The Living Tradition Traditional Arts Apprenticeship Scheme

“If I were to begin again, I would begin with the culture.” Jean Monet - founding father EEC

• Recognises the role of key ‘tradition bearers’ in the passing on of traditional skills.
• Bridges the gap between formal and informal education.
• Gives structured but flexible access to master musicians and craftspeople.
• Works on multi-generational levels.
• Is capable of being delivered by a range of organisations.
• Helps provide skills and experience for jobs in the creative industries

Young fiddler - Photo by Pete Heywood

What is the Traditional Arts Apprenticeship Scheme

The Traditional Arts Apprenticeship Scheme (TAAS) will extend the quality and effectiveness of the teaching of the traditional arts by giving people structured but flexible access to master musicians and craftspeople. It recognises that traditional skills are passed on over time and recognises the critical role of ‘tradition bearers’ in the passing on of traditional skills.

Although many of the principal benefits of the apprenticeship will accrue to young people, the management focus of the project and core financial resources will be channeled through the Masters in the ‘master and apprentice’ relationship.

The Traditional Arts Apprenticeship Scheme will help bridge various gaps; between formal and informal education; between cultural practice and commercial music. It recognises that not everybody has the same objective with their music making, but in common with normal human endeavour, most people want to learn and progress.

The TAAS has a modular approach which allows participants to select from a menu of courses to match their aspirations. As well as direct music related courses, options will include technical subjects including instrument construction and repair, music technology, event management and business and career management for the professional artist.

The TAAS will be additional and complementary to formal education. The practical skills acquired during the TAAS may prepare participant fully for a career in the Creative Industries, or provide additional experience to compliment a formal educational qualification.

The length of the Apprenticeship will depend on the student although typically it is expected to be typically of two or three year duration.

Who is it for?

The TAAS caters for teaching at all levels from ‘expert to beginner’ to ‘expert to expert’.

The Traditional Arts Apprenticeship works on multi-generational levels. There are no age barriers. No generation has a monopoly on skill, although we recognise that traditions are often passed from the older generation to the younger. We also recognise that traditions evolve, adapt and travel and we fully recognise and encourage ‘peer to peer’ learning.

Various aims and objectives in common with those of the TAAS are already being delivered by a variety of individuals and organisations. The success of the ‘passing on’ of traditions is evident in the health of traditional music making throughout the country. The TAAS is capable of being delivered by a range of organisations, adopting and adapting to their own circumstances and sharing knowledge and experience with peer groups.