2020 - Southern Cross University plays host to up and coming musicians

Words: Charles Wood
Published: 8 October 2020

A group of entrants on campus at the Gold Coast for the Youth Music Venture 2020 mentoring program

Southern Cross University is nurturing the Gold Coast’s next generation of music talent by hosting Youth Music Venture’s (YMV) 2020 mentoring program.

Kicking off with an audition day on Sunday 11 October at the University’s Gold Coast campus, Youth Music Venture’s program will run every Sunday for eight weeks culminating in a final concert performance on Sunday 6 December.

For the past 11 years, the local YMV charity has organised the voluntary free programs for young musicians aged from 11 to 17 years. This year’s program involves 25 students who are grouped into 5 bands.

According to former Southern Cross graduate and YMV mentor Bryce Francis, it has done amazing things for the young participants, in helping them develop their confidence and skills.

“It’s open to all young musicians and it has also catered for those with Autism, Asperger’s Syndrome, mental health issues and those who were possibly heading in the wrong direction in life,” Mr Francis said.

“Under the guidance of professional musicians, they learn performance skills, song writing and sound production before they take to the stage in a showcase concert.”

It’s inspired some of those involved with previous YMV’s to undertake further education in the field of music and performance.

“We have seen an incredible depth of talent come through our Coomera campus this year and that reflects a strong music scene in the Gold Coast area,” said Dr Matt Hill, Course Coordinator for the Bachelor of Contemporary Music.

“Southern Cross has been nurturing young musicians into the industry for many years, with our graduates learning a raft of skills that will sustain them a long term in the industry, allowing them to work all over Australia and internationally.”

The program’s founder, Ian Grace paid tribute to the hard work of the mentors who volunteer their time.

“To have such an amazing group of volunteers doing this out of the goodness of their hearts for 11 solid years, including those who have previously been through the program is a huge asset and a great example for the community.”

This year’s program is being run to meet the requirements of a COVID Safe Plan, which includes the use of hand sanitizer, the observance of social distancing and a contact tracing register.

More information is available at the Youth Music Venture’s website