The Write Stuff adds new qualification for young writers aged 18-25

Founded and organised by Jazzwise and festival producers Serious, the Write Stuff, gives new jazz and improv music writers a valuable free opportunity to work with professional journalists to improve their writing skills, develop an understanding of music criticism and the workings of the music press and the blogosphere, as well as getting to see a bunch of great concerts! As the course marks its 15th birthday it will concentrate its focus on bringing on a new generation of younger writers aged 18-25, who will attain an Arts Award qualification following a successful completion of the course.

This year, for the first time, The Write Stuff participants will be gaining a recognised qualification for their work on the programme. By developing their writing skills, attending events and meeting inspirational speakers, they will gain a Bronze Arts Award, Level 1 on the Regulated Qualifications Framework. They will work with an adviser who will support them in creating a portfolio of their own creative work, including reviews of the concerts they attend. The award is great experience for emerging journalists in leading their own written practice, and is a widely recognised qualification to help young writers on their next steps.

The workshops will include sessions on feature writing and live reviews by Jazzwise writer and BBC broadcaster Kevin Le Gendre; an insight into the history and development of the UK jazz and music press with Jazzwise editor in chief Jon Newey; and a workshop on writing and creating content for digital media with Jazzwise editor Mike Flynn with Radio 3's Late Junction presenter Fiona Talkington as the session's special guest interviewee. The course will also feature input from other writers and jazz industry figures.

Several Write Stuff participants have gone on to have pieces published in The Guardian, The Wire and Jazzwise as well as work within the wider jazz and broadcasting industry. This year's participants will have their work posted on both the Jazzwise and festival's websites, and one review considered to be of particular merit will be published in a subsequent issue of Jazzwise.

If you are interested in participating in the Write Stuff, please submit by email a 300-word review of a gig/concert that you have seen recently, together with a CV and full contact details to learning@serious.org.uk by 10 October 2017 with 'The Write Stuff 2017' in the subject line.

Applicants must be aged 18 to 25 and be available in London on the following dates: Friday 10 November (evening); Saturday 11 – Sunday 12 November and Saturday 18 – Sunday 19 November.