UWL’s London College of Music is delivering a free Saturday Club at its Ealing campus, giving young people aged 13-16 the oppportunity to explore music performance and music technology. This outreach programme supports students nominated by their schools, many of whom are from underrepresented backgrounds.
Running over 20 weeks from spring to summer, the Saturday Club offers hands-on learning, expert tuition, and the chance to collaborate with peers in a creative university environment. Under the guidance of Music Tutor Vincenzo Maxia, young people have worked together to form bands, writing and creating their own songs, and performing every week, challenging their perceptions of their creativity and musical ability.
Learning skills and building confidence
During the programme, students experiment with sound and music technology, learning skills such as recording, mixing and digital production. The Music Club is available to young people of all abilities, with some members having never played an instrument. Co-creation is at the heart of the Music Club – young people take ownership of the programme and help shape sessions based on their interests and skills they would like to develop.
The staff and Student Ambassadors supporting the programme foster an inclusive environment and encourage Club members to explore and play instruments in a supportive and positive environment. They also explore performance through live music, collaborative projects, and creative expression, combining theory with practical music skills, showing students the endless possibilities of creative practice.
Alongside developing technical ability, participants build confidence, leadership skills, and a greater awareness of their unique musical talents.
A showcase and graduation ceremony
The programme concludes with a national showcase at Somerset House in July, followed by a graduation ceremony attended by mentors, guest speakers, family members, and other National Saturday Club participants.
Saturday Club Tutor Vincenzo Maxia said:
“Music and music technology are at the heart of the UK’s creative industries and cultural life. This club helps young people build practical skills, boost their confidence, and learn about exciting career opportunities in music, audio engineering, and the wider creative sector. Engaging and interacting with the young people is so inspiring – they have created wonderful pieces of music that directly relate to their lives. Connecting with them has allowed me to develop my work as a music outreach practitioner.”
Outreach Manager at UWL Krishna Maroo commented:
“At UWL we are committed to supporting and creatively inspiring young people who may not otherwise have these opportunities. Widening participation is at the heart of everything we do. Our free Saturday Club programme has such a positive impact in the lives of young people in our local community – we are so proud of everything they have achieved”.
The Saturday Club at UWL is part of the National Saturday Club Trust, which provides free, high quality educational opportunities for young people aged 13-16 at colleges, universities and cultural institutions across the UK. Each year, more than 250 tutors and industry professionals help participants develop skills, nurture their interests and gain insight into further and higher education and future careers.
