Youth Music Initiative
The Scottish Government’s Youth Music Initiative (YMI) is a national programme which is administered by Creative Scotland. The YMI creates access to high quality music making opportunities, enables young people to achieve their potential in or through music and supports the development of the sector for the benefit of young people. For more information, click here.
Our Mission
Renfrewshire Council YMI is part of The Scottish Government’s Youth Music Initiative (YMI) which is managed by Creative Scotland. The YMI creates access to high quality music making opportunities, enables young people to achieve their potential in or through music and supports the development of the sector for the benefit of young people
Our Vision
Our vision is to inspire and empower children and young people through diverse music programmes, fostering creativity, cultural enrichment and personal growth. We aim to cultivate an inclusive and engaging musical experience for participants from all backgrounds.
Current Projects
Early Years
NYCOS deliver a programme to engage with pre-5 children in Nursery schools and also work with the staff. The programme focuses on encouraging musical development in the Early Years and participation by all children. Tutors use singing games and rhymes as the basis of the programme incorporate resources with an emphasis on oral development, language, and pre-literacy skill.
Primary Singing, Games and Rhymes
Vocal-based programmes developed by the National Youth Choir of Scotland to develop musical literacy and musicianship through Kodály Technique. Traditional folk songs and games are used to introduce concepts and the children are involved in fun and practical activities throughout. The focus is musical learning through play.
Additional Support Needs (& SEN) Access to Music
Through partnership with Nordoff-Robbins and Hear My Music, our access to music-making projects provide sessions tailored to the individual abilities. The projects will introduce concepts of pitch, rhythm, melody, tempo, dynamics, beat/metre, and all-round musical awareness.
Introduction to Traditional Music
Through partnership with Fèis Phàislig, sessions provide in-school, full class provision for P5s with a Gaelic singer/educator with a focus on either Gaelic song or tin whistle. The aim is to introduce pupils to wider Scottish/Gaelic traditions and culture.
ASN Guitar
This project aims to provide guitar tuition for pupils attending schools for children and young people with additional support needs. A variety of different styles of music will be introduced and explored.
Introduction to Jazz
Jazz improvisation workshops develop pupils knowledge of Jazz music, in particular, performing and improvisational elements. Sessions are delivered to both primary and secondary schools.
Taking Music to Looked After Children & Interrupted Learners
We offer a variety of opportunities that include song writing, instrumental learning, and electronic music in partnership with Live Music Now Scotland (LMNS) and freelance practitioners.
Family Learning with Music
Weekly sessions are delivered in several primary schools and targeted at pupils in all primary stages. Pupils and family members are invited to take part in a variety of musical activities, including percussion, ukulele, and vocal based sessions.
Beat Buddies
Sessions engage pupils with fun and meaningful musical activities such as body percussion, rhythmic skill building, samba based percussion, tuned percussion and singing. Young learners (and staff) will significantly improve their sense of musical awareness, confidence and ability.
