November Blog
Volunteer Open Evening – Join the Sound Lab Community!
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Are you passionate about making creativity accessible for all? The Sound Lab is hosting a Volunteer Open Evening, and we’d love to meet you! Whether you’re interested in contributing a few hours each month, learning new skills, becoming a board member, making new pals or even finding a new job, join us on Thursday to find out how you can make a difference. This is the perfect chance to connect with us and see how you could help open creative doors for care-experienced young people, refugees, and children with additional support needs.
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To meet the team and find out how you could make a difference, sign up using the link below and drop in for a quick chat at a time that suits you. To sign up, visit Eventbrite.
Tutor Open Night – Calling All Musicians and Industry Pros!
- Are you a musician, producer or music industry professional interested in teaching or mentoring? The Sound Lab is hosting a Tutor Open Night to meet potential new tutors who are passionate about helping others tap into their creativity.
- Come along to meet our team, explore our creative space, and learn about becoming a tutor at The Sound Lab. All our tutor roles are sessional, paid at Musician’s Union rates, and can be adapted around your existing commitments. We provide several CPD opportunities to our tutors throughout the year, and are particularly interested in applications from those with lived experience in the areas we support. We can match different skill and experience levels – the most important part is your desire to make a positive impact!
An Unforgettable Day at Music Makes Glasgow!🎶
Music Makes Glasgow was a vibrant celebration of creativity, community, and 25 years of The Sound Lab! The day was buzzing with energy, and it was truly heart-warming to see so many partner organisations, young people, and friends and families of The Sound Lab come together for a day packed with performances, workshops, and festivities.
We’re grateful to everyone who contributed to making the event unforgettable: from the fantastic raffle to interactive workshops, a panel with industry experts, and the live band performances that kept the crowd entertained all day long. Big thanks to MC Vic Galloway, whose energy and enthusiasm guided the day, and to all the stallholders and workshop facilitators who made the event so special.
We’re grateful to everyone who contributed to making the event unforgettable: from the fantastic raffle to interactive workshops, a panel with industry experts, and the live band performances that kept the crowd entertained all day long. Big thanks to MC Vic Galloway, whose energy and enthusiasm guided the day, and to all the stallholders and workshop facilitators who made the event so special.
A massive round of applause to our inspiring young performers: Zara Louise from City Records Glasgow, Marley and Kendra from Givin' it Laldie, Ryan from Aberlour, and our very own Magdalena and Reece from The Sound Lab, who captivated the audience with their dedication and talent. They shone alongside an incredible lineup of professional artists, including Terra Kin, Free Love, Nicky Murray, Eyve, Haiver, and ButhoThe-Warrior, each adding their unique sound and spirit to the celebration.
🌟 Check out the photo gallery from the day to relive some of the best moments. A huge thank you to everyone who joined us, performed, volunteered, or supported this milestone celebration. We couldn’t have done it without you!
🌟 Check out the photo gallery from the day to relive some of the best moments. A huge thank you to everyone who joined us, performed, volunteered, or supported this milestone celebration. We couldn’t have done it without you!
Sound Lab Anniversary Film by Gillian Howatson
If you joined us at Music Makes Glasgow, you may have seen the screening of our new film, marking the Sound Lab’s 25th anniversary. Directed by Gillian Howatson, the film delves into The Sound Lab’s history, evolution, and community impact over the last quarter-century. We spoke with young people, tutors, volunteers, partners, and staff to capture the story of our work and its lasting influence on individuals and communities. A big thank you to everyone who contributed within the film and to all of the volunteers, tutors, staff, funders, partners and young people who have helped us to make it to this brilliant milestone.
Watch the full film here.
Watch the full film here.
Sounds of Paradise: Music Week at Celtic Park
During the October holiday, The Sound Lab joined Celtic FC Foundation’s Scottish FA Extra Time programme at Celtic Park, hosting a 5-day series of music workshops for over 75 children each day. Led by our talented tutors, John and Keith, the workshops covered guitar, ukulele, drums, and music production, bringing four hours of music-making to young people eager to learn.
John was thrilled with the kids' enthusiasm, noting, “They were so excited—especially for the ukulele! Some even advanced to guitar and took to it naturally.” Keith added that the production sessions were a hit, saying, “The kids were a bit wild at first but loved exploring beat-matching and GarageBand loops. It was chaotic, but they really enjoyed it!”
Being part of this vibrant atmosphere at Celtic Park was an unforgettable experience for all involved, and we’re looking forward to future collaborations with the Foundation!
John was thrilled with the kids' enthusiasm, noting, “They were so excited—especially for the ukulele! Some even advanced to guitar and took to it naturally.” Keith added that the production sessions were a hit, saying, “The kids were a bit wild at first but loved exploring beat-matching and GarageBand loops. It was chaotic, but they really enjoyed it!”
Being part of this vibrant atmosphere at Celtic Park was an unforgettable experience for all involved, and we’re looking forward to future collaborations with the Foundation!
Common Sound with Common Ground
Introducing Common Sound, our collaborative project with CCA and Common Ground, where rhythm and creativity unite people from all walks of life. Led by our inspiring drum tutor, Dimitris, the project explores diverse drum styles, techniques, and the universal power of rhythm in building community and connection. Participants with lived experience of displacement and forced migration are learning, sharing, and creating together—proving that music truly transcends borders and backgrounds.
Each session, Dimitris guides the group through an immersive journey of percussion, where they develop their skills, experiment with different rhythms, and connect with one another through the shared language of music.
Learn more about Common Ground and its impact here: CCA Common Ground Project
Each session, Dimitris guides the group through an immersive journey of percussion, where they develop their skills, experiment with different rhythms, and connect with one another through the shared language of music.
Learn more about Common Ground and its impact here: CCA Common Ground Project
Radio
Last month we celebrated Care Experienced week with a special radio show on Radio Buena Vida. Our time on air was a heartfelt celebration of the resilience and creativity of care-experienced young people. We explored the significance of The Promise, highlighting our commitment to ensuring that every child grows up loved, safe, and respected.
The discussion also focused on Article 12 of the UNCRC, emphasizing every child’s right to express their views freely. The show featured inspiring stories, expert interviews, and live performances from our Music Makes Glasgow event, showcasing the incredible talents of young artists. Our goal was to foster a sense of community and support, upholding the promise of a brighter future for all care-experienced youth. 🌟🎙
🎧 Missed it live? Listen back to here to catch these inspiring moments and more!
The discussion also focused on Article 12 of the UNCRC, emphasizing every child’s right to express their views freely. The show featured inspiring stories, expert interviews, and live performances from our Music Makes Glasgow event, showcasing the incredible talents of young artists. Our goal was to foster a sense of community and support, upholding the promise of a brighter future for all care-experienced youth. 🌟🎙
🎧 Missed it live? Listen back to here to catch these inspiring moments and more!
Join us on the 8th November from 1-2pm on Clyde Built Radio, where former treasurer Joe Lee will bless your airwaves in conversation with our chair Paul Sullivan. The pair will dive into Joe's journey and experiences with The Sound Lab, and he'll share exciting updates on his new music, which he’ll be showcasing live on the air. Don’t miss this chance to hear his story and a sneak peek at his latest tracks! 🎶
🌈 Queer Beats: DJ Workshop for LGBT Youth 🌈
At the end of October, The Sound Lab partnered with LGBT Health & Wellbeing to host an inspiring DJ Workshop at the Adelphi Centre, led by our fantastic tutors Laurie and Nick. The workshop provided LGBTQ+ youth and allies with a chance to dive into the art of DJing in a welcoming, laid-back environment. Participants learned beat-matching, mixing, and other DJ fundamentals, regardless of experience level, with all the professional guidance they needed to build confidence and skills.
Here’s what some of the participants had to say:
“It was really fun to explore DJing and mess around with music like that—it was laid-back and supportive, and it was nice to have something fun to focus on. I definitely think I could use DJing to relieve some tension in my day-to-day, since music is already something I turn to.”
“The vibe was great, the tutors were amazing, and the experience boosted my mood 1000%!”
Thank you to everyone who joined us to make it an unforgettable evening of music, creativity, and positive vibes! 🎶 🌈
Here’s what some of the participants had to say:
“It was really fun to explore DJing and mess around with music like that—it was laid-back and supportive, and it was nice to have something fun to focus on. I definitely think I could use DJing to relieve some tension in my day-to-day, since music is already something I turn to.”
“The vibe was great, the tutors were amazing, and the experience boosted my mood 1000%!”
Thank you to everyone who joined us to make it an unforgettable evening of music, creativity, and positive vibes! 🎶 🌈
🎨NextGen: Supporting Creative Dreams 🎨
Are you a young musician or creative looking to bring your ideas to life? The Youth Music NextGen Fund is here to help! Offering grants of up to £2,500, this fund is designed to support early-stage musicians and creatives in music-adjacent roles who need financial backing to kickstart their projects.
Open to 18–25-year-olds (and up to 30-year-olds who identify as d/Deaf, neurodivergent, or disabled), the fund welcomes applications from singers, rappers, songwriters, producers, DJs, managers, and agents, along with any emerging roles within the music industry.
NextGen Fund Round 10 is open now, with applications closing on 15 November 2024. Successful applicants will be notified in February 2025. This is your chance to turn your creative vision into reality—don’t miss it!
To apply, visit the Youth Music NextGen Fund webpage for full details on eligibility, application guidelines, and tips for writing a successful application.
Open to 18–25-year-olds (and up to 30-year-olds who identify as d/Deaf, neurodivergent, or disabled), the fund welcomes applications from singers, rappers, songwriters, producers, DJs, managers, and agents, along with any emerging roles within the music industry.
NextGen Fund Round 10 is open now, with applications closing on 15 November 2024. Successful applicants will be notified in February 2025. This is your chance to turn your creative vision into reality—don’t miss it!
To apply, visit the Youth Music NextGen Fund webpage for full details on eligibility, application guidelines, and tips for writing a successful application.
Scottish Artists – Apply to Perform at Jazzahead! 2025
Are you a Scottish jazz artist seeking global recognition? Jazzahead! 2025 in Bremen, Germany, is your opportunity to step onto the international stage! From April 24-26, 2025, this prestigious trade fair and showcase festival will bring together the global jazz community, with over 3,000 participants from 50+ countries in attendance.
This is your chance to perform in front of industry professionals, media representatives, and fellow musicians, opening the door to international exposure, networking opportunities, and career-boosting connections. Whether you're an emerging artist or an established name, Jazzahead! offers a platform to showcase your talent and make your mark on the global jazz scene.
Don't miss this incredible opportunity to elevate your career! Apply now for your chance to perform at Jazzahead! 2025 and be part of one of the world's largest jazz gatherings. Visit the official jazzahead! website for application details and further information.
This is your chance to perform in front of industry professionals, media representatives, and fellow musicians, opening the door to international exposure, networking opportunities, and career-boosting connections. Whether you're an emerging artist or an established name, Jazzahead! offers a platform to showcase your talent and make your mark on the global jazz scene.
Don't miss this incredible opportunity to elevate your career! Apply now for your chance to perform at Jazzahead! 2025 and be part of one of the world's largest jazz gatherings. Visit the official jazzahead! website for application details and further information.