Harmonising Heroines opens up a world of musical opportunities

A WORLD of musical opportunities has opened up for young women who were in tune with a music making project.

Young women aged 11 to 18 from Tameside Youth Service joined peers from Salford and Wigan in the ‘Harmonising Heroines’ project that was held in partnership with Tandem Theatre.

They achieved Bronze Arts Awards from the initiative, which saw them learn all about music making from hip hop to playing the harp and instruments from around the world.

It included workshops led by guest female musicians who specialise in music genres that are usually male-dominated in the music industry, such as percussion and hip hop. The young musicians shared their music making on Reform Radio and SoundCloud.

They also met two female harp players at Manchester’s Bridgewater Hall, a unique encounter in a setting they hadn’t experienced before and that saw the participants keen to ask questions. 

Weekly workshops also featured fun warm-up exercises that saw the young women gain confidence. They worked hard to complete portfolios and give each other feedback and reflect on their development.

The young women said they really enjoyed the project and had gained a lot of skills and opportunities that will live with them forever.

Tameside Council’s Deputy Executive Leader Councillor Bill Fairfoull, who has responsibility for Children and Families including Tameside Youth Service, said: “Congratulations to all the young women involved on achieving their Bronze Arts Awards and I’m delighted they got so much out of this fantastic project, which has helped to develop their skills and done wonders for their confidence.

“None of these young women had previous music experience so this project has opened up a whole new world to them using so many different musical instruments, meeting musicians, experiencing concert venues and getting involved with radio stations and digital platforms.

“I’d like to thank all those involved for providing these sessions and inspiring our young people.”