Organisers of a scheme that aims to offer disadvantaged young people internship opportunities in the music business has announced it has secured funding from the BRIT Trust, a charity funded by the British music industry, which will enable it to provide paid internships in the independent sector.
The Music 4 Good programme, created by youth communications agency Livity, has so far been spearheaded by SonyBMG who made paid internships available within its UK labels to young people recruited through the scheme. The BRIT Trust funding will enable a set of scholarships in the indie sector - the funding paying for the interns' wages and an Open College Network course.
Commenting on the expansion of the scheme, SonyBMG UK CEO Ged Doherty told CMU: "This initiative is the perfect example of how music can be harnessed to positive effect. It gives young people an opportunity they would not otherwise have by overcoming the typical 'niece of the chairman' approach to work placements and bringing fresh young talent into the heart of the company. With the BRIT Trust funding in place the industry can offer more work placements in a wider range of companies - from the majors right through to the smallest independents".
John Craig, Chair of the BRIT Trust said: "The Brit Trust is glad to be able to assist Music 4 Good, it fills our mission statement perfectly 'Music - Youth - Education'".