Canalside Youth Jam Workshop

A weekly, 3-hour collaborative music session designed to support young people through creativity, connection and confidence-building.

We provide a safe, inclusive space where young musicians can come together to jam, experiment, write, rehearse and grow, without pressure, auditions or rigid curriculum.

We welcome:

  • Referrals from The King's Trust Get Started in Music programme

  • Young people experiencing confidence barriers or social isolation

  • Open access participants (£10 per session)

  • Free placements via case-by-case self-referral where cost is a barrier

What to Expect

This is not a formal classroom. It’s a guided, learner-led jam environment.

Each week:

  • Themes may change (genre focus, songwriting prompts, collaboration exercises)

  • Participants help shape what happens

  • Facilitators provide light structure and support

  • The focus is on soft skills as much as musical skills

We aim to build:

  • Confidence

  • Communication

  • Listening skills

  • Teamwork

  • Musical collaboration

  • Reduced social isolation

Sessions are volunteer-led in the current phase, with professional equipment and space provided by Canalside.

How the Programme Runs

Every Sunday, 10:00am – 1:00pm

Cohort size: 8–15 participants per session

Age Groups:

  • 14–17 (parental consent required)

  • 18–25

We run weekly during term time, with occasional seasonal breaks.

Where to Find Us

Canalside Community Music Space CIC is based in Armley, Leeds, West Yorkshire

Canalside is a grassroots, not-for-profit community music hub based just outside Leeds city centre, accessible via Canal Street and the canal path.

The building houses rehearsal rooms, recording facilities and Boom Leeds, one of the city’s long-standing independent grassroots venues.

We are fully committed to accessibility and operate with a clear safeguarding and inclusion policy.

 

Frequently Asked Questions

Still have questions? Take a look at the FAQ or reach out anytime. If you’re feeling ready, go ahead and contact us.

Contact us

  • Young people aged 14-17 and 18-25. Priority is given to referrals and those who may not otherwise have access to music facilities.

  • No. Beginners are welcome. The workshop is about collaboration and growth, not performance standard.

  • £10 per session for those able to pay

    Free access available via referral or case-by-case basis

    We never want cost to be a barrier.

  • We provide rehearsal space and core equipment, but we are currently building our inventory.

    We are actively seeking donations of:

    • Electric & acoustic guitars

    • Bass guitars

    • Keyboards

    • Practice amps

    • Percussion instruments

    • PA speakers

    • Microphones, stands and cables

    If you’d like to donate equipment, please get in touch: hello@canalsideleeds.com

  • The workshop is currently volunteer-led and unfunded.

    We are actively seeking support from organisations including:

    • Arts participation and youth wellbeing funds

    • Community mental health grants

    • CSR partnerships

    • Arts Council and National Lottery programmes

    Funding will support:

    • Paid youth facilitators

    • Utilities and venue costs

    • Equipment investment

    • Travel bursaries

    • Consumables

  • Yes. We welcome referrals from youth organisations, schools, support workers and parents.

    Head to the contact us page to fill out a form, or email us at hello@canalsideleeds.com