Legendary songwriter Wayne Hector has joined forces with Urban Development to create a one-of-a-kind artist production course entitled ‘The URBAN ARTIST SCHOOL’- An Art School for Urban Music- to launch this September.

One of the most successful writers in the history of British pop, Wayne Hector has an astonishing run of hits which include over 30 international Number Ones for artists including One Direction, Britney Spears, Nicki Minaj, The Pussycat Dolls, Kylie Minogue, Labrinth and Olly Murs. Wayne said of his involvement:

“The progression routes provided by this exciting new course have parity to those that already exist in other forms of music making, such as Classical and Jazz. I am excited about my involvement as we lay down a developmental foundation for young people making urban music”

Similarly the tutor team will comprise of practising artists, industry specialists and educationalists who share a vision to make music education relevant to contemporary lifestyles, commercially orientated and able to meet the high technical standards expected in the modern music industry. Luke Hannam, the course leader said:

“I’ve been thinking about this idea for the last 25 years, a chance to explore the way popular music is actually experienced by those who care about it in an environment that respects innovation and welcomes exciting off the wall ideas.”

Commenting on the strategic importance of the project, Pamela McCormick, founder and director of Urban Development added:

“Due to documented talent development gaps, many gifted emerging artists, particularly those from BAME and disadvantaged communities, will not achieve sustainable careers without subsidised intervention. A limited number of ‘elite’ centres are often physically, economically and culturally inaccessible for young east Londoners. We are very grateful for the visionary support of the Paul Hamlyn Foundation and Wayne Hector to enable more young people Dare To Dream.”

About the Course

The course will start in September 2014 and will run in the East London area.

The course will run over 36 weeks based on two days a week

Participants will work towards accredited qualifications

Participants will work towards the development of:
Studio based practice of repertoire development
A coherent and commercial awareness brand
A portfolio of related recordings and products
Performance skills relevant to their brand
Express your interest now.

Urban Development is looking for bright, innovative and determined musicians from the London area to fill the first cohort of this course. We need you to contact us and express your interest in the programme. From here we will keep you updated on developments through the application process right up to launch.

All you need to do is contact Sonia Lampkin by calling 020 8536 0630 or emailing Sonia@urbandevelopment.co.uk.