Jamie Russon, owner of Build My Song recording studio, has had a busy Summer. His Walsall-based studio has seen many artists through its doors since he started the business in 2017. Along with helping artists with recording and mixing their music, though, he has also teamed up with a local charity to bring summer workshops to budding musicians.

Build my Song and Music is my Sanctuary CIC came together in August to give youngsters between the ages of 13-16 the opportunity to gain industry knowledge, hosting creative workshops within the studios that let the participants take a closer look at sound engineering and producing music.

The free-to-attend sessions, held in two three-day workshops between August 7 and 17, were funded through the Department for Education (DoF) Holiday, Activity and Food (HAF) programme. This runs over the Easter, Christmas and Summer holidays, with the aim of providing ‘an exciting and enriching programme of activities’ for children. If your child is eligible for benefit-related free school meals, they can participate.

Part of the aims of the HAF programme is to encourage children from all social backgrounds to take part in activities that support their development, as well as reduce social isolation. With the summer workshop proving to be a success, it is definitely a step in the right direction for the young creative minds around Walsall.

As of the end of 2022, West Midlands was one of the worst areas for the percentage of schoolchildren eligible for free school meals at 26.5 per cent, with only the North East having more at 29.1 per cent. Mr Russon said he felt it was important that children not miss out on opportunities because of this.

Jamie said: “I was put in touch with singer Nikki Belle who was looking to put together some music workshops for young people and she wanted me to get involved. She wants to make it a permanent, yearly thing, as well, so it’ll be nice to have this place as a music hub.”

If you are interested, you can keep an eye on any future workshops on Build my Song’s Facebook page.