This monologue explores how Music Learning Collective (MLC) actively supports the Armed Forces community through its commitment to the Armed Forces Covenant. Amber-Lea explains what the Covenant means in practice, outlining how MLC aims to create inclusive, supportive pathways into creative education for those connected to the Armed Forces.

This is an honest and appreciative episode that conveys Scotty's love for the forces.

Hosted by Amber-Lea Scott

In this episode, our resident explorer Amber-Lea Scott introduces listeners across the different places where the Music Learning Collective (MLC) operates — from local community hubs to international creative centres. Scotty will guide you through the exciting world of MLC’s locations and explains how each one plays a part in supporting young people on their journey towards the Duke of Edinburgh’s Gold Award.

🪐 Where Does MLC Operate?

Scotty takes you on a whistle-stop tour of MLC’s growing network of centres. Each location has its own personality, community, and creative heartbeat, all united by the same mission: helping people learn, create and thrive through music.

Discover the full list of centres here:

👉 https://www.musiclearningcollective.com/locations/

🏅 How Does This Link to the Duke of Edinburgh’s Gold Award?

MLC is proud to be a DofE Licensed Organisation, meaning young people can work towards their Bronze, Silver, or Gold Awards entirely through creative pathways.

As Scotty explains, MLC’s locations provide a perfect backdrop for the Gold Award’s key sections:

• Skills – Learn an instrument, develop production techniques, improve voice control, or master DJ skills.
• Volunteering – Support events, help younger learners, contribute to community arts work.
• Physical – Movement-based performance opportunities and activities linked to music and the arts.
• Expedition – Teamwork, planning, and group challenges through ensemble work and collaborative creative projects.
• Residential (Gold) – Shared creative retreats, musical intensives, or cross-centre projects that bring young people together from across the MLC network.

Find out more about MLC’s DofE offer here:

👉 https://www.musiclearningcollective.com/news/press-release-mlc-to-offer-the-duke-of-edinburghs-award/

Whether you're already part of the MLC family or just curious about where creativity meets opportunity, this episode shows how music and personal development go hand-in-hand.

With 122 performers across three packed concerts, Scotty wasn’t able to grab everyone for a chat (no transporter beam could have saved her!), but she did manage to speak with a fantastic mix of performers, families, front-of-house staff, teachers, and backstage heroes.

Across the episode, you’ll hear:

• Bursts of pre-show excitement
• Honest reflections from students stepping onto the stage
• Insight from staff working tirelessly behind the scenes
• Proud and emotional messages from families
• Post-performance buzz and laughter
• A real sense of what it feels like to be part of something big, joyful and genuinely community-led

This episode captures the energy, commitment and enthusiasm that make MLC Live so special. Whether you performed, volunteered, or cheered from the audience, there’s something here that celebrates you and the incredible creative community that surrounds the MLC.

To find out more about the Next Generation Showcase, including rehearsal information and event details, visit: https://www.musiclearningcollective.com/events/mlc-live-the-next-generation-showcase-details-rehearsal-info

Hosted by Amber-Lea Scott

Welcome to the official trailer for Beam Me Up Scotty, the brand-new podcast from the Music Learning Collective — produced entirely by the youngest members of the MLC team.

In this short introduction, you’ll meet our host Amber-Lea Scott, whose energy, curiosity, and straight-talking honesty set the tone for the whole series. Amber-Lea gives listeners a taste of what’s to come: real conversations, student-centred stories, creative insights, and plenty of laughs along the way.

Whether it’s chatting about life at MLC, exploring big ideas through a young person’s perspective, or shining a light on the experiences that shape today’s learners, this podcast is all about giving students a voice — loud, clear, and authentically theirs.

Hit follow, join the community, and get ready to beam up with Amber-Lea and the team.

New episodes coming soon.

Listen now and discover how you can get involved.

More details here: https://www.musiclearningcollective.com/news/press-release-mlc-to-offer-the-duke-of-edinburghs-award/