At YMCA, we believe that every child and young person should be given an equal opportunity to develop their interests and fulfil their potential. We’re proud to offer a wide range of active and creative sessions that help young people have fun, develop new skills, and build lasting friendships.
Six months ago,12-year-old Zoe Widdowson stepped into our Youth DJ sessions with a love for music but plenty of nerves. Fast forward to today, and she’s growing in confidence and skills behind the decks! Hear a bit more aboutZoe’s progress and how she’s building her skills every session.
When asked what inspired her to join our DJ sessions, Zoe shared,”I first heard about it on a Monday during the strength and conditioning class. I was nervous to try it, but I gave it a shot—and I loved it!”
YMCA DJ sessions take place every Thursday from 5:45 to 6:45 PM, giving young people the chance to develop new skills with guidance from an experienced Youth Leader.
Zoe has expressed her passion for music having previously played the piano and guitar which has helped her to quickly develop a strong sense of rhythm and melody, which she’s now applying to her DJing.
Heading into her first session, YMCA Youth Leader Lewis recalled, “Zoe was eager but a little nervous at first. But she picked it up so quickly—it just seemed to click.”
Through YMCA Youth Membership, 11-17-year-olds have the opportunity to connect with Youth Leaders and explore a wide range of activities, from sports to the arts, in a supportive and inspiring environment.
When asked about the teaching style of the sessions, Zoe said, “The support has been great, and the group size makes it easy to get one-on-one guidance. Lewis has really helped with my development”.
A highlight of her experience so far has been “learning the different types of effects”, which has allowed her to experiment with new sounds and elevate her mixes.
Each week, members of the sessions are able to discover new ways to mix and blend a variety of songs of their choice, experimenting with different genres and techniques to create their own unique sound. This hands-on approach not only helps them develop technical DJ skills but also encourages creativity and self-expression.
When asked if this experience has shaped her future interest in DJing or music, Zoe shared, “DJing is so interesting, and I’d definitely love to do it more often in the future.”
Thinking about encouraging your child to learn a new skill? Explore the variety of activities available through our Youth Membership Program!