Kate Nash launches UK music education programme

Musician Kate Nash today launched a nationwide interactive music educational tour with The Co-operative and the British Music Experience to inspire young people across the UK to engage with music.

The tour, in the form of a traditional 1968 Routemaster London bus, has been transformed to replicate the music museum which is at the O2 in London and will take to the road over the coming months, visiting schools up and down the country. Kate Nash joined local school children today at Trafalgar Square to officially launch the education roadshow on the second anniversary of the British Music Experience.

Inside the 'moving museum', young people will be able to interact with state of the art music technology, provided by Sennheiser and Gibson. They will also be able to record a track in a fully equipped studio which can be uploaded online to share with family and friends. As part of the tour, school children will also participate in a behind the scenes 'Master Class' led by the British Music Experience education team, offering insight into working in the music industry, demonstrating the different roles and skills needed to succeed.

The bus captures British music of the past 60 years, featuring original pieces of music memorabilia including a genuine cell used to make The Beatles animated film 'Yellow Submarine', Leona Lewis' Roberto Cavalli dress worn during a performance in 2008 for Nelson Mandela and Florence and the Machine's 22 carat gold-plated microphone used by Florence during her 2010 tour.

Speaking from the launch, Kate said, 't's such an honour to be involved in this project as inspiring young people to get into the music industry is something that is really close to my heart.

' think that in the UK we often dismiss the music industry as an unrealistic career path and discourage young people from getting involved, but we need to challenge these attitudes and nurture the talent that is evident in so many teenagers and young adults across the country.'

'The British Music Experience is the definitive home of the story of British popular music and how it influences our lives and culture. We're delighted that the museum is going on the road and helping to inspire people - especially young people - to explore music and all its benefits. We're looking forward to working with The Co-operative on this partnership and on many more initiatives to inspire and educate young people through music,' said Harvey Goldsmith, Chairman of The British Music Experience.

To follow the bus on tour, go to www.bmetour.com