Key Components
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Songwriting and beat making fundamentals
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Collaborative project development
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Recording and production techniques
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Budgeting and financial planning for independent artists
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Marketing basics and creative entrepreneurship
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Reflection, feedback, and peer evaluation
Arts Award Qualifications:
As part of this programme, participants have the opportunity to achieve nationally recognised Arts Award qualifications, which acknowledge their development as artists and arts leaders:
Bronze Arts Award:
Designed for ages 11 to 14, this Level 1 qualification on the Regulated Qualifications Framework (RQF) involves:
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Active participation in any art form
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Experiencing and reviewing at least one arts event
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Researching the career and work of an artist or craftsperson
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Sharing an arts skill with others
Learning hours: Typically requires 40 guided learning hours and 20 independent learning hours to complete.
Silver Arts Award:
Aimed at ages 14 to 16, this Level 2 qualification on the RQF encourages:
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Planning and achieving an arts challenge to develop skills
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Reviewing arts events and sharing opinions
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Researching careers and future opportunities in the arts
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Undertaking an arts leadership project, including planning, execution, and evaluation
Learning hours: Typically involves 60 guided learning hours and 35 independent learning hours.
Gold Arts Award:
Intended for ages 16 and above, this Level 3 qualification on the RQF is equivalent to an A Level and carries 16 UCAS points. It encompasses:
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Extending personal arts practice and creating new work
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Exploring the arts world through placements, volunteering, training, and research
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Reviewing arts events and researching artists or craftspeople and their careers
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Planning and leading an arts project, including managing resources and evaluating outcomes
Learning hours: Typically requires 90 guided learning hours and 60 independent learning hours.
Whether you’re aiming to release your own music, build confidence in a studio setting, or explore your creativity within a structured framework, this course equips you with the tools and qualifications to advance in the music industry and beyond.
Humzah ‘Loaneski’ Loane: Digital Music Lead Tutor
With over 13 years of experience delivering bespoke music workshops to young people particularly those in the SEN and NEET sectors I’ve dedicated my career to using music as a tool for engagement, education, and empowerment. As the founder of Taoreta Ltd, I develop and lead creative projects across the UK that address social issues, explore taboo subjects, and encourage self expression through sound and storytelling.
Alongside my work in education, I’m also one half of the UK underground experimental Hip-Hop duo Taoreta 倒れた. Under my artist alias Loaneski, I’ve spent 17+ years as a recording artist, performer, and songwriter. Our music confronts topics often sidestepped in mainstream discourse politics, spirituality, and the complexities of human nature. Our debut double EP, Samurai Nation, received international acclaim and coverage from outlets like Wonderland Magazine, Wordplay Magazine, Boom Bap Nation, and Earmilk.
Beyond the stage and classroom, I’m a member of Leicester’s City Music Network and the Violence Reduction Network, and I actively contribute to the Community Leaders Network in Leicester, Leicestershire, and Rutland. Whether through performance, education, or advocacy, I remain committed to amplifying voices, raising awareness, and driving creative change.
Bhavi Solanki: Student Support / Sound Engineer
I’m Bhav, one of the creative tutors at YEP. I specialise in the wonderful world of Music studio wizardry and beat production/sound engineering. Outside of YEP i run various recording studios and production spaces, working with a wide variety of Leicester creatives and other national organisations. I work part time at YEP to help deliver the music course, as well as supporting the young people in our centre with any support needs and problems they may face whilst transitioning into responsible young adults! Working part time allows me to keep one foot in the creative industry and one foot in the centre, which allows me to show our young people a real in depth view of what is currently happening within the creative sector at some of the highest levels and give some inspiration to our students about where their careers can take them in the creative field.
Throughout my sessions, whether they be 1 to 1 or as a group, I aim to instill key transferable skills which young people can take with them throughout their lives moving forward. Maths and English are heavily embedded into the creative/vocational courses here at YEP and we aim to help our students feel confident within their abilities at all levels offered here at Youth Education Project!
Welcome to Ink ‘N’ Echo at YEP!
This comprehensive programme is tailored for aspiring artists, producers, and creatives eager to delve into music creation while acquiring essential industry skills crucial for a sustainable career in the arts.
Students will engage in hands on experiences encompassing music production, songwriting, and collaborative projects, culminating in a final showcase or recorded portfolio. Beyond the creative aspects, the course imparts practical knowledge in areas often overlooked in traditional music education, including budgeting as an independent artist, project management, goal setting, and effective resource allocation.