The UVG

The Urban Vocal Group (UVG) is a multi-award-winning music organisation that uses singing as a gateway to further participation in music, develop transferable skills and foster positive mental health and wellbeing in young people aged 10 - 25. Since forming in 2008 we have provided over 19,000 free music-making opportunities including group vocals, performances, recording, mentoring, and songwriting. We also provide training in the commercial aspects of the music industry. In April 2021 the charity merged with The Guildhall Trust and began a new chapter in its history.

The UVG works in some of the most deprived areas in the South East where there are higher than average levels of unemployment and child poverty and lower than average levels of education, skills, and training. For many of the young people living in these areas, their situation is further compounded by anxiety, adverse mental health conditions, bullying, or negative peer pressure.

As well as developing excellent music-making skills we also provide a platform where young people have the opportunity to gain valuable life skills. There are few youth music projects in the country where you will find such a diverse group of young people working together to achieve something which is truly greater than the sum of its parts. It is this integration and culture of acceptance that makes what we do unique. The UVG stands as a benchmark model for participation in youth arts, providing a safe, friendly, nonjudgmental environment that builds bridges, enhances life chances, reduces exclusion, and brings people together.

Find a group near you

Weekly Sessions

Our tutors deliver a repertoire of multi-part arrangements of contemporary tunes and classic pop songs. Singers are encouraged to find their own voice within the group resulting in a unique, modern sound, unlike most traditional choirs.

Master Classes

The UVG offer multiple workshop opportunities and master classes covering a broad variety of arts and music industry subjects. Workshops include song writing, live sound essentials, vocal health and tutor master classes. We also invite feedback from all UVG members and create more learning opportunities based on what they would like to know more about. All our workshops are led by industry professionals as well as UVG staff and tutors.

Songwriting

Those who wish to develop their skills in songwriting have the opportunity to access professional tuition, giving them the tools and techniques to express themselves through song writing ; helping with literacy, confidence building and providing a platform for musical and personal progression.

Training

The UVG provide training in all aspects of music performance including vocal technique, song writing, performance skills and instrument tuition. We also deliver professional development training to volunteers and new music leaders including lesson planning, workshop skills, behaviour management, First Aid and Self- employment. We are passionate about developing vocational skills across a range of subjects in our young people with the aim of creating the music professionals of tomorrow today.

Artist Development

Our Artist development activities support those young musicians who are keen to develop their talent and embark on careers in the music industry. By delivering songwriting masterclasses, seminars with industry professionals, recording sessions and collaborations with established artists we have supported 30 young musicians to write, record, release and promote their own music.

Recording

The UVG regularly provides opportunities for its young singers to record new arrangements and original compositions. The aim is to give them the experience of working with industry professionals and to equip them with the knowledge and skills required to work in a studio. We regularly invite our young singers to record in local studios both as part of the group and as individuals. We also offer advice and training on basic home recording software giving our young singers the skills to record their own ideas which can later be developed from demo to disc’!

Performance

We are passionate about providing hi profile performance opportunities for all of our singers and over the years have been privileged to appear at some of the largest events and venues in the South Coast including Victorious Festival, The Wedgewood Rooms and The House of Commons. We also signpost our young people to solo performance opportunities in the local area such as open mics nights and local festivals with many now performing regularly.