Music Producer Club (pilot)
Music Producer Club was a pilot initiative developed by Vital Arts in partnership with Create. Define. Release. aimed at exploring the potential of music technology as a tool for creative expression and confidence-building in a hospital setting. The programme introduced young patients in long-term care to music production skills using accessible digital tools.
Over a series of weekly workshops on the paediatric wards at Newham Hospital, patients were invited to create their own beats, melodies, and soundscapes using music production programmes. The sessions were designed and delivered by experienced facilitators from Create. Define. Release., in close collaboration with hospital play specialists.
The project created a safe and flexible space for young people - many facing extended hospital stays - to explore their creativity and express emotions non-verbally through music. Activities were tailored to the energy levels and interests of each participant, allowing for one-to-one or small group engagement.
Who was involved
Create. Define. Release brought their specialist expertise in youth music and digital production.
Hospital play specialists supported patient engagement and co-ordinated participation.
Vital Arts provided coordination, safeguarding, and programme oversight.
What we learned
This pilot confirmed the value of music technology as a highly adaptable, youth-led artform in healthcare. It helped:
Build confidence and autonomy in young patients
Offer moments of joy and distraction during challenging hospital stays
Lay the groundwork for further digital arts participation across paediatric services
Feedback from young participants and staff was overwhelmingly positive, with many expressing a desire for more frequent and extended music sessions.
What’s next
Vital Arts is now exploring options to scale this pilot into a regular programme, potentially across other Barts Health sites. We’re also investigating ways to train hospital staff and volunteers to support digital music engagement in-between workshops.
“We are delighted to partner with CDR who provide Newham’s young people with incomparable industry expertise, aligned to youth work practice.”
Who are Create. Define. Release.?
CDR are a black-led music and talent development organisation with a deep heritage in the UK's grassroots electronic music scene. We are a community made up of generations of music producers, practitioners and fans.
Our purpose is to nurture independent music makers and progress black electronic music across many genres: from Hip-hop to Brokenbeat, Techno to Jazz, Garage to Grime and the many fusions in between.
Through Music Producer Club, we work with children and young people in schools and youth centres opening up routes into music and diversifying the music curriculum. We're operating in towns and cities around the country and the world, from Bristol to Nairobi
“I would describe this experience as free, exhilarating and nice… It’s one of the best things I’ve ever experienced in my life.”
Music Producer Club member
Partner
