazing showcase events 
• Brilliant communication skills and the ability to work closely with IYA producing team, support staff and young people 
• Excellent time-keeping and organisational skills.  
• Skills to shape young people’s ideas and creations into something that is exceptional, high-quality and which they are proud of. 

Even better if… 

• You’ve worked previously with young people aged 9-25, facilitating high music quality sessions
• You’ve worked with disabled young people 
• You’ve collaborated across artforms – such as with dancers or digital artists 
• You have the confidence to innovate and try new approaches to music creation with young people 

Inspire is committed to applying its Equality Policy at all stages of recruitment and selection. The selection process will be carried out without regard to disability, gender, gender reassignment, sexual orientation, marital or civil partnership status, colour, race, nationality, ethnic or national origins, religion or belief, age, pregnancy and maternity or trade union membership. 

What next? 

This is a rolling callout we would love to hear from you at any time!  

Please send an expression of interest outlining: 

In 250 words or less: 

Who you are and the work you do  

Why you want to deliver inclusive music projects for young people 

Please share an up-to-date CV and/or links to recent work.  

The best examples will be community-focused music or arts projects you have led/been involved with.  

Once we have reviewed your submission, we will be in touch to organise an informal chat, this could be in-person or online, whatever suits. You might then be invited along to one of our sessions, so we can see you in action! 

Please understand, if you are invited to join our pool of artists, it does not guarantee immediate work. 

If you have any questions, please do not hesitate to reach out to us.  

For further information and to send you expression of interest please email: iya@inspireculture.org.uk. 

Or contact us on: 01623 644 377  

Thanks for reading and we hope to hear from you soon!