Charity helps young DJs learn music-making skills at home in coronavirus lockdown

The Leeds DJ School, based in the city centre, has been given a cash injection of £8,499 by major national music charity Youth Music which will support online tuition for disadvantaged youngsters who do not have their own DJ equipment at home.

The online lessons will mean budding DJs across the UK who have been missing out during the lockdown can now learn key skills with just a computer.

DJ School UK in Leeds is the UK's largest dedicated non-profit studio for DJ education and as well as delivering a range of young projects in Leeds, they have developed an accredited course in contemporary DJ skills which they say provides "all the benefits of a formal music education".

Jim Reiss, managing director at DJ School UK, said as soon as lockdown began, the team recognised the majority of young people who came had no equipment at home, so they have now developed an online course to keep up the learning at home.

He said: "Youth Music have always been key in supporting our projects. With their help we have been able to develop remote learning in response to the lockdown. We are chuffed to be able to roll out this latest offer to the whole UK.”

Youth Music’s CEO Matt Grifths said: “We are delighted to continue our support for DJ School UK. We have seen the positive impact the project has already for young people in Leeds and we’re thrilled to help the DJ School carry on their good work.”

Leeds DJ School UK works with all ages and abilities but Jim said most are over the age of eight.

It will be offering free places for under 18s who can prove they have special educational needs or come from a low-income family.

DJ School UK raises its own funds by selling private tuition to subsidise sessions for those facing challenging circumstances.

Donationscan be made directly via https://www.gofundme.com/dj-school-uk.

For more information visit https://djschooluk.org.uk

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