Music Open Learning Programme
Published 3rd Oct 2003 by Neil Campbell MOLP Regional Co-ordinator

Question: What do certain Brit Award winners, Platinum-selling songwriters, former
major record label A & R chiefs and pop stars have in common?

Answer: They work as Advisors to the Music Open Learning Programme, part of the
Government's innovative New Deal for Musicians, helping unemployed musicians.

The scheme itself is a six-month course, designed by Armstrong Learning and
Manchester City College to guide learners through a thorough breakdown and
investigation of the music business. Clients learn at their own pace, aided
throughout by their own advisor. Advisors in the SE area are of a particularly high
calibre and include some renowned music business names. A recent Adult Learning
Inspection highlighted the strength of the SE Team and their relationships with
their clients.

In no particular our present team includes: Mark Jones founder of Jeepster Records
the Brit award-winning label behind Belle and Sebastion's early years; Jon Walsh,
former head of A&R for major label MCA, responsible for hit albums such as Ocean
Colour Scene's 'Mosley Shoals'; Chris Watts, platinum hit writer for 90's boy band
Worlds Apart and Robin File, Audioweb guitarist and part time member of Badly Drawn Boy's band.

New Deal for New Deal

Scout Enterprises, the company who piloted the scheme in the South West of England recently won the contract to apply their experience and innovative approach to the setting up of the Music Open Learning Program in the South East. After an initial six months spent laying the foundations and building the necessary infrastructure, we are ready to spread the word that, at last, this powerful new programme is now available to help aspiring musicians in the South East.

How Does it Work?

Each aspiring musician is guided through the course by their advisor, as their needs
change they can switch and cross consult with others on the team. The diversity of
skills required in the music industry are well represented in the region and our
advisor database includes recording artists, session musicians producers, professional DJ's, promoters, agents, record pluggers, talent scouts, and
recruitment consultants. Additionally, workshops are regularly held to add extra
value to the work undertaken. Last month's schedule included workshops dealing with promotion from Dynamite Sal, Major labels from Jon Walsh and song writing and
recording with Chris Watts.

Does it Work?

We know it does, and the Adult Learner Inspectorate agree. Although we've only been going for a short time in the SE they were sufficiently impressed by our
achievements to state that if we maintain the good work our clients had an excellent
chance of employment/success after completing the course.

Any Other Questions Please Contact

Neil Campbell MOLP Regional Co-ordinator

Address MOLP Suite 4 Brighton Media Centre 68 Middle Street Brighton BN1 1AL

Tel. 01273 703771 - Fax 01273 385620

www.molp.co.uk

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