“I just want to inspire people to know you can always turn something negative into something positive.”
When Chelsea first came to The Music Works from Altus School through our Alternative Provision School programme (APS), she wasn’t sure what to expect.
She’d never really spoken openly about her past before. Talking about difficult experiences didn’t feel easy, and she often felt like nobody would really listen or understand. Like many young people, finding the confidence to open up felt overwhelming.
But over the next 10 weeks, something started to change.
Through APS sessions, Chelsea was introduced to songwriting, recording and music production in a safe, supportive environment where there was no pressure to share more than she wanted to. Music became a way to express things she’d struggled to say out loud.
Chelsea began writing rap lyrics inspired by her childhood and personal experiences — turning painful memories into something creative and positive. What started as ideas in sessions slowly grew into her own original songs.
She describes the process as different from any other kind of support she’d experienced before.
“You’re talking about your feelings and everything like that, but you’re not sat there with someone pen to paper writing about it. You’re sat there putting it in music.”
That freedom and being able to share at her own pace, without judgement, helped Chelsea build trust and confidence. She says one of the biggest differences was simply feeling listened to: “If I don’t want to talk about anything I don’t want to, they don’t make me.”
Outside the studio, the impact started showing up in other ways too. Chelsea began sharing her music proudly at school, asking classmates to sit down and listen to the tracks she’d recorded. Staff noticed growing confidence, stronger relationships, and a willingness to try new things.
For Kelsey from Altus School, the change was clear to see:
“The Music Works have been absolutely fantastic. It gives young people a chance to express themselves, really allowing them to blossom and build confidence in things they’ve never tried before.”
The experience also helped Chelsea build new relationships, not just with staff, but with other young people around her. In a space designed around creativity, encouragement and trust, she found a sense of belonging.
Now, Chelsea wants other young people to know that trying something new can make a real difference.
“If you haven’t been to The Music Works before, I’d say give it a go because you don’t know if you’re going to like it or not, and you’ll never find out until you try something new.”
Looking back, Chelsea says the experience has helped her confidence “a lot better” and given her a positive outlet for experiences she’d carried for a long time.
Chelsea’s journey shows how creative spaces can help young people turn difficult experiences into something positive. Through music, she has found a way to express herself, build confidence, and feel a stronger sense of belonging. Her story is a reminder of what can happen when young people are given the space and support to grow.
We can offer a range of programmes from engagement activities to level 2 awards in creative studies from KS2- KS4 for those accessing alternative provision.
We’re a friendly team and always happy to answer any questions you have.
Get in touch
