Following an 18-month period of needs analysis and business development, with funding from the Paul Hamlyn Foundation, Arts Council England’s Catalyst capacity building programme, Youth Music and the RBS Youth Enterprise Fund, the Urban Development Music Foundation is now strongly positioned to ‘fast forward’ its organisational development, sector impact, and growth trajectory – to scale up.

Our goal is to establish a national youth music organisation and centre of excellence - an accessible, structured and sustainable talent development pathway - in urban music, working in partnership with the music industry and education sector in London and key regional centres.

Following a thorough sector needs analysis and evaluation of the pilot programme, Urban Development Music Foundation (UDMF) will focus on delivering 5 inter-supporting strands, loosely forming a progression pathway from first access to advanced level learning and training.

Specialist support for music hubs (Key Stages 3-5) UDMF will partner music hubs across London and regions to offer: curriculum input and advice regarding teaching contemporary music (songwriting, performance and recording), links to the music industry, delivering successful singing strategies and the application of music technology (midi composition, programming & production).

UD Creatives Series (16-25 year olds of all experience levels) Offer signposting, business development and creative skills e.g. ‘improve your vocals’ via monthly training & networking events, workshops or seminars. Industry & corporate partners to offer work experience, apprenticeships and further training. Reach and develop new audiences for live events. Inspire will become a recruitment channel to UDMF programmes & beyond.   

Junior Development Centre Uprogress (KS3 to KS4) A sustained, yet flexible, accredited development programme, targeting high potential young musicians (Yr 8+ to 11 initially) from disadvantaged backgrounds. Run in association with partner music hubs needing specialist progression opportunities in commercial music making – the alternative Junior Conservatoire.

Urban Artist School (18 - 25) A 7 module level 4 extended diploma course for talented artists, producers, songwriters etc, requiring in-depth training (skills networks and resources) as artist producers, for access to HE, employment or enterprise. Further courses to be developed over the plan e.g. level 5.

Advocacy Programme A programme of communication and advocacy to support funders, education institutions, policy makers and industry employers benefit from the learning captured across all activities.