About the Academy
A place for young people to make music, try new things and grow in confidence together.
Music is for everyone.
We want young people to have the space, support and equipment to explore music in their own way. Sessions are practical and collaborative: they can try an instrument or a vocal idea, write and record with others, and learn from musicians and people working in the industry.
There is no pressure to arrive with experience or a finished song. Taking part, listening to others and trying something unfamiliar matter as much as the final performance. No previous experience is needed for the current programme.
Beyond Music Academy is run by Beyond Music Community CIC. Our National Lottery funded programme has helped us deliver free workshops. The Academy’s wider purpose is to make music more accessible to young people in Newcastle’s West End and build opportunities beyond a single programme.
Our team
Our team brings experience in songwriting, performance, recording, music production and the wider music industry. We share a commitment to giving more young people the chance to make music, discover what they enjoy and develop their confidence.
David McGovern and Paul Fairbairn run the workshops alongside other tutors. David, Paul and Neil Ferry oversee Beyond Music Community CIC.
David McGovern
Director · Workshop delivery
David is a songwriter, producer and sound engineer who works with artists from recording through to release. Through Beyond Records, he worked on the physical release of East 17’s album 24/7 in partnership with So, Let’s Talk, and performed with the group at Leazes Park in Newcastle. His projects also include releases with local artists and New York rapper Sha_Nuki, and work with former Jellyfish member Tim Smith on the first vinyl edition of Umajets’ Demolotion.
David and Neil produce live music recordings and video sessions. In the Academy workshops, David draws on that experience to help young people create, record and share their own music.
Paul Fairbairn
Director · Workshop delivery
Paul is a songwriter, arranger and producer behind Toxic Melons. He brings his songwriting and production experience to the workshops, giving young people room to develop their own ideas.
Neil Ferry
Director
Neil plays piano and keyboards, including keys with Voodoo Mary’s. A professional photographer, he won the People’s Choice Award at the British Photography Awards for his portrait of The 1975’s Matty Healy, taken at Beyond Vinyl. He and David also produce live music recordings and video sessions. Neil helps David and Paul oversee the CIC.
Workshop tutors and contributors
Jack Johnson
A drummer with Hivemind, rapper and comedian, Jack has brought his range of performance experience into Academy workshops.
Nick Celino
Newcastle-born singer-songwriter Nick Celino is a vocalist blending classic soul influences with contemporary pop. Described by Jools Holland as a “Super Voice”, Nick has toured with Jools and performed and collaborated with Boy George and Culture Club.
Having worked with acclaimed producers whose credits include Lana Del Rey, Sam Smith, Alicia Keys and Tina Turner, Nick has performed nationally and internationally, gaining support and recognition across media and radio. He is now working on his debut album.
Other tutors also support the sessions.
Industry talks and advice
Young people at the Academy have heard from people with first-hand experience of making, performing and promoting music.
Roy Hay
Founding member of Culture Club, songwriter and composer.
Jeff Chegwin
Music promotion specialist with decades of experience in national TV and radio campaigns.
David Palmer
Drummer, producer and composer. A founding member of ABC, he has also played and recorded with Rod Stewart.
Marisa Lauro-Norris
Former Senior Vice President of International Marketing at Def Jam Recordings, with experience leading global artist campaigns.
Safeguarding
Our directors and workshop tutors have enhanced DBS checks. Children’s Barred List checks are carried out for roles that require them.
Join a workshop
Find out about the current free programme and how to ask about a place.
Explore workshops