From 2004/2006 Breaking the Sound Barrier worked across two Somerset districts to introduce young people, music teachers and practitioners to new ways of creating and sharing music.

During the two-year project Take Art and Actiontrack worked with musicians from around the world, combining residencies, workshops and performances to explore and develop musical opportunities within the region.

The project created genuine opportunities for young people to:

•    work on six weeks of music residencies with professional musicians representing five countries
•    attend hundreds of practical music workshops in school and community settings
•    write, develop and record their own music using a professional recording studio
•    write and perform new music in new venues to new audiences
•    collaborate with professionals and each other to explore different musical styles and approaches to music making
•    feel supported, confident and inspired about the music they make.

Breaking the Sound Barrier was about connecting skills, experiences and opportunities. It significantly raised the musical aspiration of hundreds of young people, along with the teachers and musical practitioners who helped to make it happen.

With thanks

This fantastic opportunity was made possible through a substantial grant from Youth Music and additional funding from Artlife in West Somerset, Taunton Deane Borough Council and Somerset Music (the county music advisory service).