Tell me more
SOUND is a free place for 11 to 17 year olds to come together and learn more about music and associated industries. Whether it’s learning an instrument or how to set up lights and sound systems, designing a poster, making a website or even how to run a venue, SOUND covers every option. SOUND’s goal is for the young people to find friends with mutual interests, learn about our amazing industry, enjoy some live performance and maybe even find a career path.
St James is the ideally suited to support SOUND. With three venues, over 150 shows a year and even a studio in the basement, the young people attendingSOUND can join in and learn in an active environment, experiencing the real working of a very busy venue.
It’s very simple to get involved with SOUND, and there’s no need to commit to a particular interest at the start, but you can if you want.
How do i get started
Step 1: Come to one of our open days and have a look with your parents/guardians at where it happens and hear more about what’s on offer. This is the only time adults, other than mentors, are allowed into SOUND.
Step 2: Complete a registration form.
Step 3: Turn up and complete an induction course. This is a quick introduction to SOUND, how to get involved and sign up for courses, and what we expect of you.
Step 4: Come along again as many times as you want, and when you’re ready sign up for a course, help out and get involved.
Sound is not a school, you get out what you put in. If you just want a safe place to hang out and meet like minded people, that’s fine. If you’d like to get involved and start learning a skill, we will support you the whole way.
Over the last 10 years numerous young people who have come to Sound have either developed their passion for music or found new passions in the related industries that have resulted in everything from UK tours with record contracts to full time employment.
Make Music
Anyone between the ages of 11 and 17 is welcome to make music at Sound.
Starting after the Easter holidays Sound will be open on Wednesdays,Thursdays and Fridays after school, from 3pm – 6pm.
We have musician mentors that will lead the sessions and help you learn your chosen instruments. This will be in the form of group sessions, and individual session that you will have to book in.
No, everything is completely free.
If you have an instrument, you can bring it. We also have some you can borrow. It is also possible to store your instrument at Sound.
No, not at all. Turn up whenever you feel like it.
Yes, practise rooms are available to book for free.
The recording studio can be used with one of our engineers, once you are ready.
Yes, we have decks, midi controllers, computers and people to help you.
When you are ready, you will get the chance to play at a Sound night in The Pit. Once your confidence grows we will help book you gigs at venues and festivals we work with across the islands.
The hope is you find your style, maybe find some people to make a band. Learn some songs and write some songs, and we’ll be there to help you at every stage.
Create Digital Art
You can create anything you like, from gig posters, album artwork and social posts, to designing your own website.
We have some sketch paper, but the main aim is to get you using our digital suite.
We have mentors who can help you find your way, alongside finding suitable online resources.
No, everything is completely free.
No, not at all. Turn up whenever you feel like it.
Yes, if the software matches up, you’ll be able to continue working on your own files.
Yes, we would love you to do that.
Organise events
We will show you how to take an event forward, including everything from artist bookings, to promoting your events, working with digital artists to create flyers and posters, and setting up your social media channels.
That depends on you. If you have a great idea for an event, come and talk to us!
Yes, please do! there will be plenty of opportunities to get involved.
No, everything is completely free.
No, not at all. Turn up whenever you feel like it.
Sound & Lights
Making a show sound and look good is very important and we will show and teach you how it’s done, using the latest equipment in The Pit.
Alongside our technicians, you will set up real shows and learn how it all works.
We have great gear to learn on, and even better gear to develop your skills.
Absolutely! Everyone starts somewhere and when you have the basics learnt, you’ll soon find yourself controlling a show.
