Dartford Grassroots
Music Growth Project
People first. Music second.
Music has a way of bringing people together before they ever find the words. Through De Jager Guitar School, I have spent years creating opportunities for people to learn, play, perform and experience music together.
Project status: The Dartford Grassroots Music Growth Project is a proposed expansion of De Jager Guitar School’s existing community music activities. The additional activities described on this page are subject to funding, planning and the resources needed for delivery. It is not a separate charity, and no funding has yet been awarded.
The Dartford Grassroots Music Growth Project proposes to build on this work — creating more opportunities for people across Dartford and the surrounding community to participate in music, connect with others and develop their musical abilities.
The aim is not simply to produce better musicians. It is to create more opportunities for people to belong, grow in confidence, express themselves and experience what making music together can offer.
Funding would allow us to expand activities, improve accessibility, develop new opportunities for musicians and reach people who may otherwise find participation difficult.
Built through music. Grown through people.
De Jager Guitar School is an established music education and community-music practice. Our work brings together individual learning, group participation, community events, performances and practical music resources. The proposed growth project builds on activities and relationships that already exist.
The Biggest Jam
A community music event that brings people together to play, perform and take part. Rather than an audience watching from the sidelines, The Biggest Jam is about people making music side by side — whatever their level or experience.
Community Ukulele Sessions
Group ukulele activities where people learn and play together — with no auditions and no sitting on the sidelines. The focus is participation, musical development, growing confidence and the simple social experience of making music in a group. Out of these sessions come public performances at local community events, like the one pictured here.
Baby Concerts
Live-music experiences created for babies, young children and their families to enjoy together. This is an activity I have delivered previously. It is not currently operating as a regular funded programme — it is an established activity I want to restart and expand through the proposed project.
Performances & Community Events
Live music, community participation and public performances that bring people together around shared songs — from intimate gatherings to larger stage ensembles.
Music Education
Teaching guitar, ukulele and music to different ages in educational and community settings — meeting people where they are and helping them progress at their own pace, and giving younger musicians real performance experience.
Uke & Chill
Music tutorials, livestreams and accessible online learning resources — part of my existing experience helping people take part in music from wherever they are.
Watch on YouTubeRecordings & Creative Work
Original songs written and released as part of my ongoing creative work.
What we want to build next.
The Dartford Grassroots Music Growth Project aims to expand our existing work and make participation in music more accessible, sustainable and rewarding for the people involved. The following activities are proposed and depend on appropriate funding, planning, partnerships and delivery resources.
More Live Music & Community Events
Develop additional opportunities for local people to attend, participate in and perform at grassroots music events — including expanded community jams, live performances and other inclusive music gatherings.
Inclusive & Affordable Participation
Create more opportunities for people who may otherwise find the cost of lessons or organised music activities a barrier, developing accessible pathways into music learning and group participation for different experiences, abilities and circumstances.
Paid Opportunities for Musicians
Create additional paid opportunities for musicians to support performances, community activities, teaching and delivery. Where funding permits, work toward fair and reliable payment for musicians contributing their time and skills. These positions have not yet been created or contracted.
Restart & Expand Baby Concerts
Reintroduce Baby Concerts and develop more opportunities for babies, young children and families to experience live music together. This depends on securing the necessary venue, musician and delivery resources.
Original Recordings & Creative Projects
Develop opportunities for original recordings and collaborative music projects, supporting participants to experience the creative process and produce tangible musical outcomes.
Accessible Online Participation
Build on the existing Uke & Chill experience to expand online tutorials, resources and participation for people who cannot always attend in person. Digital participation should complement — not replace — the value of making music together in person.
Sustainable Community Delivery
Where justified by the project budget, funding may help provide appropriate equipment, instruments, venue access, technical resources and delivery support, making the programme practical, accessible and sustainable. Proposed resources are not presented as already acquired.
You do not have to be a musician to belong here.
- You do not need to read music.
- You do not need formal qualifications.
- You do not need years of experience.
- And you certainly do not need to arrive feeling confident.
Music can begin with a single note, a rhythm, a familiar song or the simple act of joining in. Our approach is to meet people where they are and create opportunities for them to participate, learn and grow at their own pace.
Whether someone is picking up an instrument for the first time, returning to music after many years or simply looking for a place to connect with others, the intention is to make music feel welcoming and achievable.
Different activities will be designed for different participants and needs, with appropriate support and safeguarding arrangements.
The goal is to build a community where people matter first and music provides the opportunity to bring them together.
Grown from genuine activity.
A selection of imagery from existing De Jager Guitar School activities. It shows the community music work this proposed project would build upon.
Let’s make more music together.
Interested in the Dartford Grassroots Music Growth Project? Whether you are a musician, community organisation, educational partner, potential participant or someone who would like to learn more, I would welcome a conversation.