Community-Based Education and Training: Creating Pathways into the Music Industry for Youth

Peter Chellew

The Push, Inc.

Theo Papadopoulos

Victoria University

Abstract

Outlines an innovative state (provincial) government program, called FReeZACentral, developed in Australia which aims to support and encourage young people to manage and deliver music events that may create pathways to employment and training in the music industry. The program has three interconnected component stages: a) skills development, delivered through a program of intensive workshops; b) exposure to the music industry, delivered through a mentor program and master classes; and c) participation in event organization and management, delivered through a series of music and cultural events conducted as a tour across the state.

The program operates in ten regional and metropolitan communities and aims to assist communities in embracing diversity by supporting and promoting the positive development in youth via practical, high level experience in the music industry. It is delivered through the efforts of a consortium of business, education and community partners. This consortium is built on a common interest in supporting young people to explore pathways to education and employment in Victoria's thriving music and related industries. The authors present a comparative analysis of FReeZACentral to similar programs overseas and explore the applicability of community-based education and training programs, delivered outside formal institutional settings, to a variety of industry settings.

Keywords: music industry careers, career development, Australian music industry, community based education, workforce training, event management, mentoring, mentors

Chellew, Peter, and Theo Papadopoulos. “Community-Based Education and Training: Creating Pathways into the Music Industry for Youth." Journal of the Music and Entertainment Industry Educators Association 4, no. 1 (2004): 13-27. https://doi.org/10.25101/4.1

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