Core Music

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Core Music is a not-for-profit social enterprise which aims to make music more accessible.

It’s for people who don’t feel they belong in other areas of music – all ages, all abilities, all genres, with musicians from age 5 to 75.

Background

Founder Mike Coleman has a background in the voluntary sector. He met Oasis Co-director Claire Maxwell in the 1990s when she facilitated the setting up of a community network.

Claire acted as Mike’s professional supervisor when he worked for Tynedale Voluntary Action and later when he set up the Core Music social enterprise.

He said: “I already had an understanding of the value of supervision but Claire brought into sharp focus how important it is.

“It was extremely helpful, but it is often neglected by organisations, which don’t have that kind of external support for practitioners to develop their skills.”

Striking out and taking the plunge

Having been involved in music for as long as he can remember, Mike had the idea of Core Music in the mid 1990s, but it wasn’t until 2006 that he was ready to strike out and see if he could develop the idea.

Along with a group of friends, he applied for funding from the European LEADER programme for a feasibility study to see if they could set up the project in Hexham, Northumberland.

Claire supervised Mike during the three-month study, as he visited other projects and worked with focus groups.

He found premises and finally took the plunge, setting up Core Music as a community interest company registered as a social enterprise in 2007 and opening the doors to the public in 2008.

It has an instrument shop, rehearsal space and a recording studio, and space for music lessons, workshops, clubs and groups.

They are now teaching 150 lessons a week, with three quarters of pupils aged between seven and 18.

Battling to make the project a success

At first Mike had to work on a voluntary basis without a salary, but when he almost had to leave to take on a job to pay the bills, an injection of cash from another volunteer allowed him to work full-time at the project – ensuring it did not founder.

“It was the first time I had ever seen that happen,” said Mike. “It was quite remarkable.”

“Since then I would not say we have gone from strength to strength, we have struggled through. It is so tough at the moment and it’s a continuing battle to try and make it successful.

“We have a lot of support, people who use the place and support the principle of what we are doing. The challenge is how you turn that enthusiasm and support into money to keep it going.”

They have tried renting out office space, allowing other music-based programmes to use their premises during the day, and developing programmes that will attract funding – such as a project for people with learning disabilities, who will make instruments out of recycled materials, learn to play them and put on a performance.

A critical friend

Throughout the process Claire has acted as a critical friend to talk through issues, offer support, suggestions and links to her networks.

Mike said: “There have been times when I have felt quite down and not able to see through a particular project or how to get something going.

“Having spent some time with Claire I have a clear view. She can really inspire you to go ahead and do something and help you see clearly.

“I came into community music work not having a background in it so I lacked confidence. She made me realise how much I know and how much knowledge and experience I have got and gave me the confidence to be able to see that I can do this.”