Published: 03 Nov 2022
Teenage Engineering – Pocket Operator
Teenage Engineering’s innovative handheld music devices are about to transform children's early music making experiences thanks to the Scottish Government’s backing of the Youth Music Initiative (YMI) through Creative Scotland.
Shetland based musician and educator, David Boyter is setting up a new series of fun, free weekly music making sessions for 11- to 16-year-olds to explore and get creative learning to use Teenage Engineering's ground-breaking ‘Pocket Operator’ music tech.
The calculator size portable micro synthesisers and rhythm machines all produce different sounds. They can be used on their own with the built-in speaker or headphones or can all be hooked up together to create a massive group sound.
David said: “Our sessions are all about finding fun ways of using technology to develop musical skills and understanding, and to get inspired through collaboration and shared creations.
“You don’t need to have previous experience of playing instruments, just a love of music - and to be willing to push some buttons! We’ll be learning how to program and play music, create beats, sounds, rhythm and melodies, replicating elements of the participants favourite songs and pieces.
“Together, we’ll explore about how musical pieces are constructed by connecting the devices, syncing them to each other and having fun performing with them.”
For more information about the project, and to register interest in taking part, visit SoundTech.
The weekly sessions are among hundreds of opportunities supported across the country through the latest round of YMI funding which has seen £7.2m awarded to Local Authorities for school-based music making, and over £570,000 awarded to projects and infrastructure taking place out with school time.
Culture Minister Neil Gray said: “The Scottish Government is delighted to fund the Youth Music Initiative (YMI) which provides opportunities for young people across the country to take part in music-making and enjoy the well-being benefits as outlined in the latest evaluation.
“As YMI celebrates its 20th anniversary this year, I’m pleased to see so many projects receiving funding so that our children and young people can continue to have the opportunity to engage with music in a variety of different ways.”
News of the latest projects to receive funding was confirmed as the next round of funding has been secured and applications for Access to Music Making and Strengthening Youth Music funds open, today Thursday 3 November, with a deadline of 2pm, Thursday 8 December.
Today’s announcement also coincides with the publication of new research findings into the 2021-2022 YMI initiative which highlights how it continues to address inequality by forging and sustaining partnerships with third sector organisations to support children and young people most in need. The report also presents overwhelming evidence of the positive impact on young people's health and wellbeing by offering opportunities that the support the reduction of stress, the chance to connect with others. Stats contained in the report show that:
Morag Macdonald, Creative Scotland’s Youth Music Manager commented: “In its 20th Anniversary year, YMI is continuing to create crucial opportunities to develop both individual and collaborative musical skills in young people, sparking creativity, friendships and increased self-confidence. Not only are these opportunities life changing for the young people involved, but they also provide crucial employment for arts professionals and freelancers across the country.”
1. The Scottish Government’s Youth Music Initiative (YMI), which is administered by Creative Scotland, creates access to high quality music making opportunities, enables young people to achieve their potential in or through music and supports the development of the sector for the benefit of young people.
2. You can access Youth Music Initiative fund guidance and application forms in Funding.
YMI has two distinct strands:
3. Creative Scotland is the public body that supports the arts, screen and creative industries across all parts of Scotland distributing funding provided by the Scottish Government and The National Lottery. Further information at creativescotland.com. Follow us on Twitter, Facebook and Instagram. Learn more about the value of art and creativity in Scotland and join in at www.ourcreativevoice.scot #YMIScotland #YMusicMatters
Sophie Bambrough, Media Relations & PR Officer, Creative Scotland
E: Sophie.Bambrough@creativescotland.com
M: 07747 606 146
