A NEW music program has launched to help the youth of Wagga navigate through the struggles of the COIVD-19 pandemic.
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Music for Mental Health is the latest initiative by the Riverina Community College, in conjunction with Murrumbidgee Primary Health Network, to assist budding musicians with their career goals.
The program will give young people the chance to write, record and produce professional quality music along with a film clip.
Sound engineer Tara Jensen of TAJ Recording Studio will be guiding each participant through the process.
"Any musician who wants to record their work is welcome, whether it's singing or playing an instrument," she said.
"There is an age limit though, between 15 and 25, but that can be male or female."
Auditions have begun for those interested in joining the program. Young musicians can email the Riverina Community College to apply, explaining in 50 words or less how music has helped them through difficult times along with an audition tape.
"We will be allowed to take a total of nine people after auditions, and those successful will get to be involved in a number of different workshops on song writing, copyright and royalty issues, creating social media and YouTube accounts, as well as looking at Spotify distribution and a one-on-one studio session to record their original piece and film clip," Miss Jensen said.
Riverina Community College Learner Support Coordinator Cheryl Cartwright said the idea behind the program was of particular importance given the current state of the world.
"Riverina Community College understands it is extremely important to encourage young people to raise their voices about the issues that may affect them and their mental health to foster resilience and reduce stigma," she said.
"This was recently reinforced through our Song Sisters project involving young local female musicians during NSW Women's Week and even more apparent in these times of crises."
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Ms Cartwright said the skills learnt would be a valuable addition to the participant's musical portfolio.
"This project will provide nine young participants with a platform to write songs about issues in their day to day lives, as well as the opportunity to access locally-based audio recording facilities and further their music careers," she said.
"Young local musicians from a diverse range of backgrounds are encouraged to audition."
Applications close on August 21, but may be extended based on interest.
All activities will be run according to up-to-date COVID-19 restrictions and provisions.