Scottish youngsters asked to Dare to Dream

Talented song writers and performers from schools across Scotland are being challenged to write, produce and perform their own song in aid of Children in Need 2016.

The Dare to Dream competition, launched by Education Scotland in association with the Artist Development Academy (ADA), gives secondary school pupils the opportunity to write their own original song, while primary schools pupils will be able to enter a competition for the best song performance.

Those entering will receive free specialist song writing and performance tutorials as well as career advice through Q&A sessions from music industry professionals James McKay and Martin Walker from ADA.

Ten songs will be short listed to appear on the Dare to Dream blog where they will be open to a public vote, with the winner announced on January 18, 2016. The winner will then work with ADA to discuss production and develop two or three different versions of their winning song.

Primary school pupils will also be able to get in on the action to enter a competition to find the best performers.

The winning song writers and performers will collaborate to record and release a single and music video to raise money for Children in Need 2016. The winners will take part in live national performances as well as perform at next year’s Scottish Learning Festival in September.

Ron Cowie, Senior Education Officer at Education Scotland said: “The ‘Dare to Dream’ competition is an unique chance for young people in Scotland to showcase their creative talent. This competition provides fantastic opportunities for budding song writers to develop their song writing skills. Through the Glow TV programmes, they will be inspired by song writing experts from the music industry.

“By taking part in ‘Dare to Dream’, young people will be able to use their imagination and creativity to compose their own song for Children in Need. At the same time, they will find out about the wealth of opportunity in the music business. This is a great way to harness young people’s enthusiasm and love of music to support Children in Need.”