Ibiza DJ launches free music courses in Sheffield

Jamie Ferguson runs training sessions at Arundel Lane Studios in Sheffield

A music producer has started offering free DJ and mixing courses to unemployed people to help improve their job prospects.

Jamie Ferguson runs sessions on music production at Arundel Lane Studios in Sheffield city centre.

The 10-week courses are funded by Sheffield City Council and open to residents over the age of 16 and unemployed.

Mr Ferguson made his name as a DJ at the city's legendary bassline club Niche in the early 2000s, and in 2019 he had residencies at two venues in Ibiza.

Charlotte Green is hoping she'll find work as a DJ

He said: "We’re working with the youth justice team, local authorities and local schools, and it's working really well."

Charlotte Green, who used to work in sales, is one of the students.

She said: "I’ve never done anything like this before, I didn’t know what to expect really.

"It would be good to get some work lined up from it."

Mr Ferguson, who has played in nightclubs around the world over the last 25 years, runs weekly group sessions.

One participant, Lee Casey, is now taking one-on-one lessons after finishing the original course.

He said: "It’s opened my eyes a bit in what I can achieve out of life. I never thought DJing is something I could do but I think I am doing pretty well with it and I’m going to keep doing it until I get somewhere with it."

Mr Ferguson wants to continue teaching over the next few years and is hoping some of his clients will be able to get their break in the music industry.

He said: "Hearing that they didn’t get out of the house very often and now they do, it gives me a big lift because they’re buying into what’s on offer and it’s working for them."

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