Get Gigging

Get Gigging aims to reach young, aspiring musicians from some of Newport’s most deprived areas and equip them with the practical knowledge, confidence and inspiration to do exactly that; get gigging.

Early career musicians ages between 14 and 21 will have the opportunity to perform as part of a tri-annual showcase event at the 500-capacity music venue Corn Exchange Newport, where they can utilise professional, high-quality equipment and the skills of an experienced sound engineer. However, this can be a daunting prospect for those who have never stepped foot on a professional stage, who lack the privilege of having mentors and experienced performers in their circle, who lack the funds to attend music lessons or whose schools don’t offer music GCSEs or A Levels. Therefore, the performers will also be offered the opportunity to attend three workshops in the run up to the big day. These workshops will walk participants through the more practical elements of gigging; the things that may seem obvious to those who have been doing it for a long time but can be mysterious and nerve-wracking to those new to the industry…

Preparing for the gig (instrument repair and care, where you can rehearse locally)
You’ve arrived at the venue; now what? (how to soundcheck, how to tune your instrument)
Performance 101 (building a stage persona, what to do if something goes wrong, what you can say between songs)

These workshops will be ran by Newportonian bands who are well known on the gig circuit and can not only offer their knowledge and experience but also success stories, role models and networking opportunities to those just starting out. Ultimately, Get Gigging aims to level the playing field when it comes to who feels confident stepping onto our venue’s stages.