Thrive Industry Day at London College of Music

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Last month our Thrive producers, songwriters and instrumentalists were invited to come together for an inspiring day of music creation in the equally inspiring facilities of the London College of Music, part of University of West London (UWL).  

Thrive participants were guided through the day by top industry professionals – Session guitarist Shoi Sen, singer/songwriter, DJ and producer Yvette Riby-Williams (NAALA) and electronic artist, Laurie Black. This amazing team were supported by UWL Student Ambassadors, Vincenzo, Babak and Harry.

Together they worked to find a common ground between their musical skills and varying musical genres, and to build confidence collaborating as part of a group of multi-talented young musicians. 

The Industry Day is one of the many opportunities offered to young musicians on our Thrive programme.

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A musical hello

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Equipped with synthesizers, electric guitars, drum kits, tech stations – and an oboe! – the young musicians spent the morning getting to know one another through improvisation, exploring groove building and group composition with Yvette and Shoi. 

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Exploring musical practices

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After a quick lunch and a tour for participants and parent/carers of the legendary Townshend Studio, Thrive participants moved off into specialist disciplines. Guitarists and drummers were treated to a host of practice techniques from Shoi and Harry. Songwriters learnt about what a career in songwriting might look like from Yvette, before having fun with word association and concept activities. 

A small group of Engering Music Creators and other Thrive participants also got to explore and create on the old and new synthesizers that inspired pop, TV and film in The Townshend Studio.

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Panel discussion and final jam

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The day concluded with fascinating insights into the musical pathways and inspirations of our panel (Yvette, Shoi, Jess, Babak and Laurie), chaired by Young Sounds CEO Hester Cockcroft, before a wider discussion about the impact of social media on creativity. After a Q&A session the young musicians picked up their instruments once more to bring together all their learnings from the day and to finish with an upbeat and collaborative Jam Session.

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Thank you

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A massive thank you to Esther Sheridan and all the staff at UWL. Student Ambassadors Harry, Babak and Vincenzo, Audio Technician Theo, and Sally-Ann Whitty for their supporting roles. Photographer, Richard Farnes and all the Thrive parents and carers that invested their time to accompany their brilliant Thrive musicians to the event. And of course to our wonderful facilitators, Yvette, Shoi and Laurie!

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Do you know a young person who’s ready to take the next step in their musical journey but needs support? Apply to our Thrive programme today!