A recording studio in North Shields is using its music programme to help scores of children and people from deprived backgrounds access music.

Notes Studios, formerly known as the Gasworks, launched Access Music CIC last year in an attempt to reconnect people with writing, producing and engaging with music.

The programme – created by musicians Phil Martin (pictured left) and Martin O’Nions (right) – has received support from funders North Tyneside Council and the local community, according to a recent report by News Guardian.

The men behind the venture have also just launched a 24 week Arts Award programme for young people from Norham High School, and have curated skill-building music sessions for those with special needs.

“We’ve seen less and less young musicians using the studios over the past three years and the economy being the way it is, music appears unfortunately to have become a luxury, especially when it comes to tuition and playing in bands,” said O’Nions. “Our aim has been to provide opportunities for those in the local community that may not normally have the resources to access the services we can provide.

“We love mentoring young people and were driven by a desire to encourage them back to music. We help develop their interest, develop their skills and give them the confidence to perform in live events.”

O’Nions said that the funding will enable the studio to continue to provide its unique service and resource for the benefit of the local community and has said Access Music is looking forward to an even better 2018.

He continued: “We have amazing facilities here and it would be a massive shame not to put them to good use. Not only do we have the purpose-built rehearsal and recording spaces but the size of the facility allows people to do things like video and photo shoots, host live events and parties and lead us on to starting our Community Interest Company, Access Music. We’re really looking forward to working with yet more talented people in 2018 and can’t wait to provide more support to some amazing people.”

The Phoenix Detached Youth Project based in The Meadowell, North Shields, also saw Notes Studios oversee writing and music and video production classes with young people for Organ Donation Awareness and Mental Health Awareness.

“We are actively seeking funding or ideally sponsorship for a long-term programme to encourage young people to learn to play musical instruments, write songs, form bands, rehearse, record and perform live,” concluded O’Nions. “If there are any interested parties out there, we’d love to hear from you.”