Music Frequency: building confidence through music and radio

Music Frequency gave young people across North East London a place to develop their voices, learn practical skills and connect with others through music and media.

Nu Skool Beatz (NSB) delivered the project in 2024–25 with support from National Lottery Awards for All. It enrolled 120 young people aged 13–25. NSB runs House FM, a community DAB radio station, which gave the project a connection to community broadcasting.

What young people did 

Music Frequency brought together three strands: radio broadcasting, voice and music production. Young people practised interviewing and recording, explored writing and performing songs, and developed beats and tracks at The Lab Music Studio. The activities gave them opportunities to work as a team, communicate their ideas and try something unfamiliar with support from experienced tutors.

The programme was shaped with young people from the outset. During its development, 36 young people were consulted through YMCA Walthamstow. Their interest in creating and recording a song helped shape the vocal strand. Three young volunteers were also invited to voice the project’s House FM enrolment advert.

The difference it made

Of the 120 young people enrolled, 98 (82%) attended at least three-quarters of their sessions. Eighty-eight completed both a starting and an end-of-project survey. Among those 88 participants:

• 69 (78%) reported improved confidence or self-esteem.

• 65 (74%) reported stronger communication and teamwork.

• 58 (66%) reported improved practical or digital skills.

• 61 (69%) had clearer aspirations or progression goals.

• 55 (63%) said they had developed new positive or professional contacts.

NSB obtained three-month follow-up information for 76 participants. Thirty-four (45% of those followed up) had taken a further step: nine into employment, 11 into education or training, and 14 into volunteering or work experience.

These figures reflect different groups of respondents: participation is measured across all 120 enrolled young people, survey outcomes across 88 respondents, and progression across the 76 reached at follow-up.