Young people with a passion for music are building confidence, creativity and career-ready skills through Crescendo Trust of Aotearoa‘s free mentoring programmes. The charitable organisation supports rangatahi aged 15–24 who are disconnected or marginalised, helping them build confidence, develop practical skills and explore pathways into further education or employment.
‘Music is the hook,’ says CEO Cat Percy. ‘The aim is to help these rangatahi find a place of connection. Music draws them in, taking them from a sense of disconnection to connection.’
Around 180 young creatives take part in Crescendo‘s programmes each year and receive mentorship from professional musicians. These mentors bring years of industry experience, sharing practical knowledge in songwriting, music production, audio engineering and live performance. ‘We provide rangatahi with real-world technical skills and industry connections to help set them up for work or further education,’ says Cat.
Small class sizes and an informal learning environment make the 10-week programmes ideal for young people who have become disengaged from traditional classrooms. Timed to coincide with school terms, each programme culminates in a graduation showcase where participants perform the original songs and musical pieces they have created.
Participants can choose from three programme levels. The foundation programme is open to anyone interested in music, beat making or songwriting, with intermediate and advanced programmes building on those creative and technical foundations.
The impact is evident in the experience of Te Uranga participant, Jared: ‘I feel lighter, I feel happier and more myself. I had a life experience that had broken me, and being able to use this course to tell this story has allowed me the opportunity to grow and let go of the emotions I was unaware I was still holding on to.’
Since launching its music programme in 2012, Crescendo has seen demand grow year on year. A $10,000 grant from the latest Your West Support Fund and our recent NZ Music Month Pop-Up series will help the organisation continue to provide free music mentoring programmes that enable more West Auckland rangatahi to develop their talents and pursue their creative ambitions.
Crescendo is based at Te Puna Creative Hub, 8–14 Henderson Valley Road, Henderson.
Learn more about Crescendo Trust of Aotearoa at crescendo.org.nz or follow them on Facebook.
If you or your organisation could use support from The Trusts, find out how to apply at thetrusts.co.nz/our-funds.
