​Manchester’s Steam Radio to offer free DJ and Radio course for working class people

Manchester radio station, Steam Radio, has launched a free DJing and radio course for working class people living in Greater Manchester.

The free-to-attend course will occur weekly on Wednesday evenings, at Steam Radio‘s studios in Hulme, Manchester.

“[This is] the perfect chance for a bedroom music lover to get stuck in the local music scene,” Steam Radio shared on Instagram.

Wanting to offer a a type of programme that is “rarely targeted by class,” Steam Radio said that it hopes to address barriers to entering the music world by offering their free course exclusively for people from a working-class background. Food and travel are also to provided as part of the course.

Eligible participants must be 18 years or older, from a working-class background and living in Greater Manchester. Intentionally without an upper age limit, the initiative wants to extend the courses to those who may have missed out on opportunities at a young age.

Acknowledging that class can be defined “in a number of ways,” the application process uses a blend of “widely used metrics” as well as “self-definition.”

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Over the 12 weeks participants are to be taught by radio and DJing industry professionals in small groups, learning about beat matching, planning a set, presenting, live broadcasting, promotion and more.

DJing is to be led by Jessica Partington, professionally known as mamba.exe. An electronic and Afro-Caribbean selector, Steam Radio resident mamba.exe is an MC, DJ and producer.

Heading the radio section is Jasmine Rowland. The Manchester/London-based radio presenter’s recent work as an assistant producer has led her to work with BBC Radio 1, BBC Radio 1XTRA, BBC Asian Network and BBC Radio 6 Music.

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Participants will be able to access a mentorship scheme, as well as time in the studio for independent practice.

The course has received funding from the True Music Radio Fund backed by Ballantines and Soho Radio. According to Ballantine’s True Music Fund page, the grant is available to select organisations recognised by the scotch company as working to improve diversity and inclusion globally.

Hosted by Radio.co, Steam Radio’s website reads: “STEAM MCR reimagines community spaces, providing a platform for voices, spaces & sounds. STEAM MCR is about community, not charity.”

The course is due to start February 21, with applications closing on February 7 at 11:PM

For more information and to apply for Steam Radio’s workshops click here, or email the Steam Radio team [email protected].

Belle Richardson is Mixmag’s Digital Intern, follow her on Twitter