Bradford College music student wins music industry talent grant

The £1,000 grant is part of a music-industry talent development programme offering support to aspiring Bradford musicians aged 18-25 to take control of their music careers.

Up to 10 grants were available for anything from musical instruments and equipment to studio time, specialist software, or additional training.

Leoni, 18, a student on the Level 3 Diploma in Music Performance and Production at Bradford School of Art, was successful after delivering an impressive presentation at her Break-Thru panel interview. She will now be assigned a mentor to discuss her needs and progression plan.

Leoni’s song, Cherry Blossoms, has already been launched on Spotify and Apple music, as well as being animated on YouTube.

Nicolas Sykes, Music Programme Leader (Further Education) at Bradford College, said: “I’m so thrilled that Leoni’s gift was recognised by AllStar Entertainment through the Break-Thru grant. This vital funding will help Leoni to launch her career as an artist, showcase her talent more widely, and give her the recognition she deserves.

“I hope more students like Leoni are inspired to take up music and explore the exciting careers on offer through this industry.”

Ross Elliott, Creative Skills Manager at AllStar Entertainment, said: “Break-Thru grants are about spotting young musicians and nurturing their talent. I’m delighted that Bradford School of Art promoted the funding opportunity to students, and I hope we see more applications from exceptional students like this in the future.

“AllStar Entertainment has also agreed to offer work placements to second-year Bradford College music students soon, which is a great development of our partnership.”

The Break-Thru programme provides opportunities to develop the musical talent of young people, regardless of level or stage, and is bespoke to individual needs and interests. The support package can also include individual mentoring, artist development support, access to professional and peer networks, work and studio space, and support in developing a portfolio.

Leoni is looking forward to a successful career as she continues Music studies at Bradford College in preparation for entering the creative industries. The College programme develops vital skills in performance and production, as well as business and entrepreneurial skills.

* To find out more about Music courses at Bradford College email n.sykes@bradfordcollege.ac.uk. For more information about the Break-Thru grants, email ross@allstarents.co.uk

MORE than 100 young women participated in Jiu-Jitsu at Bradford College, with 11 going on to achieve initial white-belt grading, thanks to a project supported by Sport England.

The National-Lottery funded This Girl Can initiative aims to encourage more girls and women to enjoy fitness and sport. The group have been training in self-defence at the College once a week on Tuesday afternoons.

Classes are run in partnership with Onna Ju-Jitsu Club, founded more than 20 years ago by Mumtaz Khan, who has a successful track record of developing young women as Black Belt coaches.

Chris Taylor, Bradford College Sport Development Officer said: “The College is committed to transforming lives, not just through study, but also via sport and wellbeing programmes that are fun and engaging.

"The students loved it, and we’ve seen a real difference in those that participated, which has translated to improved outcomes in the classroom.”

It is hoped that Ju Jitsu - alongside a bhangra dance programme run by Punjabi Roots - will become embedded activities at Bradford College, with a view to helping more young women to enjoy wellbeing activities and sport.

Jui-jitsui students with white belt grading
* CARPENTRY students from Bradford College have been helping a community garden project at Yorkshire Water's Esholt Hall. The historic building is being renovated as a flagship Centre of Excellence for Yorkshire Water’s training academy. Bradford College City & Guilds Technical Certificate in Carpentry students are enhancing their skills by working at the site and producing raised planters for a new walled garden. Students have worked alongside the community arts organisation Sponge Tree to bring the garden back to life. The garden once supplied the hall with food. Students have followed drawing designs and made some planters wheelchair accessible.

James Haigh, Technical Qualification Co-ordinator and Lecturer in Carpentry & Joinery at Bradford College, said: “There's no better experience for students than working on a real project like this. You often don’t see the real character of a student until you get them out of the workshop and expose them to real-life scenarios where they just flourish.”

Carpentry students at work at the site

A GROUP of Bradford College students have returned from life-changing work experience in Valencia. Seventeen Level 2 & 3 Fitness and Sports Coaching learners undertook a two-week placement in Spain, to broaden skills and put what they've learned at college into practice.

They spent the first week coaching and supporting tournaments with the Valencia Disability Football team, then moved to the Lliria Tennis Club and participated in tennis and Padel tuition (a cross between tennis and squash). Gary Bradwell, Curriculum Area Manager at Bradford College said: “Learners enjoyed other activities including beach volleyball and an making a huge paella. Experiences like these are invaluable for learning and skills development.”

Some of the students in Valencia

The trip was organised by a college partnership with Everything Is Possible in York, helping young people learn through volunteering.