"Music is not about the most accomplished. Music is not about the best players. Music is not about 'making it' in the industry. It is more about learning, developing skills and enjoying what we do. In the complex world of music, with the huge range of instruments and vocal styles and the difficulty in developing ones skills to reach the level of 'Rock God', the smallest achievement must be recognised. Stringing three chords together to make a tune, writing a song about what you have done that day or banging out a basic rhythm on the drums are all accomplishments that must be recognised. You don't have to be 'Great' to be GREAT!"

Thelongwayround Youth Music Project is a non-profit making project based in Cornwall, in the process of setting up as a community interest company, which aims to deliver music tuition and access to musical equipment for Young people between the ages of 11 and 19. We also want to see suitable platforms for young people to showcase their work, skills and achievements, however big or small, this website being one such platform. We would like to see more venues embracing Young Peoples skills. We are very aware that inclusion is important, and actively seek to include Young People with Special Educational Needs and Young People of all abilities within this project.This inclusion is not intended, like so many others, to be in their own special group, but rather integrated as equal members in all and any of the groups or projects we run. Specialist workers and qualified Youth Workers will be involved in all stages of this project along with professional musicians.

Through experience within Youth Work settings, we have found music to be an invaluable communication tool for young people to have their voices heard, and a great tool to break down barriers to learning, self esteem issues and issues around individuals confidence. This project is not only designed to develop young peoples musical skills, but to develop social skills and self awareness, enabling young people through informed choices to function to the best of their ability within society.

We are currently trying to raise funds to get this project started. We are initially looking to raise £15,000. This amount would cover project delivery and tuition in a number of setting throughout Cornwall, administration and a dedicated fundraiser for 12 months with the intention of raising funds to secure 3 years running costs and project funding. After this time, the directors of the Community Interest Company will take over the fundraising aspects to ensure the longevity of the project. Every pound counts, donations to get this project off to a flying start, however small, can be made via Paypal using the email address: donations@thelongwayround.co.uk . If you feel you can not donate anything, don't worry, your joining this group and support in general is extremely valuable to us and we thank you greatly.

This project is to be undertaken in three phases:-

1) To provide funded music tutors and equipment in a variety of settings throughout Cornwall, giving all young people who wish to participate access to the professionals and equipment they need, and to give young people a platform, through both the internet and within public venues, to showcase skills they have developed, effecting both their confidence and self esteem.

2) To provide a mobile recording studio plus stage, sound and lighting equipment to those who need it and require access. Cornwalls Young people are limited to access by the areas rurality. Having mobile equipment will benefit the Young People of the County greatly.

3) To roll this model out Nationally

Your support for this project is invaluable, both financially and vocally. The first £15,000 raised will enable stage one of this project to take place, plus enable a worker to search out funding for the other stages on a full-time basis.