Music Apprenticeships Campaign

A SOUTHEND MP has thrown his weight behind a campaign to create apprenticeships for young musicians and vocalists – after Southend’s answer to the Brit School revealed there are virtually no schemes for performers who want to go straight into a career without going to university.
Bayo Alaba visited The Song School to help kickstart the conversation, highlighting the lack of routes for young creatives whose talent lies in their art – not behind a desk.
The school in Alexandra Street, Southend has helped develop the talents of young people who have gone on to have successful careers in the music industry, through their various programmes, classes, open mics and more.
The Song School draws students from across the local area, including Leigh, Westcliff, Eastwood and Rayleigh, with many going on to build successful careers in music. Recent examples include Westcliff-based songwriter and musician Caitlin King, who performs as a guitarist and backing vocalist with Sofia and the Antoinettes – recently playing the London Palladium and returning from SXSW – and prolific Leigh singer-songwriter Sam Fraser, who has also developed his skills through the school.
Founder and director, Louisa Strachan, says the issue about the lack of apprenticeship schemes for artists became clear after one of her students completed a funded youth careers pilot programme at the school.
Ms Strachan wanted to support the young vocalist and multi-instrumentalist further by taking her on as an apprentice, only to find no appropriate schemes exist.
Ms Strachan’s aim is not only to create apprenticeship opportunities at The Song School, but also to build a model that could work for other creative organisations supporting young people.
She said: “Existing apprenticeships are fantastic in areas like marketing, events, or production – essentially desk jobs. But what’s missing are apprenticeships for artists to work professionally using their skill, helping them to build portfolio careers.
“Take vocalists as an example. A vocalist can train to become a vocal coach, to help singers of all kinds from on-screen to stage, and more.
“Vocal coaching is not just about teaching someone to sing – it involves understanding the science of the voice, protecting and developing it, working with all ages, and building the confidence to perform professionally.
“There are many offshoot opportunities there. Vocal coaching alone can be a well-paid role, earning a minimum of £40 an hour in line with Musician Union rates.
“And then, in addition to this, a self-employed vocalist can also find great work opportunities in the performance sector, session recording, running workshops, leading choirs, becoming a vocal arranger for all kinds of projects, working in the wellbeing sector – as controversial as it may be, there are even opportunities in AI-driven music projects. And that’s just one vocation within music.”
Ms Strachan says an apprenticeship could also teach vital business and self-employment skills, such as invoicing and how to set professional rates. She added that the lack of understanding about work opportunities in music is particularly acute for working-class families, who may not be aware of the possibilities in creative careers.
Ms Strachan herself comes from a working-class background and has seen parents encourage children away from their natural talents because they perceive “safer” career options as more viable.
“Mainstream shows like The Voice don’t help,” she added. “They push the idea that success in music only comes in one mould. In reality, there are dozens of careers where the skills of singers, musicians, and songwriters are needed – most young people just don’t see them.”
Mr Alaba, who himself has a working-class background and has helped regenerate creative industries in East London, agreed and said he would do all he can to look into the situation and help get the conversation started.
He said: “It was fantastic to visit The Song School and see the talent coming through in Southend.
“We need to make sure young people know that there are real career opportunities in music and the arts – and that university isn’t the only path. I’m keen to support conversations around developing apprenticeships that open up those opportunities to more people.”
Ms Strachan added: “University isn’t the only route to success, and it’s becoming less viable for many in today’s economic climate. We need to make sure talented young people from all backgrounds know the career opportunities open to them.
“Apprenticeships in musicianship, voice, and the arts could open doors that have been closed for way too long.”
Ms Strachan hopes other schools, music organisations, and industry leaders will join the effort to design a national apprenticeship model for creative talent.
“We’re starting the conversation in Southend,” she said. “But this isn’t just about one school. If we work together, we can build a framework that supports musicians, vocalists, and creatives across the country, unlocking opportunities for a whole generation of talent.”
Picture: Bayo Alaba & Louisa Strachan
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