2 August 2001

NEW DEAL HITS THE RIGHT NOTE FOR THE UNEMPLOYED

A six-day personal development programme based around music has rocked to the sound of ten participants from the Training and Employment Agency’s New Deal for Musicians initiative.

The musical extravaganza, entitled ‘Soundlive’, was organised by The Prince’s Trust and held at Queen’s University, Belfast.

‘Soundlive’ is targeted at unemployed young people, from all backgrounds and musical traditions, who want to make a future in music. The programme, which was held in Queen’s Music Department, focused on personal development and unlocking creativity. It included tuition in each individual’s chosen instrument, inputs on the music business, song writing and future music education options.

During the week the participants had the opportunity to work with professional musicians, and by the end of the six days, each person had developed a personal action plan, mapping out their next steps in pursuit of their personal development and musical goals.

The week culminated with the New Deal participants performing live on stage amongst a group of 30 musicians in front of a distinguished audience. The celebration concert in the Whitla Hall was hosted by Sir David Fell, Prince’s Trust Council Chairman and Sir George Bain, Vice-Chancellor Queen’s University, Belfast.

Mr Tommy Fegan, Director, Prince’s Trust – Northern Ireland, said: "The Prince’s Trust is very pleased to have the support of the Training and Employment Agency for this initiative and I am delighted that such a significant number of New Deal for Musicians participants have taken part in ‘soundlive’."

Mr Roy Gamble, Director with responsibility for the programme, said: "New Deal for Musicians has been running for almost two years now and in this time we have had over 150 participants from across Northern Ireland taking part in it. We are delighted to support the Prince’s Trust’s ‘soundlive’ initiative, which complements the Agency’s efforts to help unemployed young musicians progress into careers in all types of music."

Media enquiries to Kevin Mulhern, Press Office, telephone 028 9025 7790 or mobile 07799 711523.

NOTES TO EDITORS:

1. New Deal for Musicians (NDfM) was introduced in 1999 to enable unemployed musicians, from any discipline, to move from benefit into successful careers in the music industry. The programme which currently has 62 participants, starts with a Gateway period of up to four months during which participants work with their Personal Adviser to identify any practical help or additional training they may need to find employment.
2. If the participant is interested in working as a musician, their Personal Adviser will refer them to a Music Industry Adviser (MIA) who will support them or offer realistic advice on their chances of succeeding in the music industry. They can also avail of a New Deal Open Learning Route for up to 52 weeks, supported by a Music Open Learning Provider (MOLP).
3. The Prince's Trust - Northern Ireland was set up in 1976 and is celebrating its 25^th anniversary this year. It is one of the largest cross community charities investing in young people. The Trust’s mission is to enable young people, who need help the most, succeed in areas such as gaining self-confidence, acquiring skills and moving into work.