Youth Music Initiative
The Youth Music Initiative (YMI) is a Scottish Government initiative to ensure that every child in Scotland receives access to high quality music tuition before they leave primary school and also to widen access for those children and young people who have barriers to accessing a music education. Funding is provided for specialist tutors to work directly with pupils, offering children the very best opportunities to learn through music. Music specialists also work with class teachers, giving them the skills and confidence to take music into the classroom and open up new pathways to learning. Priority is given to ensuring the most vulnerable children and young people are given the opportunity to access music at a level appropriate to them.
Funded initiatives have included:
- A general introduction to music for all children in P5; singing, playing instruments and an introduction to careers in music.
- ABC music notation system for children and teachers, a gateway to developing music reading skills.
- Specialists in music for children and young people with additional support needs, Drake Music work in Craigmarloch and Garvel Deaf Centre.
- A music tutor with a background in rock, pop and urban styles works with children and young people in with social, emotional behavioural needs at Lomond View Academy.
- "Where's the One" works with upper primary classes, teaching them brass and percussion instruments and building their confidence as they work towards a performance at Inverclyde's Galoshans Festival Street Parade.