Origin
The story of how Musically Unorthodox came to life.
Born from a need. Built on purpose. Driven by young people. Backed by industry. Designed to create change.
WHERE IT STARTED
From an idea to an ecosystem.
Musically Unorthodox was established by In Music In Media, a social enterprise that uses music and creativity as a vehicle to engage marginalised young people and support their personal, social and professional development.
MU was created to take that approach further, focusing specifically on Urban music, music of Black origin and the production skills and techniques that shape today’s culture but remain underrepresented and misunderstood in mainstream society and education.
OUR FOUR STAGE ECOSYSTEM
Our Four Stage Journey
Youth Access
1
We search, engage and connect with young people From the communities we serve, creating clear pathways in.
2
Transformation
Provides the environment, training, mentoring and experiences that allow young people to develop personally, creatively and professionally.
3
Industry Access
Opens doors through mentorship and real-world industry partnerships, experiences that develop networks and opportunities
4
Social Return
Completes the cycle, creating opportunities for those who progress through the ecosystem to share their experiences, mentor others, become tutors to the next generation.
BUILDING MOMENTUM
Transforming potential into opportunity.
With Youth Access systems and partners established and transformation programmes delivering real impact through the MUCM Training Academy, the next step was creating pathways into the industry.
Knowing it would take a collective effort, in 2025 In Music In Media launched the Musically Unorthodox Conference (now the MU Summit) bringing together young people, educators, local authorities and industry leaders.
A PLATFORM FOR CHANGE
The MU Summit.
Conversations into action.
The MU Summit is an annual event that creates dialogue between all stakeholders and turns those conversations into action plans.
The first event raised awareness, built powerful connections and helped secure three years of funding from Youth Music to develop the Summit and expand the wider MU ecosystem.
It also shaped the creation of the MU Residency, connecting industry to the development journey from day one.
A PLATFORM FOR CHANGE
The MU Residency.
next step...
A 16-week industry connected talent development programme, launching September 2026.
RESIDENCY COHORTS
SEP - DEC 2026
First Cohort
A 16-week programme launch.
JAN - JUN 2027
Cohort 02
6 month programme continues.
JUL - DEC 2027
Cohort 03
6 month programme continues.
2028
Continued Growth
Cohorts continue throughout 2028,
Funded by
Delivered by
