SoundWave (Cumbria Youth Music Action Zone)

Welcome to SoundWave!  
SoundWave is a ‘not-for-profit’ music organisation based in west Cumbria with a mission of Transformation Through Music. We deliver a programme of inspirational music projects, including performances, events, festivals, and a large participatory music-making programme, including:
• a Youth Music Action Zone (YMAZ) consisting of around 70 separate strands of music workshop activity for under 19s. 
• Singing workshops and vocal training / CPD as part of the national Sing Up programme
• Indonesian gamelan and tuned percussion
• The new technology of 3D Sound
• Adult education courses

We believe music has the power to transform – it:
• is as a means of expression
• stretches people’s expectations 
• challenges preconceptions
• develops a sense of individual pride and identity
• increases empathy with and acceptance of others
• gives a voice to those who otherwise would feel unheard
• empowers people to be more expressive, confident, positive and communicative 
• improves interpersonal skills and team-working
• inspires!

We work with music from a diverse range of cultures, including west African percussion, gamelan, ‘fusion’ styles of music as well as rock / pop and more contemporary styles, including a specialism in the new technology of ambisonics / 3D Sound. SoundWave is also committed to building the capacity for ongoing delivery of musical opportunities through training initiatives for local musicians to develop their workshop leading and facilitation skills.

The aims of Soundwave are:

Aim 1 - Create opportunities for people of all ages, abilities and backgrounds to participate in musical activity
1. Sustain an accessible and wide-ranging programme of music making opportunities for people of all ages, abilities and backgrounds, giving them direct experience of performing/making music.
2. Provide access  to high-quality resources, positive role models and professional leadership

Aim 2 - Develop a unique and distinctive musical identity of national significance 
1. Support the development of a music ‘scene’ for local artists and repertoire
2. Focus on the creation of original material
3. Raise the profile of the programme

Aim 3 - Sustain the programme and the organisation
1. Maintain a self-sustaining and financially stable organisation.
2. Develop a programme of professional leadership and development opportunities 
3. Be part of local, regional and national communities of practice
4. Build and sustain a customer base 
5. Lead the infrastructural development of music in Cumbria, especially in west Cumbria

Contact Information:

Website: www.soundwave.org.uk
Myspace: http://www.myspace.com/soundwave
Facebook: Soundwave Cumbria
Telephone: 01900 325007