Remixing music education in Newbury

Monday night saw the start of a powerful new collaboration which brings music to the young people in Newbury in a new and innovative way.

Good Vibes Music Academy has joined forces with Berkshire Youth and Kennet Radio to give students in Years 7 to 13 the opportunity to learn how to DJ.

Armed just with a set of decks, some speakers and a pair of headphones, breakbeat champion DJ & Kennet Radio presenter, Aaron K (Se7en Deadly Breaks), put the students through their paces and they were creating their own mixes in no time.

Even after the first session, it’s clearly been a huge hit.

Not only were Aaron and Steve kept busy the whole time, but the sense of achievement was clearly visible on their faces as the young DJs went from being complete novices to mixing tracks seamlessly.

Steve Christmas, who is CEO of Newbury’s Good Vibes Music Academy, said: “Being a DJ is an incredibly social instrument which is why I’ve wanted to find the right place for social learning for a long time – and it’s completely free!

“Aaron is an incredible DJ and musician with number one hits on the beat port charts.

“There was some amazing talent on show. This is the perfect collaboration that provides that opportunity and I can’t wait to see what happens and get back to the Youth Café next Monday.”

Aaron and Good Vibes will be at the Youth Café on Monday nights, 4.30pm to 6pm, at the Waterside Centre.

Anyone who would like to come along needs to register on the Waterside Centre website (www.watersidecentre.co.uk).

As well as working on this project, Aaron is also launching a new show on Kennet Radio that focuses on and showcases local talent, particularly with electronic and dance genres.

The show goes live on March 13 at 9pm.