Making Music: Reaching and Welcoming New People

For music groups in the UK – including our UNESCO City of Music, Belfast, and across Northern Ireland – Making Music is hosting an online workshop on Saturday, 18 January 2025.

Part of its Access and Inclusion programme, this free session is designed to help groups expand their audiences and recruit new participants by exploring practical strategies to connect with people outside their usual demographic and build a more inclusive environment.

The workshop will focus on identifying who may be missing from your group’s activities and understanding the barriers that prevent people from attending or staying involved. These challenges often affect individuals who are disabled, from ethnic minority backgrounds, living with health conditions, or experiencing socio-economic difficulties. Participants will learn how to market and engage with new audiences effectively, ensure accessibility in concerts and rehearsals, and develop a group culture where newcomers feel welcome and valued.

Throughout the session, examples of successful projects from other groups will be shared to inspire new approaches, and attendees will have the opportunity to discuss their own challenges and explore practical, tailored solutions. The workshop will also include a chance to ask questions and interact via the chat function, with a short break during the two-hour event.

This session is suitable for anyone involved in audience development, participant recruitment, or access and inclusion work within their music group. Whether you are new to these topics or have attended similar events before, the workshop offers fresh insights and actionable ideas.

The event will take place via Zoom, with a joining link sent by email one hour before the start. Registration is free and open to both members and non-members of Making Music, but places must be reserved in advance. Registration will close at 8:00am on the day of the event.

This is an excellent opportunity for music groups across Northern Ireland and the UK to explore strategies for building a more diverse and inclusive audience and participant base. Reserve your free place today by visiting the Making Music website.