Youth Music’s Industry Report Reveals Ways to Safeguard the Future of Music

Among other suggestions, the results show that more cross-industry partnership is needed to sustain the music industry in the UK

A national charity based in the UK, Youth Music has released its new Industry Connect research report, which aims to break down the barriers for young creatives entering the music industry.

Conducted by the independent researchers Kate McBain and Dan Tsu, the study consulted 280 people from 200 organisations, and 50 young creatives across the UK, helping identify the current issues faced by young people entering the industry and present gaps in music education.

Currently, young people in the UK feel that there are not enough mentoring opportunities for new entrants into the music industry, and there is a lack of centrality in bridging the gap between industry, education, and government. 

The report recommends the industry and education channels join forces through a national music strategy — plus re-imagine and modernize curriculums and career advice.

Further, non-formal pathways programs should be enhanced, access to finance increased, and safer working cultures established. It also found that job creation was not targeted enough towards skill gaps.

Other limitations include poor working conditions, inclusion, and safeguarding cultures; and overlooking third sector, community, and youth organizations.

To counter the disproportionate effects on those from marginalized groups, Youth Music is launching a national initiative next year to support 18 to 30-year-olds from underrepresented communities. 

“Whilst the UK music industry contributes an estimated £7 billion to the economy, there is a huge amount of work to be done to ensure we close the gap from learning to earning,” said Youth Music’s CEO, Matt Griffiths in the press release.

“This is not the time for the industry to rest on its laurels, rather, the government, the wider industry and education professionals must commit to revolutionising the learning opportunities on offer, to ensure that young people have access to the necessary support to succeed,” he added. “Our Industry Connect recommendations are vital to establish an inclusive music industry fit for the future. They set out a clear pathway for continued growth and to ensure it’s a place for young people from all backgrounds to make and monetise music, not just the privileged few, on and off stage.”

A discussion of the report featuring McBain and Tsu can be viewed below: