As both Streisand and Badwan will tell you, put people in a musical environment and suddenly they become very respectful. With that in mind the government is throwing £666,000 into a new programme that hopes to make kids learn a bit of respect, by making them make some music. Money well spent, every time.
Culture Secretary Tessa Jowell formally launched the government funded Youth Music organised programme yesterday, saying she hoped it would help "tackle antisocial behaviour and raise aspiration and respect". Young people in fourteen English regions will have the chance to work with local mentors on music based projects. The programme will include one to one training from local musicians and older teens, small group tutoring sessions and specialist input from established and well known musicians or music business practitioners. According to Jowell, the programme aims to boost respect and reduce antisocial behaviour because "the creativity of making and performing music can have such a powerful impact in raising ambition, giving a sense of purpose, confidence and self-respect, and for young people who lack this sense of themselves, I know that Youth Music's mentoring will make a real difference".
Welcoming the government's support for the programme (well, their cash mainly), Youth Music CEO Christina Coker told reporters: "There is a view that individuals and groups of young people are perceived to be a particular problem, and for some a threat, in communities up and down the country. However, the incredible work that Youth Music Action Zones are achieving in 24 areas of social and economic need across England and Wales indicates just how much young people can accomplish when provided with quality activities and progression routes".