We welcome Dr Yasin El Ashrafi, founder of Leicester-based HQ Creative Arts Network (CAN). It isn't easy to encapsulate the brilliant work that he has done for the Leicester music community. For over 15 years, El Ashrafi has served budding creatives interested in making music. His recording studio HQ Recordings is the beating heart of creativity, providing affordable space for people to write and record. Through his Community Interest Company, he delivers training centred on the developments in music technology. He manages over eight artists and proudly mentors young people interested in pursuing music careers. He organised the first iteration of Leicester Music Conference this year, providing networking opportunities, panels, workshops and live performances.
He has received many awards for his work, including the British Empire Medal, UK Social Entrepreneur of the Year 2020, Prince's Trust Mentor of the Year, and O2 Everyday Hero.
El Ashrafi's quest is to ensure that diverse young talents are supported through collaboration, especially those from underprivileged backgrounds who may be unable to access that support. As someone who works in the music industry and music education, he is well-placed to provide insight into what it takes to achieve these goals. We are proud to have him contribute to our blog series.
He says...
Having worked in music education and the music industry in Leicester for the past 15 years, I've always recognised a significant disconnect between the two. This gap creates considerable accessibility issues, particularly in contemporary and popular music. As a result, many talented individuals from diverse backgrounds are often overlooked or unable to enter the industry.
One of the pressing concerns we face is the shortage of working-class individuals and diverse voices within the music business. The outdated education system and the decline of extracurricular activities and youth clubs exacerbate this problem. Many young people from underprivileged backgrounds lack the opportunities and resources necessary to pursue careers in music.
Most young individuals are eager to learn about modern popular music genres. Yet, they often require real-life examples and relatable role models—individuals who have successfully navigated their professional music careers. These role models are crucial for inspiring the next generation of musicians and industry professionals.
The music and creative industries are characterised by a high percentage of freelancers and small business owners. This reality means that there are fewer advertised job openings, making it increasingly challenging for graduates to secure employment. The traditional pathway of obtaining a degree followed by an internship or job is now a reality for only a small fraction of graduates. Many find themselves entering a highly competitive industry with limited job prospects.
Work experience, placements, and internships are also hard to come by. Most smaller businesses lack the capacity to train young people effectively, and there is often insufficient support or incentive to facilitate these critical experiences. This situation creates a cycle where young people miss out on valuable opportunities to gain practical skills and industry insights.
Practical application and experience are what young people truly need. While theoretical knowledge is undoubtedly important, without enough hands-on work and real-life projects, many students are unprepared to enter the workforce after leaving education. The skills required in the industry are often not taught in traditional educational settings.
There remains a significant misunderstanding about how the industry operates, both among young people and their parents. Much work is still needed to demystify the field, as many roles go unrecognised. Parents often dismiss creative careers, considering them as "improper jobs." This mindset can discourage young people from pursuing their passions and exploring careers in music.
However, I sense a shift in mindset. Educational institutions are beginning to realise the need to adapt to the rapidly changing landscape of portfolio careers, freelance work, and entrepreneurship in the music sector. There is growing recognition that the traditional educational model may not adequately prepare students for the realities of the modern music business.
We must foster better partnerships among educational institutions, industry stakeholders, and grassroots organisations. These organisations are often the driving force behind creating opportunities and providing training for local musicians and artists. By working together, we can create a more supportive environment for aspiring musicians.
The entire system requires a substantial overhaul to remain relevant and effectively equip young people for the realities of the modern music landscape. We need real entrepreneurs, business owners, and industry professionals to teach current trends and practical skills. By leveraging available technology, we can empower every young person interested in music to create the music they want to make and listen to.
While there is much work to be done and many changes required, I am optimistic that together we can establish a comprehensive music strategy for our cities. By leveraging partnerships, we can revolutionise education and create pathways toward a more inclusive and diverse industry, ensuring that everyone has the opportunity to pursue their musical dreams.
More about Dr Yasin El Ashrafi - https://hqcan.org/yasin-elashrafi
More about HQ CAN - https://hqcan.org
More about Leicester Music Conference - https://www.leicestermusicconference.co.uk/
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