Billie Johnson is one of our newest recruits here at Yorkshire Youth and Music, and she is already making some brilliant work with and for the young people of Yorkshire. Billie is one of the emerging practitioners on our mentoring scheme, supporting early career facilitators through sessions and support from a range of music leaders across the region. Here is Billie herself, to tell you a little more about her life and career so far:

Growing up I was constantly surrounded by music as both my parents are singer/songwriters and musicians. I was encouraged and inspired to do all things music. I performed in musicals, sang, wrote songs and dabbled in a few instruments. Following in the footsteps of my Mum and Dad, I went to university in London and studied music technology and production. This course gave me the tools I needed to produce my own music. Since leaving university, I have continued to write and produce as well as gigging regularly at restaurants, bars and clubs.

Recently, I have enjoyed developing my facilitating skills through workshops and one to one sessions with young people. Anything is possible in these sessions; we can look at music production and how to compose a song. They might want to write their own lyrics which I’m there to help with. Experimenting and creating different sounds is another practise that is used to help create a free space and relaxed environment. The overall aim is to build their conference, improve self-esteem and help better their musicianship skills in a safe place.

Yorkshire Youth and Music have massively helped me grow my skill sets and given me the opportunity  to work in a variety of places

Yorkshire Youth and Music have massively helped me grow my skill sets and given me the opportunity  to work in a variety of places. This includes: Becton Centre for Children and Young People on YYM's Music and Mental Health project, Young Batley Centre and Chapel House School.