Our Programmes
Five ways to take part, from a free 12-week course to one-off sessions. No experience needed — just bring yourself.
Wellbeing and Connection Through Music
Our flagship 12-week programme combines DJ workshops, music production, field recording, sound healing, and wellbeing learning — culminating in a live community performance.
Running now · until 14 December 2026
Our current 12-week course is under way
- Mondays, 18:30–20:30 — 2 hours a week for 12 weeks, from 28 September 2026
- Bryer Road Community Centre, Prescot L35 5DW
- Step-free and wheelchair accessible, free parking on the road, and a quiet room if you need a break
- Free to take part — no experience or equipment needed
- Everyone welcome, including people with SEND
To hear about the next course, ask a question, or refer someone, email John Paul at johnpaul@playnorthwestcic.com — tell us your name and we’ll add you to the list for the next intake.
Places on the next course are limited and offered in the order enquiries come in.
Supported by The National Lottery Community Fund. Made possible with money raised by National Lottery players.
Our equipment partner
We work alongside Studiocare and hire all our music equipment from them — DJ decks, mixers, field recorders and production gear. It means every session runs on professional kit, so participants learn on the equipment used in real studios and venues.
What You’ll Experience
DJ Skills
Learn to mix, blend, and perform using professional DJ equipment. From your first beatmatch to your own live set.
Music Production
Create original beats and tracks using DAW software. Turn your ideas into real music you can share.
Field Recording
(capturing sounds in your local community) — Explore your community with professional recording gear. Capture real sounds and weave them into a collective track.
Sound Healing
Experience the therapeutic power of singing bowls, tuning forks, and guided sound meditation.
Wellbeing Learning
Build understanding of mental health and wellbeing through the NHS 5 Steps to Mental Wellbeing framework.
Live Performance
Perform your own DJ set at a public community showcase event. Celebrate what you’ve achieved.
Week by Week
Here’s what a typical 12-week programme looks like.
Welcome & Introductions
Ice-breakers, group agreements, introduction to the programme. First taste of DJ equipment and sound exploration.
What is Wellbeing?
Exploring the NHS 5 Steps to Mental Wellbeing framework through music. Introduction to Connect — group rhythm activities.
DJ Skills — The Basics
Hands-on DJ workshop: beatmatching, mixing, using headphones. Building confidence through new skills (Keep Learning).
Field Recording Walk (capturing sounds in your local community)
Exploring the local community with recording equipment. Capturing sounds that represent our environment (Take Notice).
Music Production Intro
Introduction to DAW software. Creating first beats using the sounds collected during field recording (Keep Learning).
Sound Healing Session
Experiencing singing bowls, tuning forks, and guided meditation. Understanding vibration, resonance, and relaxation (Take Notice).
DJ Skills — Building Sets
Developing DJ skills further. Learning to read a room, build energy, and tell a story through music selection.
Collaborative Music Creation
Working together to build the collective track using field recordings and original production (Connect + Give).
Wellbeing & Reflection
Reflecting on the journey so far. Wellbeing check-ins, peer mentoring, and discussing progress (Be Active).
Performance Preparation
Preparing individual DJ sets and rehearsing the collective track for the final showcase.
Dress Rehearsal
Full run-through of the final show. Building confidence, supporting each other, fine-tuning performances.
Final Showcase
Public community event! Participants perform individual DJ sets and premiere the collective track. Celebration of achievement (Give).
Print it, share it, or pass it to someone who’d benefit.
DJ Sessions
1-2-1 and group
Learn the foundations of DJing in a practical, hands-on environment. This course covers beat matching, mixing techniques, track selection, and performance skills using industry-standard software and equipment. Whether you are a complete beginner or looking to refine your skills, you’ll gain the confidence to perform and develop your own sound.
Music Production Sessions (Logic Pro)
1-2-1 and group
Following a unique approach to music creation in Logic Pro, these sessions guide you step by step through building a track using field recordings and original sound sources.
More than just learning how to make music, you will explore how sound creates emotion — understanding why certain elements move us, and how to intentionally shape feeling within your tracks.
Sound Healing Sessions
1-2-1 and group
These sessions use carefully selected frequencies, tones, and sound textures to support relaxation, balance, and emotional release.
Through a guided experience, you will explore how sound interacts with the body and mind — helping to calm the nervous system, restore balance, and create space for healing.
More than just listening, this is an opportunity to understand how music and frequency can influence how you feel, and how sound can be used as a tool for wellbeing.
Field Recording
1-2-1 and group
Community sound-capture walks. Gather the sounds of your neighbourhood and shape them into collaborative tracks.